Within seconds after the bell, the halls of Welton Academy were filled with students.
Chatting nervously with their new classmates, the boys generated a dull roar composed of equal parts agitation and excitement that swept across the corridors. It was the beginning of a new academic year. Among the swarm of individuals walked Todd Anderson, a quiet and obedient boy who follows in his older brother's footsteps through Welton. He pushed past the shouting masses with haste, knowing he was late for registration. Covering his thin frame with the school issued robe in preparation for the opening ceremony was his roommate, Neil Perry, a sibling-less, passionate, and outgoing son to his overbearing father.
'Funny… I could've sworn Todd said he was supposed to check in today,' Neil thought as he fastened his last button. He stared at the door, considering whether or not he should start making his way to the auditorium alone. The boys had lived together the previous year, and had grown particularly fond of each other. Seeing one another for the first time since summer began was expected to be both comforting and flustering, considering their reluctant separation a few long months before.
"Okay Neil, my father is waiting for me outside. I'll see you next year, then?" Todd rested his hand upon the doorknob anticipating his departure.
"You bet. I can't tell you how glad I am we're rooming together again."
"Yeah, no kidding. I'm glad I didn't get stuck with that Charlie kid - What a lunatic."
"Hey," Neil paused and blinked his dark brown eyes playfully. "Don't I get a goodbye hug before you go?"
"Sure. Get over here," Todd said as he lazily tossed his arms out behind his shoulders. Neil stepped to where he was and slipped his arms around the shorter boy's figure.
"I'll miss you a lot, Todd."
"Yeah, you too, Neil," he said, distracted. His father was in the parking lot, waiting for him.
"No, I mean I'll really miss you." Neil summoned Todd's attention with his sudden emphasis. "I won't be able to stop thinking about you." Neil's expression brightened under a short curtain of dark brown hair as he spoke. Speechless, Todd tried to imagine what the significance of this confession could be. Could it mean his timeworn feelings for Neil were mutual?
"Neil, I'll miss you too." His focus was brought to an overlooked dimple resting beside Neil's flushed lips. The boys once again held each other softly for a few deliberate breaths, until their faces began to drift closer together. Neil directed his mesmerized gaze into the blond boy's eyes, falling into something just short of a meditation. "Kiss me," whispered Todd unintentionally. He was skeptical of it's audibility, but quickly realized Neil had heard him and was more than happy to oblige. He leaned in closer. For a brief moment, Neil's mouth began to glide across Todd's, when a brisk knock at the door brought the two boys back into the palpable world around them.
"Todd? Are you there? I've been waiting for over ten minutes now." Todd leapt back, realizing what had just happened. Neil smirked.
"Bye, Todd."
Neil shrugged off his surreal memory as he picked up a short stack of aged books laying on his desk and turned to leave. Just in time, the door across the room opened slowly with a creak. He stopped in his tracks and peered through the doorway to recognize the blonde boy's familiar face, sporting an unexpectedly somber expression.
"Todd!" Neil cheered with a smile. He dropped his books and bolted to his roommate's side, capturing him in an overdue embrace. As the door shut behind him, Todd fell into Neil's supportive arms with a contented sigh. He buried his face in the thin boy's neck and his lips curled into a hidden smile.