Chapter 20
The student council carried water up the mountain, with Roman, their president, leading the way
Sining under the shade of a tree, Flina vividly recalled her life before the time travel Back then, she’d used the sunscreen Willow had given her, only to break out in a severe allergic reaction.
Her face had turned bright red–like a baboon’s backside. Mortified, she hadn’t dared approach Homan for water, leaving her thirsty all day. She’d resorted to sneaking out at night to gulp down tap water, her pride in tatters.
What a goddamn nightmare,’ she thought bitterly.
This time around. Eliana wasn’t about to let herself suffer again. She walked straight up to get her share of water. Spotting her approach, Roman
abbed a bottle and handed it to her.
“Thanks” Eliana muttered, spinning on her heel to leave.
“Hey, hold up!” Roman called after her.
She named around, arching an eyebrow. “What’s up!”
Romun held out a tube of mosquito repellent. “You’ll need this. There are a ton of mosquitoes at night when you’re camping up here.
Elana blinked, caught off guard by the gesture. Before her time travel, it was exactly this kind of thoughtfulness that had made her fall for Roman. But things were different now. She wasn’t going to tread that path again,
“Appreciate it, but I’ve got my own,” she said, declining the repellent before walking off without a second glance,
Nearby, one of the student council members noticed Roman still holding the repellent. “Yo, Roman, where’d that come from? We didn’t pack anything like that, did we! Or did we forget?”
Roman slipped the tube back into his pocket. “Nope. I brought it myself” He’d brought it specifically for Eliana, but since she didn’t want it, he let it go without pressing further.
Just then, Willow strolled over to grab some water, radiating her usual polished and cheery vibe.
She wasn’t eve
even thirsty–she had her stash of sports drinks for that. She wasn’t here to stay hydrated; she was here to get Roman’s attention. expected, the moment Willow showed
ved up, the student council guys perked up, their eyes lighting up
plike kids spotting candy.
Willow noticed the glances coming her way and felt a sense of satisfaction. She leaned in toward Roman and said softly. “Thank you so much for lending me your jacket last time, Roman. I really don’t know what I would have done without it.
Roman shrugged, his tone indifferent. “It was the least I could do
After getting her water, Willow lingered, hoping to talk more with Roman, but he seemed uninterested. Feeling a bit awkward, she turned to chat with others nearby: Soon enough, her charming words captivated the student council members.
Meanwhile, Eliana was summoned to the command center by an officer.
“Did you need me for something, air Elina asked.
“Your in
instructor wants to see you,” the officer replied.
Eliana’s instructor approached her and said, “Eliana, if the training is getting too hard for you, you don’t have to
Eliana frowned. “It wouldn’t be fair to the others if I skipped it.”
“It’s fine, the instructor reassured her. “Willow also opted out. She just submitted a medical exemption.”
keep going”
Now Eliana finally understood why Willow could show up at the training all dolled up while everyone else looked like they’d been dragged through the mud. When training rolled around, she always disappeared
So, that was how she did it–a “medical
When Willow
exemption”
returned to the Garcia family. Andy and Victoria wasted no time taking her for a full medical check–up.
There was no way she was sick. If she really were, her parents wouldn’t have let her move all the way from Avragow to Dratora City for school. It had to be fake.
10:29 PM & d
Chapter 20
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Eliana scoffed at such antics. “No, thanks. I can manage.” But then she added, “By the way, could you let me see Willow’s medical report?”
The instructor frowned, not sure why she wanted it, but considering who her father was, he couldn’t really say no. “Alright, I’ll send it to you later.
Thanks,” Eliana said curtly before heading back to the squad.
The student council members were almost done handing out water and preparing to leave when Roman spotted her. After a moment’s hesitation, he walked over.
“Eliana,” he said
Eliana turned to him. “Yes?”
Roman took the mosquito repellent out of his pocket. “I brought this for you. If you don’t need it, feel free to pass it on.”
Before Eliana could reply, he placed the repellent in her hand and walked away.
Eliana was briefly taken aback as she stared at the mosquito repellent in her hand. Just then, Willow approached her.
“Eliana, what did Roman just give you? Is that mosquito repellent? If you don’t want it, I’ll take it,” Willow
said.
Without waiting for an answer, Willow grabbed the repellent from Eliana, claiming it for herself.
Eliana frowned “Give it back.”
Willow looked surprised. “You already gave it to me. Isn’t it rude to ask for it back?”
you could have it. And stop talking to me. I don’t wanna see your face.”
Eliana replied, “I never said you
Willow clenched her teeth. “Well, I’m not giving it back.” With that, she turned and walked away.
Eliana thought about chasing after her but was called to assemble. She decided to let Willow keep the repellent, figuring it saved her the trouble of returning it to Roman later.
Eliana reflected on Roman’s gesture. He had never done anything like that in her previous life. Maybe things were different now.
Back then, Eliana’s severe allergy made her so self–conscious that she avoided everyone, including Roman, until she regained her confidence. By that time, Willow had already become more popular, leaving Eliana unable to catch up.
Thinking it over, Eliana realized she had many regrets in her previous life. This time, she was determined to set things right
After the evening’s training. Eliana returned to her tent, completely exhausted. She checked her phone and saw that her instructor had sent her Willow’s medical exemption.
Epilepsy? How ridiculous! Eliana unirked and saved a copy of the report on her phone.
The next day, another grueling round of training kicked off. Everyone woke up feeling beat, aching all over, and totally drained.
But Eliana was a whole different story–she was practically bouncing with energy. During the weighted run, she charged ahead, her heavy backpack barely slowing her down.
Someone from the back shouted, “Eliana, what’s your secret! How the hell are you not wiped out like the rest of us?*
