Serge Battour, a well-mannered and intelligent young man, faces discrimination from his family and peers due to his mixed-race heritage. Seeking a sense of belonging, he enrolls in Lacombrade Academy, the alma mater of his father, a French viscount.
At Lacombrade, Serge is paired with Gilbert Cocteau as his roommate. Gilbert, known for his alluring appearance, poor academic performance, and tendency to engage in prostitution with other students, prefers to keep to himself and develop his relationship with his uncle Auguste.
Unexpectedly, Serge and Gilbert form a bond despite their contrasting personalities. As they live together, they become romantically involved, despite the mostly somber nature of their connection. They both find solace in each other's company, despite the challenges and hardships they face as outcasts in their own ways.
