Uncovered

Introductions

"Okay! Everyone, my name is Steven. I will be your orientation leader! First, we'll do introductions and everybody's favorite - an ice breaker," Steven waited for the expected reaction.

The group was mainly silent except for the few groans of disapproval. 

"I'll go first and you all follow my lead. Alright, so, again, my name is Steven. I am currently a third year. My majors are in History and Sociology. My current favorite thing to do is rock climbing! And I love that ring," Steven finished with his eyes resting on Mikey's hand.

With a polite smile, Mikey thanked him. Glancing down at the ring, Mikey traced the elegant design of the band around his middle finger. It was thinner than your average men's ring; the silver wasn't too flashy, yet still caught the eye at the right angle. There were black silhouettes of pine trees carved into the band. Every so often, a small gemstone dotted the ring, which added the occasional sparkle. Mikey took his thumb under his pointer finger to feel the engravings on the ring sitting snuggly on his middle finger. He treasured this ring; it was a gift from Oliver. A special birthday gift after a particularly difficult year. Mikey went through a jewelry phase in his early teen years and this ring meant the world to him. It embodied his friendship with Oliver and the loyalty between them. 

"Alright, you," Steven pointed to Kayla, "go next."

Kayla cleared her through and nervously looked around. Steven eyes found their way back to Mikey. Catching his glance, Mikey watched Steven's eyes travel down back to the ring. Before turning back towards Kayla, Steven offered a smile.

"Um, I'm going to be an anthropology major and my favorite thing to do is read," Kayla finished.

Beaming with friendliness, Steven asked, "Awesome, what's your favorite book? Or author? Or both?"

"Uh- probably The Last Child by John Hart."

"Nice, what's that about?"

"It's about a young boy consumed with finding his presumably abducted sister. I don't really know how to explain it without giving it away."

"Cool, cool. Might have to give it a read myself," Steven smiled brightly at Kayla.

Mikey slid his hand up his opposite arm, stopping just above his elbow. Pulling inwards toward his body, the lower half of his arm now hung limp in front of his body. He could've sworn Steven's eyes kept flickering over to him. Though, it was probably just his imagination. Fresh start at college would get hopes up for sure. No way this attractive, older college guy would be so distracted by little ol' Mikey. Right? Mikey swallowed the spit in his mouth as he focused on Steven. 'Don't be nervous. It'll be okay," Steven mouthed from across the group. Mikey felt his face go pink and scolded himself for letting himself get carried away with hopeful thoughts. No one but him knew, his fantasies to find that perfect boyfriend. What better opportunity was there but at college with all knew people - more importantly, all new boys or rather men. 

"Don't go mute on us now, it's your turn. What name goes to those pink cheeks?" Steven teased.

After clearing his throat, Mikey introduced himself, "I'm Mikey. I'm gonna be an anthropology major. I like to swim."

"A swimmer? Can you teach me to do that one stroke that's like this," Steven asked throwing both arms in the air and in front of him. This earned a few laughs from the group and smile from Mikey.

"Maybe, if I get something out of it," Mikey smirked.

A few amused "ooohs" erupted at the snarky comment. Lightheartedly, Steven moved onto the next person. Mikey tried to focus, but kept drifting back into embarrassment about his bold statement. He's usually never that outwardly sassy. The only person that got that kind of playful and confident attitude was Oliver. It was always in private. Mikey began to spiral into anxiety induced doubts. The rest of the group probably thought that was lame and dorky to say something like that. Steven was probably uncomfortable and might have to report him for crossing a line. The thoughts thrashed around Mikey's head. His heart started to race the deeper he thought about it, but then he saw Steven smiling at him. Amused, Steven gave Mikey a small nod and mouthed 'cute'. Mikey's heart continued to race, but now it wasn't due to the embarrassment induced anxiety. 

The rest of the group introduced themselves, but Mikey barely took in any information. He was so focused on what Steven had mouthed. He went back and forth about whether he did say 'cute'. Was he called Mikey cute or the situation? If he was calling Mikey cute, then they were flirting, right? Could this cute guy really be interested in him? Steven's voice snapped Mikey back to the world outside his thoughts.

"Awesome! Nice to meet you all. Unfortunately, we're running a little behind, so the ice breaker will have to wait," Steven cracked a smile, "I know you're so disappointed Chris. I gotta get you your room assignments. I'll have you put your things away and then we'll meet in front of the building. Sound good?"

Collectively, the group said variations of the word yes and gave their attention to Steven for their assignments.

"Follow me," Steven began walking down the side walk to the building they'd be staying in," So, you'll be sharing rooms. Each hall is either all boys or all girls. Kayla and Ruby will be in room 202. Tiffany and Diana will be in room 203. Shane and Mikey will be in room 213.  And Justin will be in room 214. Oh, uhm - Courtney you'll be in room 204. Okay, I'll see you in a bit. Go ahead and put your things away, use the bathroom. Whatever."

Hesitantly, people began to walk up the steps and into the building. The door was being held open by Steven. Mikey waited for everyone to head in first before slowly going up the steps.

"There a reason you're walking so slow?"

"No, just taking my time," Mikey said quietly.

"So quiet now. What happened to that voice from earlier?" Steven questioned.

"Oh, it shriveled away. I don't normally talk like that. It just sort of came out."

"Maybe I brought it out of you," Steven teased.

Mikey smiled nervously, unsure of how to respond.

With an amused smile, Steven filled the silence, "You really are adorable.  Go on, I'll be here when you're finished."

Mikey quickly, but not too obvious that he was rushing away, walked into the building and into his assigned hall. Adorable. That's not the same as cute, is it? Adorable is like describing your little baby cousin. Totally not romantic or sexual in any way. Right? Mikey groaned, scolding himself yet again for reading too much into the situation. The door to his room was already opened. Shane had already dumped his bag onto the floor and threw some blankets onto the right side bed. 

"Hope you don't mind I took this one," Shane said walking towards Mikey and the door.

"It's fine. Doesn't really matter."

"Do you know when we're getting our key card things? This door locks and I'm not gonna know how to get back in if we close it."

"No idea, he's probably going to give them to us soon though."

"Alright, see ya out there," Shane waved bye as he walked out of the room.

Alone, Mikey let out a breath of nervous energy. He had to stop letting his fantasies get his hopes up.