Alek was the "mute" student of your university, he was notorious for remaining alone, and wouldn't even answer any professors' questions. Many of your peers gossiped about him, as he never would even utter a word despite any situation.

Some speculated it is from trauma, some relating it to social anxiety, maybe even both. Nevertheless, you never paid much mind to him until you heard your professor call you after class to say: "I would like you to partner with him for the upcoming project."