My Track Days

2. THE DEAL

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Marissa's room was a chaos of clothes and books, but her focus was locked on the laptop, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"100mm? Jog? 200m?" She muttered. Frustrated, she slammed the laptop shut and sank into her chair, feeling utterly lost.

"I don't even know where to start," she said, staring at the clutter around her. "Chul doesn't specialize in running either!"

With a deep sigh, Marissa stood up and began to tidy her bed, rearranging the blue blanket and pillows that had ended up on the floor. She picked up her stuffed teddy bear, gently placing it on the neatly arranged bed. As she worked, her thoughts wandered to someone who could help her with her training.

"But will he agree?" she wondered aloud, clutching the teddy bear. "We didn't get along very well. He doesn't seem to like me much either."

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she held the teddy bear close and spoke to it as though it were a wise friend. "You're right. I have no choice. You're so smart, Titty," she said, hugging the bear tightly.

'I'm talking to a toy. I'm really lonely.' she thought, feeling a bit self-conscious.

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🍃👟MY TRACK DAYS👟🍃

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The school grounds were empty, and the early morning silence on the field and around the school building provided a peaceful environment. Marissa walked through the school gate, her gaze determined.

"He usually comes early. So, he should be around here somewhere," she thought as she crossed the field. Her eyes caught sight of a hoodie-wearing boy entering a small building beside the school garden and greenhouse. Taking a deep breath, she followed him.

Marissa entered the classroom, gently closing the door behind her. "I need your help, Kevin," she said desperately.

Kevin, his school shirt hidden beneath a brown hoodie, turned to face her. His black, silky hair was neatly arranged, but his brown eyes looked uninterested. His light and smooth skin dotted with small, pigmented spots. "You're early?" Kevin said with a hint of sarcasm.

Marissa ignored his comment. "I need training to try out for the track team. Can you help me?"

Kevin considered her request for a moment, then gave her a forced smile. "That's an easy question. How about 'No'?"

Marissa widened her eyes, her hands coming up in a pleading gesture. "Please, Kevin, I really need this."

"I said no," Kevin replied, walking past her. "And stop following me," he added, slamming the door behind him.

Marissa's brows furrowed in frustration and anger. "Selfish dog," she muttered under her breath.

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Entering her homeroom, Marissa's frown deepened as her gaze swept across the room. She noticed Kevin sitting in the far corner, headphones on, scribbling in his notebook as if nothing had happened. She rolled her eyes, irritation bubbling up again as she went to her seat next to Jina at the back of the room.