Zero's POV
I entered the coffee shop while following her from behind and noticed that it was quite spacious since I saw six tables with four chairs each on the right.
I followed her to the counter at the front of the tables, which also had four chairs directly across.
She invited me to sit at one of the chairs in front of the counter, resting her two hands on the table and asked me, “What do you want to eat? I have pancakes, omelette with rice, and more.” She asked me cheerfully while looking into my eyes.
I looked away and said, “Just the omelette rice.” I replied irritably and started playing with my fingers.
“Okay, I’ll cook it for you,” she responded and turned away from me to go to the side of the counter to light the stove.
Her cooking area was right on the counter.
She started cooking the omelette with rice that I ordered, and I could smell the fragrant aroma of the eggs, accompanied by the fried rice rich with garlic.
It didn’t take long before she finished and handed me a plate, so I began to eat.
While I was eating, I noticed she was watching how I consumed my food, which made me feel a bit shy, so I glanced at her and said, “Why? Is there a problem?”
“Nothing, I just noticed how much you eat,” she replied, causing me to look away and focus back on my food.
“It’s because your cooking is delicious, especially the eggs,” I told her without looking at her.
She responded, “Is that so? Thank you for liking what I cooked.” She said cheerfully.
It didn’t take long before I finished eating, feeling satisfied from the delicious eggs and fried rice she made.
I looked at her and said, “Thanks for the meal,” while smiling at her.
She replied, “No problem, I should be the one thanking you for saving me earlier,” while looking at me.
I stood up from the chair, ready to leave since I had to go to Taesan High. I said goodbye, saying I was leaving first, but she stopped me and said, “I’m Natalie,” introducing herself and then asked me, “Can I know your name?”
I replied, “Zero, Zero from Taesan High,” and turned to leave.
I heard her add, “Thank you again, Zero. You can come back here whenever you want.” I nodded while still facing away.
I exited the shop, planning to return to my apartment to get ready for school and continue with my plans for the day.
1 hour later
I arrived at Taesan High and walked toward our classroom to join my friends, including my friend Miyuki.
I opened the door and walked in, finding them doing exercises.
They stopped when they saw me and greeted me, and I did the same in return.
Miyuki approached me, and I told her my plan for the day.
“Why don’t we spar one-on-one to expand your experience and get used to hitting?” I suggested.
She thought about it and answered, “That sounds like a good idea, but why don’t we ask them first?” I looked around and saw our friends looking curious.
I shared my plan with everyone, and they all agreed since that was also why they were at Taesan High.
But before we began sparring, they finished their exercises, and I joined them to make it fair, considering they were tired, and I needed to tire myself out too.
After a few hours, we completed our exercises and rested while chatting before the sparring.
After Rest
We started sparring one-by-one to keep things interesting and help our bodies get used to fighting. I also told them not to bring any resentment or anger in their hearts.
This was to avoid any heated feelings among us since we were all in this together and needed to support each other.
The sparring sessions concluded, and I saw they enjoyed what happened and their matches.
I also felt sore from my match with Miyuki earlier, but I would say I liked what happened because she managed to land a few punches on me, motivating me in the fight.
Before long, it started getting dark outside, and we decided to head home since it was already evening, allowing our bodies to rest from the exhaustion we felt.
Miyuki walked home with me since she would pass by my place on her way home.
While walking, she couldn’t help but ask me various questions like, “What did you do this morning before heading to Taesan High, Zero?” she asked me from behind.
I answered honestly, “I jogged this morning before I went to school to break a sweat,” keeping my gaze straight ahead.
“Is that so? So you must be tired by the time you got to Taesan High.” I simply nodded at her as we walked.
I didn’t realize I had arrived at my apartment because I was lost in thought while walking, feeling exhausted.
I entered and told Miyuki goodbye, saying I would see her tomorrow since I wanted to sleep early to run again before the sun rose the next day.
I reminded myself that I needed to endure this fatigue and body aches for the remaining two weeks and six days before our match against the representative to claim the Top Spot.
I planted in my mind that even if I faced hardships in the coming days, I would surely be pleased with the outcome of my hard work.
So, I was ready to suffer for a few days to compete against strong individuals at Taesan High and take their spots.
To be continued.....