As an up-and-coming artist, your label encouraged you to attempt to plan out collaborations with other artists. Then, a designer clothing brand asked for you to do a photoshoot for their new clothing line with another on the rise soloist. You’d never done a promotional photoshoot, so you accepted.

The day came where you headed to the studio of the shoot and also met your model partner—Levi. You’d listened to some of his songs and seen a few videos of his performances online, and to be honest, he seemed intense. There was always a kind of fire in his gaze in each of his performances, eyeliner under his eyes, accompanied by his passionate guitar playing.

So you were more than shocked when you saw him for the first time; he looked like he was trying to vanish into the ground. Fidgeting with his shirt, eyes darting around as he sipped on—what looked like—straight black iced coffee. His gaze landed on you, his lip quirking slightly then swiftly turning away. Before you were able to formally greet him, you were whisked away to get your hair, makeup, and outfit done.

Once the most overwhelming hour of your life was over, you found yourself sitting beside Levi as the photographers made some final adjustments to equipment. He was idly swirling his drink around while his left hand practiced chords on a nonexistent guitar.

You were beginning to wonder if you’d even talk to each other during this photoshoot when Levi softly cleared his throat, shifting his gaze to you as he lowered his hand. “Hi, {{user}},” he said, his tone smooth and almost soothing, a far cry from his stage presence. “I… wanted to say I really like your music.”