Chapter 12: "His Other Side"

Everyone is doing there best for the events they joined in.

"Good luck, pres!" Our female classmates wished our class president a good luck for her match.

"I'll do my best!" she enthusiastically replied.

A lot of things had changed...

Back on the day, most of my classmates dispose each other. Those girls used to call her a teacher's pet, but now they seem pretty supportive.

"Guys, let's do just how we practiced, okay?"

"Will do, captain!"

Those guys used to beat each other up, but now they're working as a team.

"Haha! We sure did kick those bastards' asses!"

"Serves them right!"

Everyone worked hard.

In the past, I used to ignore most of the people I've met. Thinking that time will just pass by, and it wouldn't even matter at the end of the day.

"Jian, when will the relay race starts?" Class president asked.

"It will start later."

"We should eat out after this!"

"Is it your treat?"

"I have no money!"

"So you're just leeching for free stuffs?!"

"Hehe."

Turns out I was wrong.

"That's a great idea. Let's eat out after." I smiled.

"Your treat then! Haha."

"Glutton!"

"Ouch! I was kidding!"

The moment might just pass by...

"Let us do our best, everyone." I put my hand in the center.

Everyone stopped and looked at me.

They nodded and followed as they put their hands on top of mine. We looked at each other with support and enthusiasm.

"YEAH!!" We screamed in unison.

However... The memories you shared with them is eternal.

Chet and I, along with the other students are now in the track and field. This is the venue of the last team match that we are participating in.

"Alright, you will be the first runner. Then you'll be the second, I'll be the third, and Chet will be the last. Since he is the fastest among us." I instructed.

"Don't worry, guys. We'll win this time!" Chet reassured.

"Haha. You twinks really think you can win this?"

It's these guys again...

"What the hell is wrong with you, man?!" Chet reacted.

"Why? Going to cry about it?"

"Hey stop that!" One of our classmates interfered.

"What you think you can take me?"

I sighed and stepped in.

"Seriously, pal? You're always picking on us. Is it because you're secretly into us?" I teasingly said.

"The hell?! I'm not a homo!" he aggressively denied, all flustered.

"Or perhaps... it is just your pathetic excuse for your stupidity and immaturity?" I continued.

"You got a sharp tongue, huh?! Want me to pull it out?" He was pissed off, and grabbed my shirt aggressively. "You know Zen Liang isn't here to protect you like the last time." he whispered.

I looked at him and sneered. "Try me."

"B-boss... I think that's enough."

"He was the one who beat me up." One of his allies went to him and whispered.

"Huh?! I-isn't Zen Liang the one who beat you up, too?" he whispered back.

"What are they whispering for? We can clearly hear them."—Chet.

"Aren't they done yet?" I'm getting bored with this.

"It w-was that guy, boss! I swear!"

He finally removed his hand from gripping my shirt and smacked the other guys head. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?!"

"Sorry, boss...!"

I sighed and turned my back on them.

"H-hey!!" The boss exclaimed. "I'm still not done with you!" he added and pointed at me.

I didn't bother to turn around.

What a waste of time.

"Alright, don't cry now." I waved them farewell and left.

"Damn you... I'll make you and that cocky president pay."

This match is a 'Relay Race'. It is a team race, with usually four players. Each player has to run as fast as they could and give the baton to the next player respectively, until it reaches the fourth player.

I chose to be the third runner because I'm the slowest, and that leads Chet to be the last because he's the fastest. The other two are also fast so, they are the first and second runner. We need Chet to finish off the game since he excel at running.

If this goes well, then we have a greater chance of winning.

"Players, stay in position." The MC announced.

We went to our designated position and prepared ourselves.

The other students gathered on the side and the bench to see the match. I can see Miya and Riri from the side. Luke was also there, he definitely snuck out to see Chet.

Miya smiled at me and waved her hands, mouthing 'good luck'.

My crush just wished me a good luck! Ack! My weak heart...

My delusions were distracted from Riri on the side, giving me a middle finger.

"This brat..." I mumbled.

"On your marks..." the count started.

"Ready... Get set... GO!"

The first runners ran as the race started. Our class is on third place. Our first runner finished his lap and handed the baton to our second runner.

The second runner ran faster, we are now on second place, behind Class A.

It is almost reaching to me. I positioned myself to sprint as fast as I could. When the baton was handed on my hand. I quickly sprinted.

Luckily, I got a good stamina and a lighter body. I almost caught up to the Class A's third runner when suddenly, I felt a painful throb on my right ankle, causing me to fell down.

"Argh!" I screamed in agony.

The crowd was startled.

"Jian!"

"What happened?"

"Can he still run?"

The other runners caught up to me.

"Damn it... I...need to run..." I forced myself to get up and run again.

We are now in fourth place... I need to hurry up!

I lumped my way to Chet, and eventually handed him the baton.

"Dude, are you okay?!" Chet worriedly asked as I gave him the baton.

"I'll be fine. Just run!" I replied.

Chet hesitantly ran away.

"Jian!" Luke, Miya, and Riri were rushing to help me.

"What happened out there?" Riri asked.

Luke helped me sat down.

"It looks swollen." He scanned my ankle.

"Let's bring him to the clinic!" Miya suggested.

"I'm good, guys. It's just a little bruise."

"Still acting cool even if you're in pain."—Riri.

"I'm not, brat!"

"Let's go to the clinic first."—Luke.

"I can go there alone. Besides, you still have your events to attend, and the clinic is a bit far." I don't want to bother them. Winning the events is more important right now.

Luke sighed, "Alright. Just wait here until we finish."

"Are sure you're alright here?" Miya worriedly asked.

I smiled and nodded as answer.

"Call us when there's a problem." Riri added.

They hesitantly left.

"Damn... How did I get this?" I mumbled.

I decided to go to the infirmary and lump my way there. It was a bit far from the field but fortunately, it is located on the first floor.

When I got there, I went straight to the door.

"Ugh... Finally." I mumbled as I tried to open it.

Sadly, it was locked.

"You've got to be kidding me..." I bumped my head on the door.

I was about to go back, but as I was lumping my way out, I came across Zen Liang.

And I've got to deal with this guy again...

I smiled at him and quickly slipped my way out.

"What happened to your leg?" He asked.

"Ah... Just a little scratch..." I awkwardly answered.

"Do you need help?"

"No, thanks. I-i'll get going—" I turned away.

I suddenly slipped, and fell on my butt.

"Ow..." I groaned.

Zen Liang sighed and gently pulled me up.

He brought me to the open court nearby. We sat on the bench. Zen Liang knelt down to see the bruise from up close.

"I-it's really fine... You should go now, the basketball match will start soon." I insisted.

He shifted his gaze on me and stood up.

"I'm serious. You should go." I assured him.

Zen Liang left soon after.

I was alone in the court. There were no students nor teachers around. Maybe because of the events and activities being held.

I put both of my palms on the bench as I look up the bright sky.

I've gone this far huh... I had never imagined myself doing all of these.

Am I doing the right thing though?

As I was thinking about some things, Zen Liang came back. He is carrying a towel with ice cubes inside with him.

"Hey, why are you back? Aren't you supposed to be in your event now? Are you slacking off?" I continuously asked.

He just ignored my questions and sat beside me. He gently lifted my injured ankle.

"What are you— Ouch!" I flinched as he apply the cold compress on my ankle.

"Bear with it." He softly said as he kept on gently applying it on my bruise.

I stared at him. He's focused on what he's doing. He's making this stern face most of the time, but now, I think I've seen this gentle side.

"This will reduce the swelling." He stated as he turned his gaze on me.

As our eyes met, what Miya said came across my mind.

"Why do you like him?"

"Zen... He's kind."

"He might appear cold and distant at times. But... I just know he's that he's a good person."

I unconsciously just sat there and stared at him, not uttering a word. I came back to my senses when I felt a hand on my forehead.

"You're not sick, are you?" It was Zen Liang. His palm on my forehead.

I can't explain the tingling on my stomach and the redness of my face. I don't know what to do nor what to say.

I pull myself together and looked away.

"I-I told you! I'm f-fine! Whoa, would you look at that bird!" I changed the topic and pointed the sky.

"That's a plane."

I felt the embarrassment from my head up to my toes.

"H-hey! Aren't you supposed to be playing basketball right now?"

"It already started." He simply answered without a hint of worry on his face as his hands were still on the towel, applying the cold compress.

"Then why are you so relaxed?! Hurry up!"

"It's fine. They can handle it. Besides, the match would be over by the time I get there." He nonchalantly replied.

This guy is making me feel bad...

"I-i won't go easy on you, even if you do this..."

"Yeah."

"I'll still beat your class!"

"Sure."

"I'll steal your girl!"

"I don't have one."

Seriously?! What's wrong with him?!

He didn't even bulge to anything I say. He just kept on focusing my injury.

"Why would you help me?" I looked at him and asked.

He stops and put down the towel as he shifted his eyes on mine.

He moves closer to me and flicked my forehead.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" I whined while covering my forehead with my hands.

"It's because you're stupid, redhead."

"Why you... I actually thought you're being nice for once!"

"I am."

"Then why did you suddenly flick my head?!!"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?!"

"Figure it out."

"Huh?! Then... Does this mean you want to be friends?"

"No."

"Why??"

"You're noisy."

"I'm not! I'm just sociable, unlike you. You're a hermit."

I guess I get it now...

Zen Liang... Is kind of nice.