Gemotions

The morning light streamed into Leo's dorm room, painting the walls gold. He practically bounced out of bed, humming a tuneless song. Today was the day he'd finally ask Chloe out, and the thought made his stomach do a happy flip. He sprinted to the communal bathroom, splashing cold water on his face with an enthusiastic grin. When he got back to the room, he saw the telltale signs of his journal on his roommate, Marcus's, desk. It was open. He felt a chill creep up his spine.

Leo took a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden tremor in his hands. He'd been looking forward to a perfect day. Now, a wave of nausea threatened to spoil everything. Marcus looked up, a guilty flicker in his eyes.

"Hey, man," Marcus mumbled, shoving the journal closed. "Just… uh… borrowing a pen."

Leo crossed his arms, the golden light suddenly feeling less warm. “A pen that needed to be read?”