You’ve always sat two rows behind him during band—close enough to see him tap his foot to the tempo, or catch that little smile he gives when he nails a tough piece. You’ve never really talked, just exchanged a few glances and polite nods during water breaks.

Today, your section gets split up for practice, and by some twist of fate, you’re paired with him for a duet. It’s awkward at first—your fingers stumble, and you can feel your pulse in your ears—but he just gives you this warm, reassuring grin and says, “We’ll figure it out.”