Why is it when I’m with a sociable guy I can make connection with and become fun to be around, but when he’s not there I can’t form connections with others?

Hello I’m 25M

And my social skills have been fluctuating a lot, last couple of years I’ve become socially awkward (*not* socially anxious). And I’ve been into a lot of different groups in my life. But here’s the thing that always make mind wonder, why is it always that when the *sociable* guy or the *leader* or the *glue* of the group is there I become a lot more entertaining? I’ve seen it with different groups where I get close with the sociable guy and socialise with him naturally but can’t socialise with the other in the group. I become more entertaining around him and talkative but when I’m with the group I’m quiet?! I’m naturally pretty talkative so I’m not entirely sure what I’m lacking.

And I do want to be *him* and be able to hold the group together, I don’t like being in the side, it’s just something I never liked..

Can anyone please give their opinion and if there’s any book you recommend?