Second Life

Chapter 1

-JAMES POV-

Today is the first day of orientation for all the new intake students. I woke up early to get prepare for the orientation to make sure I'll be not late for the first day.

While eating the bread for my breakfast, I was looking at my timetable that was pasted on my study table.

I finally manage to get a hostel room nearby by my campus which is convenient for me to travel for classes, not only that, but I was also able to find a part-time job at a nearby convenience store.

Today seems a busy day for me because the orientation will be held from morning until afternoon, then I have to attend a few introduction classes and right after that, I must rush for my part-time job as well which will start at around 7 evenings.

I sighed after looking at my timetable and thinking at least by making myself busy I won't be feeling lonely and help me to distract from overthinking.

I looked at my wristwatch which shows 8 in the morning. I should report the attendance for the orientation at 8.30. I quickly gulp some water after eating my breakfast, grabbed my bag and exited the hostel as quickly as I can.

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I breathe heavily after reaching the auditorium afraid that I might be late for the orientation but looking at the current situation it shows that I was on time because there are still people doing registration before entering the auditorium.

After getting myself relaxed from the intense running, I was wondering about looking for a booth where I was supposed to register, suddenly someone tapped my shoulder.

"You lost Nong?" I turned when a husky voice heard from my back. A tall and handsome man asked me as he realized that I was searching for something.

"Err... I'm looking for a business administration booth to register Phi."

"Ohh you're a new student here. Don't worry I will help you. Let me bring you to the booth Nong" The tall man said.

"Thank you, Phi," I said while bowing a little to show appreciation.

I followed him from behind until he stopped and turned his back to face me

"Here Nong, the booth you were looking for. The man said while pointing to the booth that was currently filled with new students.

"Max, new student for registration." The tall guy said while guiding me to sit at the booth.

"This Phi will help you to register Nong. Anyway, my name is Zee, head student representative for this course. He said while giving me a warm smile.

"I'll be leaving you to this Phi he will guide you," He said while tapping my shoulder

"Thank you, Phi Zee," I greeted him and turn my attention to the person who sit in front of me.

"Here Nong, fill up this form and enter the auditorium once you are done with the form. There will be another senior who will help you to guide you inside the auditorium. The guy in front of me said while handing me a registration form.

After filling up the, I was greeted by a senior named Tutor and went inside the auditorium as he was guiding all the students to get seated according to their courses.

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After settling down, I was looking around the auditorium that was filled with so many students from different faculties. Somehow I feel so happy but at the same nervous with these whole new changes and experiences, I'm having right now.

"Ding Ding Ding"

I turned my attention to my phone when I heard my phone ringing from the endless message notification. The moment I was looking at the notification bar, my head started to pump heavily.

"Not today" I murmured to myself as opening the Line app.

"Did you get a part-time job over there?"

"I heard the salary for part-time in Bangkok is high. You better send some money for us too."

"Don't spend so much."

"The dobby business is not going very well."

My mother messaged me not for asking how my first day of orientation was or how I feel after I settle into a place that I'm not familiar with, but she messaged to ask for money.

I don't know why she is seeking money from me when I'm merely a part-time worker and I can't provide much for her. I don't know what my stepfather doing over there not providing a necessary thing for his family.

I sighed and turned off my phone when suddenly a small hand tapped on my shoulder.

"You look so tensed, are you okay."

I turned beside me to see the source of the sound and then only realized that the place beside was empty before had been occupied.

I smiled warmly and said, "No I'm okay, thanks for asking."

"Are you in a business administration course?

"Yes," I said while nodding at the same time.

"Hey, guys look we have a new friend." The person who sat beside me said with an excited tone.

"I'm Nunew and this is my friends Nat and Yim" I lean front to look, then only realised that the place had already been occupied by other people as well.

"I'm James," I said while returning a warm smile to the three people.

Just knew them for a few minutes but I already got a warm feel from them. They seem so friendly. I kept smiling at them by looking at their childish behaviour especially when they look extra happy seeing the handsome seniors on the stage throughout the orientation.

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And it's the final activity for the orientation. All the seniors gave a briefing for all the students before dismissing the event of the day. Nunew tapped my shoulder as I was so invested in the senior's briefing.

"Do you have any friends here?" Nunew asked.

I quickly shook my head from left to right indicating that I have no friends.

"So far you are the people I talked to, I haven't made any friends so far."

After ended my word, I can see Nunew facial emotions change perhaps he look pitiful or worried I can't assume.

"Then, after the orientation end, let's grab lunch with us, James?" Nunew asked with these puppy-looking eyes. Gosh who gonna say no when he looks like a lost puppy?

"Okay," I said as nodded quickly thinking at least I have classmates now, so I should not worry about feeling alone in classes.

🫶🏼Thanks for reading🫶🏼