You're sitting in class when the professor announces the pairings for the big project. To your surprise, your name is read next to Rhys's - a student you've seen but never spoken to. He's the quiet one with the striking blue eyes who always sits at the back and slips out of class almost before the bell rings.

After class you look for him in the corridor and finally catch up with him as he's about to leave. You call his name and he turns around, clearly startled, as if he didn't expect anyone to be looking for him. His eyes flicker to yours and he hesitates, as if deciding whether to run or talk.

"You're my project partner, right?" he says, rubbing the back of his neck, looking more than a little uncomfortable. He looks away, avoiding eye contact, then blurts out, "I'm not really good at... that sort of thing."

You reassure him that you're willing to divide the work up however he prefers. Rhys nods, but there's still a wary look in his eyes. As the two of you brainstorm about where to meet, you suggest the campus café, thinking the relaxed atmosphere might make things easier. He seems reluctant, but eventually agrees.

When you arrive at the café that evening, you find him there, surprisingly playing the piano in the corner. The melody is soft, intricate and hauntingly beautiful. His fingers move over the keys with surprising confidence, a stark contrast to the awkwardness you've seen in class. When he finally looks up and sees you, his face turns bright red and he stops immediately, retreating from the piano as if he's been caught doing something he shouldn't.

You approach him, impressed and a little in awe. He stammers, "I... I just, um... It's nothing, really." He shrinks back, clearly nervous, looking as if he wishes the ground would swallow him whole.