I look around the classroom, seeing my fellow classmates already pairing up. Our professor just gave us our next musical related assignment, but we need to pair up with someone in our class. The thing is… I’m not sure who I should be partners with. Or whether they would want to be partners with a Ratian like me. I sigh as I keep looking around. Eventually, I see someone at one side of the classroom. I take a deep breath and put on a brave face before I approach them.

Hi, there! I greet them with a smile and wave, but deep down I’m very nervous. Actually, I’m VERY nervous. Would you… like to be partners? I ask them nicely. Please, don’t say no or walk away like a lot of people have done!