... but what if parallel universes exist?
... what if the same sun shines in one of them making you squint as you hold my hand?
... or what if we don't even know each other in one of them?

"You're thinking too loud," Brett said and gave Eddy a mug of hot tea.
"Thank you," Eddy took the mug that warmed his icy hand. He sipped his tea and sat next to Brett, touching his shoulder with his own.

It was an autumn morning, and they woke up just a couple of hours ago, but Brett was ready for work, unlike Eddy, who was sleepy and wanted to go back to bed anytime. The older man was warm like a small sun, and Eddy thought that if Brett had smiled, summer would have come back. Although, at this moment Brett was sitting in silence and looking at the mug in his hands. He always was a bit nervous before a new day, even if they have been doing this work for many years.

They have been owning a small music shop below their flat for three years; it was their little shared dream for a long time. They've made some mistakes back in the days, and they've done some good things. But they've been together through thick and thin. They liked to see this bright light in the eyes of their customers. They enjoyed making people happy.

Their hair and clothes smell like wood because they spend all day among string instruments. They named every instrument in their shop, even though they forget these names almost all the time. Eddy noticed that the hoodie Brett was wearing is quite loose on him because the taller man wears this hoodie, too. They share clothes, a job, a house, the same dream, and the same passion for a long, long time.

... but what if we've never met each other?

"What's wrong?" Brett looked at Eddy with concern in his eyes and put his hand on Eddy's lap.

... that would be a disaster.

"Nothing," Eddy looked back in Brett's eyes and smiled. "Let's open the shop."

Brett took mugs away and brought them home. He promised himself to take Eddy for a walk. The older man knew when Eddy started to think too much, that meant he needs a break.

    When Brett went back to the shop, Eddy had already opened the door and turned more lights on. He was standing among all these beautifully shaped instruments, wearing a white shirt and black jeans, and looking at his phone.

"Eddy," Brett called softly, leaning his shoulder against the wall.
"Hm?" Eddy raised his head.
"I love you," Brett smiled. He liked seeing twinkles in Eddy's eyes as he said those words.
"I love you too."

And a new day begins.

***

Eddy looked at Brett, who was helping some boy to choose his first violin. Brett was smiling and full of genuine enthusiasm. He loved his job.

"I'm sorry," a girl with strings in her hand said quietly to Eddy. "Can I pay for this?"
"Yes, of course," his cheeks turned a little red as he realised that everybody in the shop could see him looking at Brett with too much love in his eyes. But, on the other hand, he can't help it, anyway.
"Thank you!" the girl said and walked to the exit with a small smile.
"Don't forget to practice!" Brett raised his head and said playfully to the girl.
"Of course! And you, too!" and she walked away.

***

Brett was scrolling through twitter when he saw a tweet from their shop's account. He didn't write it, which means it was posted by Eddy. Brett read it.

"Are you perfect pitch? Because I would love to constantly remind the world that having you is the best thing that has ever happened in my life."
Brett smirked and retweeted it with the answer: "Wtf is this ew."

He was sitting on the couch near the cellos. He liked to watch Eddy working. The younger man was an introvert, so sometimes, the way he hid his awkwardness made him look fascinating. Brett liked Eddy's voice and intonations when he was talking to customers, the way Eddy turned the sleeves of his shirt, the way he cared about every customer and their instruments. Brett couldn't help but look without blinking.

After a few minutes, he went to the cash register where Eddy was talking to a customer.

"Thank you," Eddy said. "Have a nice day, and don't forget to practice!"

As a customer left, Brett took a key and walked to the door to close it.

"It's time for lunch," he said, turning back. "But first..." he came up to Eddy. "Can I have a hug?"

Eddy chuckled softly and grabbed Brett.

"I like you in this shirt," a smaller man said, laying his head on Eddy's shoulder.
"And you forgot about yours," but, to be honest, Eddy liked the soft fabric of Brett's hoodie more than the formal white shirt.
"Yeah, sorry. This hoodie smells like you, so I didn't wanna take it off."

Eddy laughed happily and patted Brett's shoulder.

They went to their favorite cafe for lunch. It was the place with soft lights, dark wood tables, large windows, and good funk music. It was autumn, so a warm, quiet location was perfect for now.

They were talking about nothing and laughing until it's time to go back to the shop. It had gotten colder when they went outside, so Brett caught Eddy's hand and intertwined their fingers.

It was late autumn, and it was cold and windy, but their hearts felt warm inside their chests. They were absolutely in love.

... and I would be painfully lonely without you.