The Matchmakers Choice

Unexpected Encounters

"Winnie..."

Rain immediately stood up from his chair, now just staring at Winnie's face. This was the first time he had seen Winnie this close, with only an arm's distance between them. Rain's mouth hung open.

Winnie waved his hand in front of Rain's face. "Hello, I am talking to you," Winnie said.

"Hell... hello," Rain stuttered.

Winnie chuckle at Rain's response. Winnie wasn't alone; an older man, his manager, stood beside him. Just then, Sky entered the music room, shocked to see Winnie there. "Oh God, they're gone," Sky thought. He wanted to move forward, but Winnie's manager stopped him.

"You play really well," Winnie said.

"Huh?" Rain was shocked hearing that. "Is that a compliment?" he thought.

"I said you play really well. Is that your own arrangment?" Winnie asked, a small smile appearing on his face.

"Umm, ah, yes," Rain replied, still in shock.

"Am I looking scary?" Winnie asked, seeing Rain's nervousness.

"No, no," Rain immediately shook his head.

"Then why are you looking so scared?" Winnie laughed.

"N... nothing. I think I should leave," Rain said, picking up his bag.

"Am I really that scary?" Now Winnie turned to his manager and Sky, who both shook their heads in denial. "Then why is he trying to run away, looking at me like that?" Winnie asked, still smiling.

Rain looked helplessly at Sky, who signaled with his eyes to say something. "Umm, it's not like that. You're very handsome; infact everyone drools over you..." Rain immediately put a hand on his mouth as he realized what he said " I mean, everyone admires you," Rain said, scratching his head.

"So you know me?" Winnie's eyes shone with interest.

"Who doesn't know you? You're such a great singer. I admire you a lot and have idolized you from the very first day I saw you," Rain said, his eyes shining with admiration.

"Oh, it's nothing like that. You're just exaggerating," Winnie replied, blushing slightly. "So, are you a music student? Which year? Why have I never seen you before?" Winnie asked curiously.

Rain's face immediately went pale. He looked at Sky for help, who appeared equally helpless. "What happened?" Winnie shook his hand in front of Rain's face again.

Rain thought it was better to tell the truth than to lie. "Actually, I'm an engineering student. I sneaked in here with my friend's help."

Winnie's eyebrow raised in surprise. Rain thought he was in trouble now and ducked his head low. But Winnie just smiled. "Oh, so that's why I was never able to find you whenever I heard this melody. How could I, when the creator isn't from the music department?"

Rain looked up, confused. "You heard it before?" he asked, stuttering.

"Yes, I heard it few times but was never able to find the owner. Now I get it why, it's very calming, I have never heard anything like that before" Winnie said, still smiling.

Winnie's manager looked confused at the exchange between Rain and Winnie. He moved slightly toward Sky. "What's happening? Winnie never likes talking to anyone, let alone smiling this much, except in front of his fans."

Sky nodded, equally perplexed. He had seen Winnie many times in the music department but never this engaged and cheerful with anyone, especially not a stranger.

Rain blushed, feeling both relieved and elated. "Thank you," he said softly, his eyes meeting Winnie's. Just then, Rain glanced at the time and realized he was late. Phayu must be waiting for him. He picked up his bag in a hurry. "Actually, I have to go now. I'm getting late," Rain said to Winnie.