Basic

Chapter 1

Ace walked through the gates of Santo Tomas University with a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling in his chest. The sun painted the campus in a golden hue, casting long shadows that danced across the cobblestone paths. As he made his way through the bustling crowds of students, Ace couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the grandeur of his surroundings. The majestic buildings, with their intricate architecture, stood as silent witnesses to centuries of academic excellence. With each step, Ace felt the weight of his backpack pressing against his shoulders, a tangible reminder of the journey he was embarking on. It wasn't just filled with textbooks and notebooks but with dreams and aspirations waiting to be realized. The thought both excited and terrified him, like standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to leap into the unknown.

Entering his first class of the day, Ace scanned the unfamiliar faces, searching for a semblance of familiarity in the sea of strangers. His heart raced with anticipation as he found a seat and waited for the professor to arrive. When the door swung open and the professor entered, their presence commanded attention, and the room fell into a hushed anticipation. Ace couldn't help but feel a knot of nervousness tightening in his stomach as he glanced around the room, wondering if he would find his place among his classmates. After the lecture concluded, Ace gathered his belongings and prepared to leave when he was approached by a friendly face.

"Hey there! I'm Jared, nice to meet you! Excited for a fresh start?" Jared's voice was warm and inviting, instantly putting Ace at ease.

Ace returned the greeting, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Hey... yeah, I guess," he replied, grateful for the friendly gesture.

Jared's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he leaned in closer. "Cool, cool. So, what's your thing, man? Into any sports or clubs?" he asked, genuinely interested in getting to know Ace better.

Ace shrugged, feeling a bit unsure of himself. "Not really... I mean, I play a bit of volleyball, but nothing special," he confessed, downplaying his own talents.

But Jared wasn't so easily dissuaded. "Ah, come on, don't sell yourself short! I heard you're a natural on the court. We could use your skills on the team," he suggested, his enthusiasm contagious.

Ace felt a surge of warmth at the compliment, his cheeks flushing with color. "Oh, uh, thanks. I just play for fun, you know," he murmured, feeling a bit bashful under Jared's praise.

But Jared wouldn't take no for an answer. "Well, hey, fun is what it's all about! We should definitely spike some balls together sometime," he insisted, eager to bond over their shared interest.

Ace couldn't help but smile at Jared's infectious enthusiasm. "Yeah, maybe... that could be cool," he agreed, feeling a newfound sense of camaraderie with his classmate.

Jared clapped Ace on the back, his grin widening. "Awesome! Hey, let's grab lunch together. My treat. I know this great spot nearby," he offered, extending an olive branch of friendship.

Ace hesitated for a moment before accepting, touched by Jared's kindness. "Uh, sure... I guess I could use some company," he admitted, grateful for the offer.

Jared beamed, his eyes shining with excitement. "Perfect! Lead the way, humble spiker. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better," he declared, already envisioning the adventures that lay ahead.

Together, Ace and Jared made their way to the cafeteria, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they bonded over their shared love for volleyball. Jared listened intently as Ace recounted his experiences on the court, his passion for the sport evident in every word. As they sat together, munching on their lunch, Jared shared stories about his other friends and the fun times they had together. Ace listened with interest, feeling grateful that Jared was so eager to include him in their circle. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of making even more friends at his new school.

After they finished eating, Jared stood up, ready to introduce Ace to the rest of his friends. Ace felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as they made their way across campus. What if they didn't like him? What if he said something silly and they laughed at him? But he pushed those worries aside, reminding himself that Jared wouldn't introduce him to anyone who wasn't friendly. As they approached a group of students chatting by the fountain, Jared waved enthusiastically.

"Hey guys, this is Ace! He's new here, but he's already cool in my book," he announced with a grin.

The group turned to greet Ace, their smiles warm and welcoming. They chatted easily, asking Ace about himself and sharing stories of their own experiences at the university. Ace felt his nerves melting away as he realized how easy it was to talk to these new friends. As the day started to wind down, Ace found himself reluctant to say goodbye to Jared and his new friends. But he knew they would see each other again soon. With a final round of handshakes and promises to hang out again, Ace walked away with a newfound sense of belonging and excitement for the future.

As he headed back to his dorm, Ace couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Today had been even better than he could have imagined. With each step, he felt more confident and more at home in his new environment. Santo Tomas University was starting to feel like more than just a school—it was becoming his second home. And with friends like Jared by his side, Ace knew that the adventures ahead would be nothing short of amazing.