I am nervous.

  Today is my first day as a college student, a fresh start in a pce where I don't know anyone. A new environment, new faces, and a new routine. I don't know whether I should be excited or extremely nervous. One thing's for sure, I won't see a single familiar face.

  Well, I was never really close to my cssmates before. It's not that I didn't like them, I just never made the effort to make friends.

  Back in elementary school, I was friendly and had no trouble socializing. Talking to people felt natural to me. But when I entered high school, I gradually became quieter. Something changed in me, though I'm not exactly sure what. One day, I just realized that I preferred being alone.

  But this time, I want things to be different. This is a new chapter in my life, and I want to make at least more than one friend. Honestly, I'm getting tired of seeing Josh's face all the time.

  That is my main goal this semester, along with passing all my subjects so my aunt won't scold me.

  The first day means introductions. Just a simple stand-up-and-say-your-name thing, but even thinking about it makes my stomach twist into knots.

  I looked out the car window as we entered the campus. It was huge, and from what I knew, there was even a mini forest park here. Students were already walking inside, some looking excited, while others still seemed half-asleep.

  Moments ter, the car came to a stop in the parking lot.

  I stepped out, followed by Josh, my driver, I mean, my friend. As I adjusted my bag, he casually gnced around, as if looking for someone.

  Then he turns to me.

  Then he turned to me, his tone suddenly serious. "Okay, first of all," he said, "when we're here, don't talk to me, don't look at me, and don't come near me."

  I frowned. "Huh? What kind of nonsense is that?"

  "I'm in my third year of college now. I don't want my potential girlfriends thinking I already have one. So, do me a favor and pretend we're not close."

  I raised an eyebrow as I adjusted my backpack. "Why do I have to pretend? We literally know each other. Our houses are right across from each other."

  "That's exactly why I said pretend," he snapped, rolling his eyes. "Which part of pretend do you not understand?"

  Of course, I rolled my eyes right back at him. What, did he think I'd just let that slide? Did he really think he was the only one who could have an attitude? No way.

  "Dude, do you really think people care about us? Also, you're already in your third year, but you still don't have a girlfriend. That's not my fault."

  He paused for a moment, but the irritation on his face was still obvious. I just shook my head. What the hell is wrong with this guy now?

  Then, an idea popped into my head. Without thinking twice, I quickly stepped closer to him and sniffed the air around him.

  He immediately stepped back. "What are you, a dog? Why are you sniffing me?"

  "I thought maybe you were drunk," I replied, crossing my arms. "You're saying all sorts of nonsense."

  "And why would I be drinking on the first day of csses?" He rolled his eyes. "Maybe on the second day, that's more likely."

  I ughed. "I don't know. Maybe to mourn your nonexistent love life?"

  He let out a fake ugh, rolling his eyes. "Ha. Ha. Very funny."

  I just chuckled.

  He groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Look, just... don't eat alone like you did in high school, okay? Talk to your cssmates. Invite someone to lunch. You're in college now, Nika. If you don't make an effort, you're done for."

  I sighed, leaning back slightly. "Yeah, yeah, I got it."

  "I'm serious." He pointed a finger at me like a strict teacher. "Having sociable friends is a big deal. Do you know how much gas I save because my cssmates text me whenever csses get canceled?"

  I paused, considering his words. Huh. That actually sounded like solid advice.

  Josh checked his phone before looking to me. "Alright, I'm heading off. You know where your building is, right?"

  I nodded, and he immediately turned around, walking away, almost like he was eager to get away from me.

  I watched him for a moment before shifting my focus in the opposite direction, heading toward my building. With each step I took, my feet felt heavier. It was as if everyone was staring at me, even though I knew no one actually cared.

  I took a deep breath and adjusted my backpack on my shoulder.

  I pulled out my assessment paper from my bag and quickly gnced at my schedule.

  "Room 2A."

  I looked around and noticed that the room numbers in this hallway started with "1," which meant my cssroom was likely on the second floor.

  I continued walking, trying to calm myself down. You got this, Nika. It's just the first day.

  Gripping the strap of my bag tightly, I walked toward the stairs. Other students passed by me, chatting and ughing, looking at ease as if they were already used to this new environment. I felt a little envious.

  When I reached the second floor, I searched for Room 2A. Once I found it, I took a deep breath before stepping inside.

  As soon as I entered, I immediately noticed how crowded the room was. Small groups had already formed, ughing and chatting as if they'd known each other for a long time. Some were leaning against desks, talking casually, while others were already exchanging numbers as if they were the closest of friends.

  I walked straight to the back of the cssroom and took a seat by the window.

  I quietly adjusted myself in my seat and gazed outside. I watched the students walking around campus, each lost in their own world. Some were rushing, while others seemed completely rexed, like they had already mastered college life.

  As I stared at them, my eyelids grew heavier. I let out a yawn. Ugh, I didn't get enough sleep. I barely slept st night, too busy overthinking about this first day.

  So much for a fresh start.

  As expected, our first two morning csses were just introductions. We were dismissed early, and since I wasn't hungry yet, I decided to head to the campus' mini forest park to pass the time.

  It was quiet there. The breeze was cool and refreshing, making it the perfect pce to rex. I sat on a bench for a while, watching the leaves sway gently in the wind. For a few minutes, the weight of the first day of csses seemed to lighten a little.

  We didn't really do much, but I already felt exhausted.

  By noon, I made my way to the cafeteria. The scent of freshly cooked meals and warm rice filled the air. The pce was packed with students, most of them chatting and ughing with their friends.

  After lining up, I got my food and started looking for an empty seat.

  Then, I heard a familiar ugh. I looked around and spotted Josh.

  He was sitting at a nearby table, eating with someone. They seemed close, and his ughter was so loud that the entire cafeteria could probably hear him. Did he really have no shame?

  I also noticed an empty seat at their table.

  For a moment, I thought about going over. But then, his words from this morning echoed in my head.

  So instead of approaching him, I turned around and looked for another seat. I found an empty table in the corner, far from the crowd. It was quiet. Peaceful. No distractions.

  As soon as I sat down, I grabbed a tissue and wiped the table before starting my meal. I quietly enjoyed my food while watching something on my phone, until a tray suddenly nded in front of me.

  I looked up.

  "I thought we were supposed to pretend we don't know each other?" I asked Josh.

  "I never said it starts today," he replied before sitting down. "That doesn't take effect until tomorrow. What I said earlier doesn't count yet," he added before continuing to eat.

  He started shoving food into his mouth like he was in some kind of speed-eating competition. Disgusting. Maybe I should be the one pretending not to know him.

  "What about the guy you were eating with earlier?" I asked, taking a bite of my food.

  "He's old enough. He can eat by himself," he replied, his mouth still full.

  "I'm old enough too. I can eat by myself," I joked.

  "You're seventeen," he shot back, as if that alone was a solid argument.

  Despite his earlier cims about keeping his distance, here he was, eating with me, just like he always did before. And if I was being honest with myself... I was happy about it.

  I smiled to myself. "Thanks."

  Feeling a little bold, I stood up, intending to give him a quick hug.

  The second I moved, Josh immediately threw up a hand like a barrier, pnting his palm right in front of my face. His expression twisted in exaggerated disgust.

  "Ew. Yuck. Don't hug me."

  Yup. He's really sweet. So sweet that I wanted to squeeze him in a hug until he regretted ever stopping me.

  I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the small smile forming on my lips.

  Then, without hesitation, he reached over and stole a piece of my food.

  "Josh!" I compined, frowning as I shot him a gre.

  "Not my fault you're eating so slow," he replied nonchantly, chewing on the food he just stole.

  This glutton. If this was how it was going to be, I might as well keep up. I quickly picked up my pace, shoveling food into my mouth before he could steal more.

  After finishing our meal, I made my way back to my first afternoon css. As I walked, I pced a hand on my stomach. That meal really filled me up.

  I gnced at my watch. Turns out, I was still a bit early, so there was no need to rush. I strolled leisurely, taking in the fresh air while observing my surroundings.