
Tina Isabel Leung
Express Emotions
“Express Emotions” is a historical gay romance short story of over 10,500 words, set in the early 20th century. It narrates the fates of two men who meet on a luxurious train from Istanbul to Paris. Even though their spark is immediate, both must face obstacles before getting together.
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Year 1905. Donatien has spent the last two years working as a journalist in Istanbul. Heartbroken after the love of his life turned out to be a con artist, Donatien swears that he'll never fall for anyone again... and tries to distract himself with the luxuries of his journey back to Paris. And there's plenty to enjoy - the Grand Voyage Express is definitely a glamorous train, one filled with wealthy passengers from all corners of the world...
When Donatien spots a handsome and rather outspoken man, Eduardo, he feels attracted to him right away; but the two start off on the wrong foot, and it'll take time to fix things... And as if it wasn't enough, Donatien bumps into his first love, as well.
To redeem himself and help Donatien avoid an awkward situation with his ex, Eduardo suggests pretending they're traveling together. This, however, isn't a selfless offer; in return, he wants a fling in Paris. Sensing that he has nothing to lose, Donatien agrees, but then he rethinks the matter.
Despite the attraction, he's not ready to trust Eduardo. He needs time to heal, but he also knows that if he doesn't act decisively, he may lose the chance for a great new beginning...
“Express Emotions” is a short story in which the past haunts, the present keeps surprising, and the future is uncertain. It's a reflection on letting go and embracing the new, and it also emphasizes the importance of being honest about vital facts when in a romantic relationship with somebody. By reading about the main character's struggles, readers learn that the truth is the foundation of trust and that trust is the cornerstone of love.
Table of Contents:
- Express Emotions (Full Story)



