She gets distracted.

As Bianca hurried down the sidewalk, the sound of strumming guitar strings wafted through the air, catching her attention. Her feet seemed to move of their own accord, slowing to a stop in front of a street performer who sat on the edge of a fountain, his instrument cradled in his arms. Bianca's eyes landed on the musician, taking in his tanned skin and the way his fingers deftly moved over the strings, coaxing out a beautiful melody. His eyes, a deep brown, met hers, and a charming smile spread across his face as he continued to play.

As Bianca's gaze lingered on the musician, her feet seemed rooted to the spot, the sweet melody weaving a spell around her. The musician's eyes, warm and inviting, held hers, and she felt a flutter in her chest. For a moment, she forgot about her tardiness, forgot about Robert, forgot about everything except the music and the stranger playing it. The musician's fingers danced across the strings, coaxing out a final, lilting note, and then he bowed his head, a lock of dark hair falling across his forehead.

As the last notes faded away, Bianca applauded, her palms meeting in a soft, appreciative clap.

The musician's eyes sparkled with pleasure as he lifted his head, his gaze meeting Bianca's once more. He smiled, his lips curving upward in a gentle, appreciative smile. Bianca's heart skipped a beat as he rose to his feet, his movements fluid and effortless. He bowed slightly, his dark hair falling across his forehead, and Bianca felt a flutter in her chest.

"Thank you," he said, his voice low and smooth, like honey. "You have a good ear for music." Bianca smiled, feeling a sense of pleasure at the compliment. She glanced at her watch, remembering her tardiness, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot.

The musician's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze holding Bianca's for a moment longer than necessary. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he took a step closer, his movements fluid and confident. "I'm Harry," he said, his voice low and smooth, his hand extending in greeting. Bianca's eyes dropped to his hand, her gaze tracing the lines of his palm, the way his fingers curled slightly upward. She felt a jolt of electricity as her hand met his, their palms touching in a brief, fleeting handshake.

"Bianca," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Bianca's hand slipped from Harry's, she felt a pang of ****, as if she didn't want the brief connection to end. Harry's eyes, warm and inviting, held hers for a moment longer, before he smiled and nodded toward the street. "I was about to go grab a coffee," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Would you like to join me?"

Bianca hesitated, her gaze darting to her watch as she remembered her tardiness. She was already running late for class, and Robert would be worried if she didn't show up soon. But there was something about Harry's warm smile and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners that made her pause.