Chapter 286

Nicole watched Zeke’s back as he started to run once more.

She returned to her previous position and stood still. Her slender figure and straightened back made her seem as if she were a ruler or a monument.

‘Fourth lap. Fifth lap. Sixth lap.’ He thought.

Zeke’s pace was getting slower. He knew that he was truly nearing his limit now; the three laps he ran just now were a piece of cake.

‘Seventh lap. Eighth lap.’ he thought.

At this point, for someone who did not have the habit of exercising, it was a matter of having a will that was strong enough. His legs had gone numb and were swinging mechanically.

There was a voice in his head constantly shouting and instigating him, ‘Stop running, just stop running!

You’re too tired and need rest. This is enough for today!’

Zeke shook his head. The sweat on his face dripped onto the running track, silencing the voice in his head for a moment.

He looked at Nicole, who was standing in the distance. Though his vision was a little blurry, he could sense that she was watching him closely.

Zeke’s legs felt as heavy as lead, but he tried his best and continued moving his legs. He was fighting the toughest battle with himself.

‘We live to become better versions of ourselves. Lucifer is looking at me. I can’t let someone who cares about me down again,’ he thought.

‘Ninth lap. Tenth lap,’ he thought again.

Zeke looked at Nicole, who was within arm’s reach, and revealed a child-like smile. He firmly stopped his incredibly sore knees. He did not allow himself to fall onto the ground as he did previously. He then lifted his head to look at Nicole. His parted lips seemed as if they were conveying something.

‘Nicole, I did it,’ he thought.

Nicole looked at Zeke; he looked as if he had just gone for a swim. He was panting quickly with his body slightly hunched over. It was not a beautiful sight, but it was the best he had ever looked in her eyes.

‘Nothing is tougher than surpassing yourself,’ she thought. Nicole looked at Zeke with a slight smile in her eyes. They looked incredibly beautiful under the reflection of the sun.

“Good job, Zeke.” Zeke’s eyes instantly lit up. He looked at Nicole and moved his lips before finally saying,” Thank you, Nicole.” Nicole did not respond but helped him up. They slowly walked on the sports field for a bit before stopping “You should be thanking yourself, not me,” she said softly.

Zeke looked at Nicole and revealed a smile, “But still, thank you. Nicole, if it weren’t for your harshness, I would never have learned to man up and fight for myself.” She didn’t teach him how to run; she taught him how to grow up. Nicole patted his head and did not answer. She turned around and prepared to leave.

“Go back to class. You’ll get used to it soon.” Meanwhile, Zeke thought to himself, ‘Ten laps is still a long way to go.’ Zeke watched as Nicole turned around and left without hesitation. He felt disgruntled and said frustratedly, “Hey! At least let me walk me to your school entrance!” Nicole did not spare him a single glance. ‘Northon Institute is practically right across Royal Creek Institute. If I were to walk him to the entrance, I might as well carry him upstairs too,’ she thought. “I need to return to class.”