My Little Mind Reader

1. Beginnings

Yo's POV

It's the first day of my freshman year in college. I got into a prestigious university that happens to have an excellent Science Faculty and an excellent Art Faculty as well. It took a lot of work, but I worked out a schedule where I can do both. Today, it finally begins. At least orientation is beginning.

Orientation includes a whole week full of activities to help us learn about life at the university and a chance to meet all of our teachers and the other freshman. We'll also be given assignments to help with preparation for the Freshman Games that were held the weekend after our first week of official classes.

As a double major, I have to attend both orientations, but luckily they are at different times and I can skip the introduction at the Arts Faculty and just attend the freshman meeting and tour. The Science Faculty Orientation is first, so I quietly listen while our seniors give us details about how the school is set up, the counselors we should talk to if we need help, where we eat on campus, bus and train schedules for the surrounding areas as well as campus buses, and of course activities that will be coming up for freshmen and other students before our classes begin. It's a little overwhelming, but I know this is just an introduction. We'll have plenty of time to acclimate over the next couple of weeks.

They pass out student ID cards which also work as bus passes, library cards, and even a prepaid credit card on campus. Before we take a tour of our faculty, we have a short freshman meeting. Some boys who were also Biology majors, seem to have decided to adopt me. They nominate me to compete in something called the Moon & Star Competition as my Faculty's Moon. It isn't something I'm interested in, but they're so kind that I can't say no to them. They're nice and very insistent, how could I say no? So when I'm chosen, I smile to make them happy. They're good people, even if they are a little crazy.

This competition is the kick-off for Freshman Games and I'll be expected to go to practice every day. So being the Faculty Moon means I don't have to help prepare for Freshman Games and I'll be excused for the first week of classes if there are any conflicts in my schedule. That definitely makes it worth agreeing to be part of what is basically a beauty pageant.

I grab my phone and text Ming. I'd never be allowed to participate without some kind of bodyguard, but dad usually allows me to go as long as Ming is willing to be there with me. I really don't need the protection, but dad is a little over the top sometimes.

Phana's POV

I'm walking to the basketball courts with a couple of my friends when I'm stopped by one of the seniors in charge of orientation for the freshman of the Science Faculty. Unfortunately, my current position as Campus Moon means I have to smile and say a few words. I hate these kind of events.

"Study hard," I said, trying to escape as quickly as possible. I look up at the stands, all the freshman are staring and clapping and smiling like I've said something awesome. Really they just like me because I'm so good looking. I'm not being arrogant, I just know it's true.

I'm about to walk away when my eyes are drawn to a boy sitting a few rows back with a group of friends. He's the only person not applauding. He doesn't seem to be impressed with me at all. He's not even paying attention to the seniors, he's typing on his phone, his thumbs moving lightly over the screen.

One of his friends whispers to him and he looks up from his phone. He looks out to the seniors, seeming to be listening for the sake of being polite. As I get a good look at his face, I feel like I'm drowning in big, brown eyes and perfect pink lips. I can't take my eyes off him. His skin is creamy white and his brown hair is brushed forward, messy in a way that makes me wonder if he carefully styled it that way or if he just brushed his fingers through it.

The seniors excuse us to go play ball and my friends are already starting to walk away, but I'm lost in contemplation of the boy's face. He looks at his phone again and instead of looking politely interested, I can just see the corners of his mouth turn up in a smile.

"Pha, let's go!" I hear my friend shout at me. Suddenly those beautiful brown eyes look directly at me, and I get a better look at the bright smile that is still on his lips. My breath catches in my throat and I'm frozen in place, heart pounding in my chest.

"Pha!" I'm broken from my trance by my friend grabbing my shoulder.

"I just remembered something I have to do, I'll see you guys later," I said to my friends, throwing them the basketball and heading in the opposite direction.

I step out of the orientation area, far enough that they won't notice me but close enough that I can keep an eye on that boy. I have to meet him.

Yo's POV

"Can I sit here?" A young man maybe a few years older with brown hair, wide set brown eyes and a straight nose stands in front of me, holding a tray of food. It's the tall guy I saw at my first orientation. Wow, he is really handsome.

I don't remember his name or why people were applauding him, but I see quite a few people watching him now. I don't generally like too much attention, but at least it isn't really directed at me. Besides, I shouldn't be rude to my senior.

"Please," I said as I gesture to a seat at the table where I'm eating lunch. I look around and see no lack of places to sit. I have to theorize that he wants to sit with me specifically. I keep my expression polite. Does he know who I am?

"My name is Phana Kongthanin. But you can call me Pha," he said, sitting across from me. If he knows who I am, I might have to fight but I definitely don't want to do that in front of all these witnesses. Running is the best option right now. My body was poised for flight when he cleared his throat and continued, "I'm the Campus Moon from last year."

I remember the seniors telling us that last year's participants would be there to help and support us. As the Campus Moon he's probably talking to all the Faculty Moons. I feel my body relax and my strained smile becomes genuine. Maybe my dad's tendency to worry too much was rubbing off on me.

"It's nice to meet you, Pha," I said. "I'm Wayo Panitchayasawad. You can call me Yo."

Pha smiles at me a little awkwardly, so I decide to help him. "I guess you're trying to get to know all the Faculty Moons since you have to help with the competition?"

"Y-yes," Pha said, sounding relieved that I understand. It must be so weird to have to make friends with a bunch of people you've never met and pretend that it isn't a little forced.

We have some light conversation, sharing basic information like our ages, how long we've been in the city, and other small things. I found out we have similar tastes in music and we've been assigned to the same dorms. He actually seems to be a nice person. I'm starting to get thirsty, when I realize I've forgotten my pink milk.

"I'm going to get a drink," I said to him, standing up. "I'll be right back."

He's about to respond when I hear, "Yo!"

Ming comes up to me, carrying a pink milk and a Thai milk tea. He puts his drink down next to my seat at the table and hands me the pink milk.

"Ming to the rescue," Ming said, smiling brightly. "You forgot again, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did," I said, smiling at him. "Thanks."

He put his arm around my shoulders and said, "What would you do without me?"

"Probably have to pay for my own pink milk," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Exactly! You owe me. Don't think I won't make you pay up later," Ming said. "I'll be right back, I'm going to grab some noodles."

He walks off to the noodle stall and I look at Pha. He looks annoyed and I realize we were ignoring him.

"Pha," I said, feeling only slightly guilty. "I'm sorry. That's my friend, Ming. He's the Moon of the Engineering Faculty this year. So two birds, one stone, right?"