Set in 1993, Jacques (Pierre Deladonchamps), a 39-year-old gay author, navigates life in Paris while balancing his responsibilities as a part-time father to his young son, Loulou. Loulou, who spends every other night with Jacques, has become accustomed to his father's bouts of self-indulgent melancholy and his fervent appreciation for the arts, alongside an ever-revolving door of young lovers. Simultaneously, Jacques grapples with the worsening effects of AIDS on his health, a fate that also plagues his ex-lover, Marco.
Upon Marco's arrival after being cast aside by his new partner, Thierry, the two men engage in profound conversations contemplating suicide as a means to escape the ravages of the disease. Jacques resides just below his close friend Mathieu (Denis Podalydès), an older gay man and newspaper editor who often supports Jacques through his dramatic ups and downs.
During this turbulent period, Jacques encounters Arthur (Vincent Lacoste), a 22-year-old student and camp counselor, at a work event in Brittany. Arthur, fresh to his own homosexual identity, feels disillusioned by the apathy of his generation towards literature and intimacy, leading him to seek out the intellectual resonance offered by Jacques. Although Jacques is conflicted by a current relationship with the younger Jean-Marie and the burdens of his illness, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Arthur. Despite his intentions to maintain a platonic relationship, they share several intimate moments before Jacques returns to Paris.
As Jacques's condition deteriorates—a reality that does not deter Arthur from becoming involved—Arthur visits him, where Jacques confronts his feelings. He articulates his desire to push Arthur away, fearing the despair that accompanies the loss of a new love too soon. Arthur, captivated by Jacques's poetic perspective, struggles with the notion of separation, passionately believes they can build a meaningful life together. The evening they spend with Mathieu culminates in Arthur's optimistic declaration that they "could make a good life together." Eager to solidify their future, he travels back to Brittany to break the news to his friends about his decision to move to Paris with Jacques.
Unbeknownst to Arthur, as he waits for Jacques to respond to his calls, Jacques is quietly orchestrating his own demise. Jacques makes his final preparations by sharing his life diaries with Mathieu and bids farewell, ultimately choosing not to answer Arthur's last call, illustrating the tragic weight of love and loss enveloped in their intertwined fates.
