The seven students continued to run, even though their bodies began to rebel and their heads felt like they were being hit by a hammer repeatedly. Sweat poured down their faces, mixing with the floor and dust they were stepping on without pause.
Their breaths came in gasps, like a breeze that was starting to lose its strength. However, Haruto's firm and sharp command was like a whip on their backs, forcing their steps to keep moving.
"Keep running! Don't stop until I say enough!" Haruto's voice echoed in the field, cold and uncompromising.
As time passed, the tone of Haruto's voice changed. From merely a harsh command to a pressing mental test. Every word that came from Haruto seemed like a challenge designed to dig into their deepest determination and spirit.
When they finally stopped after more than two hours, their bodies felt like wrecks. Some collapsed to the ground without a second thought, while others knelt with their hands resting on their thighs, struggling to catch their breath as if it had been stolen by the earlier training.
Haruto stood tall in the middle of the field, observing them with a faint smile that was almost imperceptible. The time on the wall showed nine in the morning. The soft morning sunlight now felt like rays piercing their skin.
Glancing towards a cardboard box in the corner of the room, Haruto walked slowly. His movements made the students tense, even in their exhausted state. They exchanged glances with raised eyebrows, trying to guess what was on their trainer's mind.
When Haruto opened the box, its contents were revealed: bottles of cold mineral water, with condensation slowly trickling down the plastic surface. The students' eyes sparkled with hope, even though the muscles in their faces were still tense from the training.
"Here," Haruto said calmly, handing out the bottles one by one.
Annie, one of the most vocal students, furrowed her brow. "Uh... is this for us?" Annie asked hesitantly, still unable to believe their trainer would give them something for free.
"Yes," Haruto replied with a small smile, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. "However, your training fee will increase. After this training is over, give me five million Forty."
"What?!" Annie immediately stood up, even though her legs were shaking. "Didn't we agree on three million Forty?!"
Haruto showed no signs of being intimidated. He shrugged casually and looked at Annie with a thin smile. "That was before I decided to buy additional equipment and, of course, this water for you. Quality training requires investment."
"Ghhk... fine! Five million!" Annie pouted, her face reflecting suppressed frustration. "But not a penny more!"
"That's a good attitude," Haruto replied lightly, as if this small victory was part of his game.
After that, Haruto gave brief instructions. "Drink and rest for ten minutes. After that, we will continue training."
The seven students looked at each other, still trying to understand Haruto's figure. There was something different in the way Haruto spoke—his harsh tone had shifted to a more relaxed, even playful manner.
Amidst the tension and fatigue, they couldn't help but feel a strange sensation creeping into their hearts. Was this the other side of Haruto that they had always thought was emotionless?
...
...
...
In a café located outside the City Academy, a group of teenagers sat at a corner table. Morning sunlight streamed through the large window, casting soft shadows on the floor. The atmosphere of the café was warm and filled with the aroma of brewing coffee.
The four teenagers—three girls and one boy—seemed to be chatting casually while enjoying their drinks. However, the warmth of the conversation was suddenly disrupted by a question from Natsuki.
"By the way," Natsuki said, twirling a straw in her glass, "I haven't seen that person for a few days."
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(Note: Hello everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates over the past few days. The author has been unwell, so they needed time to rest and recover. Starting today, the latest chapter updates will resume as usual. Thank you for your understanding, and sorry for the delay!)
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