CHAPTER 25 — DAY 2 PART 2
The 1 Kilometer Race
The afternoon sun had grown warmer by the time the running events were announced.
Students filled the stands again, louder than before. The track field looked alive — whistles blowing, teachers shouting instructions, athletes stretching on the sidelines.
But near the running track, the group stood together.
The mood was slightly different now.
More tense.
More focused.
Because now it was Daisy's event.
The announcement echoed again through the speakers.
"Participants of the 1 kilometer race, please report to the track."
Daisy exhaled slowly.
"Well," she said softly, "that's me."
Nova frowned.
"I still can't believe they changed it from 500 meters to a whole kilometer."
Ben crossed his arms.
"Schools love suffering."
Kevin glanced at Daisy.
"You sure about this?"
Before Daisy could answer, Care spoke.
"If you don't feel right, stop midway. No one will judge you."
Her voice was calm but serious.
Daisy looked at her and smiled gently.
"I know."
But someone else was staring at Daisy more intensely than anyone.
Joong.
He had been quiet for a while.
Watching.
Thinking.
Daisy noticed and tilted her head slightly.
"What?"
Joong looked away for a moment before speaking.
"Walk with me."
The group immediately reacted.
Nova whispered loudly,
"Ooooo."
Ash elbowed her.
"Shut up."
But Daisy had already followed Joong a little away from the group, near the empty bleachers.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
The sounds of the field echoed around them — whistles, cheers, announcements.
Joong leaned against the railing.
"You don't have to prove anything today."
Daisy blinked.
"What?"
He looked at her seriously.
"I know how stubborn you are."
She folded her arms.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
There was a pause.
Then he continued, voice softer.
"You just recovered from pneumonia not that long ago."
Daisy looked down for a second.
"I'm fine now."
Joong shook his head slightly.
"That's not the point."
His tone wasn't angry.
Just worried.
"Listen," he said quietly, "if you feel even a little dizzy… stop."
She stayed silent.
"So what if others keep running?" he added. "You can quit midway."
Daisy finally looked up at him.
"And you'll be okay with that?"
Joong frowned.
"What kind of question is that?"
"You're competitive too."
"Not when it comes to your health."
The answer came immediately.
Too fast.
Too honest.
Daisy's expression softened.
For a moment the noise of the sports field faded away.
"Joong…"
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Just… don't push too hard."
Then after a second he added quietly,
"Winning doesn't matter."
His eyes met hers.
"You do."
For a moment Daisy didn't speak.
Then a small smile appeared on her face.
"You worry too much."
Joong rolled his eyes.
"Yeah? And whose fault is that?"
She laughed softly.
The tension between them eased a little.
Then Daisy suddenly stepped closer and nudged his shoulder.
"I'll finish the race."
Joong groaned.
"But if something feels wrong," she continued, "I'll stop."
He studied her face carefully.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
He exhaled slowly.
"Alright."
She turned to walk back toward the group.
But before she could go too far—
Joong grabbed her wrist lightly.
She turned back.
He looked a little embarrassed now.
"Hey."
"What?"
"Good luck."
She smiled.
"Thanks."
Then she ran back toward the others.
Joong watched her go, still uneasy.
The Group Waiting
Nova immediately jumped forward.
"What did he say?"
Daisy shrugged casually.
"He told me not to die."
Ben laughed.
"That's fair advice."
Care studied Daisy's face quietly.
"You okay?"
"Yeah."
Care nodded slowly.
"Alright."
The announcement came again.
"Runners, please take your positions."
The race was about to begin.
The runners gathered at the starting line.
About fifteen participants stood on the track.
Daisy joined them.
The track stretched long under the bright sun.
One kilometer.
Four full laps.
The group moved closer to the fence.
Joong stood at the front.
Kevin beside him.
Nova already shouting encouragement.
"DAISY YOU GOT THIS!"
Ash laughed.
"You're louder than the speakers."
Lyra stood quietly, watching the track.
Alex beside her.
Ben shaded his eyes with his hand.
"This is going to be intense."
Care crossed her arms, focusing on Daisy carefully.
Her expression was calm.
But inside she felt uneasy.
She knew something about pushing the body too far.
The whistle rose into the air.
The runners crouched slightly.
The field went quiet.
For one moment everything froze.
Then—
WHISTLE.
The runners took off.
Shoes hitting the track.
The race had begun.
Daisy started at a steady pace.
Not too fast.
Not too slow.
The group followed her with their eyes as she completed the first lap.
Nova shouted again.
"LET'S GO!"
Ben added dramatically,
"RUN LIKE THE CAFETERIA IS CLOSING!"
Kevin laughed.
First lap finished.
Second lap.
The runners began spreading out.
Some slowed down.
Some pushed harder.
Daisy stayed consistent.
Joong watched every step she took.
His jaw clenched slightly.
"She's pacing well," Kevin said quietly.
Joong nodded.
But his eyes never left her.
Third lap.
Now fatigue started showing.
Some runners were already struggling.
The sun felt hotter.
Breathing grew heavier.
But Daisy kept going.
The group could see sweat running down her face.
"Come on Daisy!" Ash shouted.
Nova was practically jumping now.
"YOU'RE DOING AMAZING!"
Care watched silently.
Fourth lap.
The final lap.
The crowd became louder.
Students screamed and clapped.
Teachers shouted encouragement.
Daisy pushed forward.
Her breathing became rough.
Her legs felt heavier.
But the finish line was now visible.
Just a little further.
Another runner crossed first.
Then—
Daisy crossed the finish line.
Second place.
The whistle blew loudly.
The crowd cheered.
Nova screamed.
"SECOND PLACE!"
Ben pumped his fist.
"LET'S GOOOO!"
Joong finally exhaled in relief.
Daisy slowed down after crossing the line.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly.
But she smiled.
She had done it.
She began walking toward the group.
The distance between them grew smaller.
Nova waved wildly.
"DAISY YOU—"
Suddenly—
Daisy's steps slowed.
Her vision blurred slightly.
The cheers around her became muffled.
Her legs felt weak.
Care noticed first.
Her eyes sharpened.
"Something's wrong."
Joong stepped forward.
"Daisy?"
Daisy tried to take another step.
But the ground tilted.
Her body swayed.
Then—
She collapsed.
Right on the track.
The cheers stopped.
The field fell silent.
And the group started running.