Gemotions

"Coffee?" Ben offered, trying to sound casual. Across the table, Alex nodded. They'd both interviewed for the project lead position at the advertising agency. The air between them, usually filled with easy banter, felt thick with unspoken tension.

He found he couldn't meet Alex's gaze. Every time he tried, he felt this peculiar tightening in his chest. He took a long sip of his coffee, even though it was burning hot. He felt this restless energy, making him shift in his seat.

The silence stretched, punctuated only by the clinking of their mugs. The thought of possibly working under Alex… or the other way around… sent a fresh wave of that strange sensation, that prickling, down his spine. He picked at a loose thread on his jeans.