Reading Through You

Hopping around was something Mizuko sometimes unconsciously did, and it usually made her look like an adorable airhead. Especially when she moves as if she were hopping from one water puddle from another, despite the day being entirely dry and sunny.

Besides, she was hopping inside, through a not-so-crowded hallway.

Looking and acting weird was the perfect cover while checking out people's thoughts. Most people would look at her with those weirded out or judging looks, and she'd return the stares with a gentle smile. They wouldn't know she was already reading into their heads. Unfortunately, most thoughts she found were not interesting enough, or some of them were too... too disturbing for her to even bear.

And then there was this person that she couldn't read for some reason. He looked pretty timid at first glance. He was definitely not the cheerful and bubbly type like her. She started hopping closer, wondering if she'd get to read his thoughts if she covered their distance. But it didn't work.

Maybe he was on guard? Or maybe he was just not thinking of anything at the moment?

"Hey," she greeted, even before she can think twice of doing so. She was looking straight at his face, her curiosity painted all over her own. "Are you okay? What are you doing?" she asked. Her Japanese-European-English accent escaped her tongue.
@"Tanau"

"Why do I ask?" Mizuko blinked. She couldn't really tell him she was trying to read his thoughts, and couldn't, right? For a moment, there was a blank, searching, and thoughtful look on her face, before she waved it off with a sheepish grin. "I was just wondering since you... look distant."

She realized only then that walking up to a random stranger was probably rude, especially since she didn't introduce herself first. She suddenly, abruptly, bowed, an apologetic look on her face. "Ah, gomen--! I mean I'm sorry!" And then she held her right hand out, hoping for a handshake. "I'm Tsuushi Mizuko. Are you sure you're okay?"
@"Tanau"

Mizuko nodded very slowly together with her long "Ohhhhh..." So he was a new person, nervous about the new environment and the new people. No wonder he seemed so guarded.

Perfect situation to make a friend.

"I'm pretty new myself, I don't know that many people either." She grinned and held out her hand for a shake. So far she kept seeing people greet each other that way, and though she meant no offense, she was frustrated that Manta Carlos was very western in culture and lifestyle, which was ironic, since it's in the Pacific. Never mind though. As long as she can make friends, everything was all good. "Well. Would you mind having company from me? I'm Tsuushi Mizuko, Mizuko for first name. At least you'll have less strangers around you, right?"
@"Tanau"

Mizuko paused for a moment. Her mind buffered and stopped, before she abruptly turned away to hide the blushing and the embarrassment that was suddenly on her face. She didn't realize until then that she's introduced herself twice, and she didn't even know why.

"Anou... Eto... s-so--" she turned back to Han hesitantly; thankfully she was quick to get over that embarrassment. "--where were you heading? Have you toured around the campus yet?"
@"Tanau" I'm sorry it's short *dies*

The air felt suddenly lighter, which helped everything else feel lighter. "Oh, yeah. It's hard to know the way around right away." Mizuko would know. She only got here herself, and the only reason she knew her ways around is that she decided to get herself lost around the campus right on her first day. And ended up having a good time with a new friend.

"Well, if you want, I can show you around next time," she offered. She'd love to help Han get acquainted with the academy, especially since she knew how fun it can be to room around with someone else. Going out alone is just sad.
@"Tanau"