Étienne and Daniel redefined the idea of "always being together" in everyone's mind.

When Étienne didn't have the words in english to express himself Daniel would speak for him, without any hesitation about what the other boy meant. One look and he'd know what the younger one thought. And when Daniel didn't know how to approach others he'd find support in Étienne being by his side. They eventually managed to make friends with others, but never truly letting them in as no one could even come close to the bond they had.

Some girls started to gossip about them being in a relationship and they didn’t deny any of it. Somehow that only encouraged the rumors and wherever they went they’d hear whispering. They let people speak because it didn’t matter; they let people speak because it mattered. What others made them to be didn’t really concern them, but somehow it made it seem like they were dating as they wished they could without fears. Wouldn’t changing anything ruin what they had? Their perfect equilibrium between friendship and care, between music and sun rays. Their small infinity between the moment they lived now and Étienne’s departure in a few weeks.

In the end, they didn’t really needed anyone else. They mostly enjoyed the time they spent alone together in their dorm room. They didn’t mind the rumors; they even both willingly encouraged them by not disapproving.

***

Every Friday everyone around them would go out. Even the usually quiet people that hung around the book club to read would get out of their room. The campus seemed to breathe a new air as soon as Friday nights would come.

There was the campus’ bar or even the pizza restaurant for those who were not that into drinking or simply didn’t have a place to go but still wished to forget about school for a night. Some would hang around the old bowling and arcade spot, the most serious amongst the students went to study with friends.

Most of the time there would also be some parties at some students’ place and everyone, including Daniel and Étienne, was invited. But they both knew the value of their time together and it was worth way more than a stupid party. Every day was worth more than the last as it brought them closer to Étienne leaving. Every day they’d try to forget that they couldn’t be together over the summer.

So every Friday they’d surround themselves with music. Étienne would sit on Daniel’s lap where he not so surprisingly looked like he was even smaller compared to Daniel and he’d learn how to play the guitar. He’d focus on Daniel’s breath, letting every chord he’d play resonate through his fingers. Every week he’d become better and better, soon able to play simple tunes.

Sometimes Daniel would hum along and the sound would vibrate on Étienne’s neck. He’d then suddenly forget how to play, his fingers moving without his mind noticing.

After a few hours, far after the sun went to rest, Étienne would finally rest his head on Daniel’s chest, listening to him play at the rhythm of his heartbeats.