The Space Between Us

Chapter 2: Building Bridges

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The following days felt like a blur of adjusting to the new dynamic. Aaron’s presence in the room was constant—his laughter, his conversations with friends, the sound of his basketball sneakers squeaking on the pavement outside their window. Ethan, however, found himself retreating more into his quiet corner. He was grateful for Aaron’s respectful nature; despite his outgoing personality, Aaron seemed to know when to give Ethan space.

But over time, Aaron began to break down the walls that Ethan had built around himself. It wasn’t just the casual greetings or small talk about classes. Aaron would ask Ethan about his day, about his studies, about things Ethan never really thought anyone would care about. At first, Ethan would respond with short answers, but he started to notice that Aaron wasn’t just making conversation—he was genuinely interested.

One afternoon, as the weather grew warmer, Aaron suggested they go out for a walk around campus. Ethan wasn’t sure about it, but something in Aaron’s eyes told him he wasn’t going to be left alone that day.

"You’ve been cooped up in here long enough," Aaron said, standing by the door, keys in hand. "Come on, let’s get some fresh air."

Ethan hesitated, staring at his half-finished assignments. He was used to the pressure of deadlines, but there was something about Aaron’s infectious energy that made him put the work aside for a bit.

"Alright," Ethan agreed, pushing his books aside and following Aaron out the door.

As they walked through the sprawling campus, Aaron told Ethan stories about his previous year—crazy parties, late-night adventures, and basketball games. Ethan listened, half amused, half envious of how effortlessly Aaron seemed to navigate life. Ethan, on the other hand, had always found comfort in the predictable, in planning out every day, every assignment.

"You know," Aaron began, "I never really get why some people stress so much about school. It’s important, yeah, but we’re here to experience life too, right?"

Ethan shrugged, unsure of how to respond. "I guess... I just like having a plan. It makes me feel more in control."

Aaron shot him a knowing look. "Yeah, I get that. But sometimes, you have to let go a little."

They continued walking, the conversation flowing more easily as the hours passed. Ethan found himself opening up more than he had expected. He told Aaron about his struggles with being a perfectionist, about the pressure he put on himself to always do well in school. Aaron listened without judgment, offering his own brand of advice.

"You don’t have to be perfect, Ethan," Aaron said, his voice softer now. "You just have to try. That’s enough."

For the first time in a long while, Ethan felt heard.

That evening, as they returned to their dorm room, there was a change in the air between them. The space that had once felt awkward and foreign now felt a little more comfortable. Aaron didn’t ask about Ethan’s plans for the rest of the night. Instead, he threw himself on his bed and flipped through his phone.

"You know," Aaron said after a pause, "I’m glad you came out today. I think you needed a break."

Ethan looked at him, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. Thanks."

The evening settled into a quiet rhythm, both of them content in the shared silence, but there was an unspoken understanding now—a shift in their dynamic. Ethan didn’t feel like he had to hide behind his books, and Aaron had shown him that maybe there was more to college than just grades and routines.

As Ethan lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, he couldn’t help but replay their conversation over and over. Maybe Aaron wasn’t just his roommate after all. Maybe he was someone who could help Ethan navigate the mess of life in ways Ethan had never allowed himself to try.

To be continued
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