My Little Mind Reader

18. Endings and Beginnings

Wayo's POV

It's finally over. Well the competition at least. No more endless practices. No more missing classes and worrying about how much work I'd have to make up for my classes. One more day of helping at the Freshman Games and then one day to enjoy the fun before I could quiet down and get back to just going to classes like all the other students (and hopefully catching up on all the work I've been missing).

Things were really starting to look up. Even the fact that Ming was the new Campus Moon made things better. First, Ming was happy to have made his parents proud. They weren't as forthcoming with their praise as I wanted, but they congratulated him and didn't embarrass him either. Second, Ming's new position meant that a lot of the additional attention I'd been receiving from the competition would shift to him. He didn't mind the pressures of being noticeable while I valued the safety that came with being anonymous.

After our parents left, Pha offered to drive me home. We hadn't really spent any time alone together since I'd heard his thoughts about me on the day of my vision. I was slightly worried about how I should act. We got into his car and he started driving to our dorms.

"Are you okay?" Pha asked. I didn't know what to say to him. I couldn't forget what I'd heard in his thoughts about me. It was the first time I'd ever had anyone tell me that he loved me, well he hadn't actually told me, but his thoughts were very sincere. It was embarrassing, but also compelling.

"Just a little overexcited," I said. "I'm glad the competition is finally over, but it's kind of weird to imagine what it will be like if I don't have to go to practice all the time."

He chuckled at my comment and agreed. I tried to clear my head, but I kept going back to my memories of what he thought of me. My own thoughts were more confusing. How did I feel about Pha? He's very handsome. He must be smart, he's in the Medical Faculty. He's kind. He makes my heart beat faster. I like seeing him and talking to him. Does that mean I like him, too?

We arrived at our dorms and I walked up to my room with him carrying my things. I didn't know where his room was, but I knew we were in the same dorms. I unlocked my door and let myself in.

"Do you want to come inside?" I asked, feeling a little embarrassed. He nodded so I let him in. "Just leave my things on the floor. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, I'm fine," Pha said, dropping my things and going to sit on the couch.

"Maybe we should order some food," I said, feeling a little hungry and trying to distract myself from my nerves about Pha. "Are you hungry?"

"Sure, whatever you want," he said as I sat down next to him. He looked down at the floor and drummed his fingers on his knees. We sat in silence for a little while. He was obviously uncomfortable and I didn't know what was on his mind. I didn't want to pressure him, but I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking about for so long. Was he thinking about me, the way I was thinking about him?

"Is there something wrong?" I asked. His silence amplified my nerves. I should order some food, so I have something else to focus on.

"Actually, I've wanted to talk to you for awhile now," he cleared his throat, sounding nervous too. " You probably already know, but I really like you. I was hoping that you would let me take care of you."

"Are you asking me to be your boyfriend?" I asked. My breath caught in my chest for just at moment at the thought. Why am I reacting like this? What's wrong with me?

"I would love that, but I know it's probably too soon," he said, reaching for my hands. "I just want to be able to spend time with you, until you're ready to let me be your boyfriend."