“Don’t expect anything fabulous, ok?” I smile and shake my head. “Ok, but my knowledge on the violin is non-existent, so whatever you play will be great, I’m sure”.

Laurence beams at me, and picks up his bow. “Thanks babe. Here goes nothing, I guess.” I wasn’t joking when I said I thought it would be great, but I can genuinely say it was better than I was expecting.

Damn, I managed to get a kind, hot and talented boyfriend. I hide my grin behind my hand, trying not to distract him.

The melody of the piece is gentle and smooth, the quicker sections flowing rapidly without hurrying. I neither like nor dislike classical music, but watching and listening to Laurence play Dvořák provides me with a newfound appreciation of the genre.

Laurence ends the piece and bows dramatically, a nervous smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Did you like it?” He asks, placing his violin into the case and closing his music book.

“Hell yeah I did! You’re really good, I may be about as musical as a baguette, but I can tell that much!” Laurence laughs, placing his arm around me. “Why thank you.” He raises an eyebrow.

“Why a baguette though?” I shrug, scooting closer to him. “Not sure. However, I realise that’s an insult to the musicality of said baguette” laughter erupts from Laurence again, whilst my heart feels like it might explode at any second.

“How long have you been playing music?” I ask, tracing imaginary patterns on his arm. “Violin actually isn’t my first instrument - I started off with the recorder when I was 5, then picked up the piano, and then other woodwind instruments like the clarinet and saxophone.”

I stare up at him. “You’re joking right? You’re telling me you play five instruments??” Laurence stares back at me. “No, I play 7 different recorders, and two different saxophones. Gave up on the clarinet though, I didn’t like that.” I let out a breath.

“How the fuck did you afford all those?? I swear instruments are really expensive!”

“They can be, but I borrowed mine from my school - they had a great music department. That’s how I got my own violin, I won a music competition using one of theirs, and the prize was that violin.”

He gestures to the case resting on the top of the coffee table. “That’s wild. I’m glad you got your own instrument though” after a moment, I ask “do you still play the others? Like the piano or whatever?”

“I play the piano a couple times a week, when I use the practice rooms at uni. I occasionally play saxophone, and I play the recorders about as often. Fuck the clarinet though, that shit sounds like a strangled duck.”

I burst out laughing. “I feel bad for clarinetists now, you just took a massive shit on them all.” Laurence runs his hand through his hair, grumbling. “I’m not wrong though.”

—————

It’s been two weeks since Laurence and I became a couple, and over the past week, we’ve only seen each other properly, once - when he played me music.

He suddenly had a massive load of coursework to complete, and I had to do a bunch of stuff on research methods, the literal worst part of my course.

And finally, we’re able to take a break, and go on an actual date. I’m excited, but also nervous. I must have gone on dates before, but I can’t remember any of them, so I have no clue how to act on it.

Let’s just hope Laurence knows what to do.

I look in the mirror, adjusting the crimson beret on my head. ‘Does this look shit?’ I send a picture to a group chat with Alicia and Annia. Alicia replies almost instantly.

‘wear it I fuckin dare u’

I bite my lip. ‘Is that a yes or a no?’

Annia responds. ‘It’s cute, your bf will love it I’m sure ;)’

I smile, glancing at my reflection. It does look pretty nice on my long hair, which is down and swinging below my shoulders.

‘do it coward’ Alicia’s name pops up. I roll my eyes, giggling to myself. I pull on a black ripped denim jacket over the top of my white button-up, which is tucked into my black trousers that Annia DIYed to have red embroidered roses around the hip.

I peer at my reflection again. “This is probably fine?” I nod at myself. “This is fine.” Just one last thing I need: my doc martens.

I practically never wear anything else, and for a good reason. Docs are the gayest shoes out there.

Laurence knocks on my door, despite it being open. “Damn you look great!” He leans in and kisses my cheek, releasing a giggle from me. “Thanks, I’m loving the leather jacket by the way.”

Laurence smiles, reaching for my hand. “Ready to go?” I nod, smiling. “Of course.”