The next morning, I struggled to complete 25 consecutive push-ups, my muscles aching from the intense training. Determined to push myself further, I persevered until I reached my goal of 100 push-ups. I diligently followed every instruction from Leon, but I knew I still had a long way to go before I could consider myself proficient.
Ready to face the challenges of the day, I prepared for school, assuming the identity of Kent. As I walked through the halls, a mix of nervousness and anticipation filled my chest. I hoped that this new persona would help me navigate the school environment more smoothly.
"Good morning, Kent," Jane greeted me with a warm smile.
"G-good morning, Jane," I stammered, momentarily taken aback by her beauty. "You look lovely in your school uniform."
Jane blushed slightly, clearly flattered by the compliment. "Thank you, Kent. Have a great day at school!"
As I continued on my way, Leon's voice echoed in my mind. "Hanz, remember not to cause any trouble at school."
I nodded to myself, determined to keep a low profile and avoid any unnecessary attention. But walking beside Jane, the tension of awkwardness enveloped me. I wanted to say something, to bridge the gap between us, but the words escaped me.
"J-Jane," I finally managed to speak.
She turned to me, curiosity in her eyes. "Yes, Kent?"
"Um... never mind," I mumbled, my face flushing with embarrassment. "Let's pick up the pace; we're running late."
Together, we hurried to school, managing to arrive just before the first bell rang. The classroom buzzed with activity as students settled into their seats. Our teacher, Ms. Thompson, stood at the front, ready to begin the day's lessons.
"We have a new transfer student today. Come in," Ms. Thompson announced, gesturing toward the door.
Feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, I took a deep breath and stepped forward. As I entered the classroom, a hush fell over the students, their eyes fixed on me.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Kent Baltazar," I introduced myself, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "There's nothing particularly special about me, so please take care of me!"
Ms. Thompson smiled warmly. "Thank you, Kent. You can take a seat next to Claire. She's sitting by the window in the last row."
Relieved that the introduction was over, I made my way to my assigned seat, where Claire greeted me with a friendly smile.
After a long day of classes, Claire approached me during the break. "Hey, Kent. Have you joined any clubs yet?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. I'm still considering my options."
She grinned mischievously. "Well, I'm part of the Parkour Club. It's a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally. You should come check it out."
Her words piqued my interest. Joining a club could provide the perfect opportunity to enhance my abilities—both physical and mental—for my training. "That sounds intriguing, Claire. I'll definitely think about it."
"Great! If you're interested, meet me at the entrance after class. I'll introduce you to the other members," she offered.
...
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I walked with Jane towards the entrance. Claire appeared, her enthusiasm contagious.
"Kent, are you coming?" she asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Turning to Jane, I asked, "Well, Jane, would you like to come too?"
She smiled, understanding my desire to have her by my side. "Okay, but we have to be home before 5:00 p.m., remember?"
"Absolutely," I assured her, grateful for her support. "Let's go!"
With Claire leading the way, we ventured into the unknown, ready to explore the possibilities of the Parkour Club. Excitement filled the air as we approached our destination.
"We've arrived!" Claire exclaimed happily, pointing to a group of guys practicing their moves in a nearby park.
One of them, wearing a black hoodie, caught my attention. He effortlessly swung from a bar, his strength and agility evident. He locked eyes with me and spoke in a welcoming tone.
"Wanna join the club?" he asked, his voice laced with enthusiasm.
A surge of confidence rushed through me. "Why not?" I answered, ready to embrace the challenges and adventures that awaited me.
...