BuzzNovelThings went much smoother once they reached York's leg of the race. Though he and Ivan bickered and teased
each other along the way, their teamwork was undeniable. York, having trained in both taekwondo and
kickboxing, had the stamina and explosive energy to widen their lead again.
The final stretch belonged to Ivan.
To everyone's surprise, Ivan darted forward with unexpected. speed-nothing like the quiet, bookish homebody
they'd all expected from someone who spent most days sketching indoors.
Alessia figured this sudden burst of athleticism probably had everything to do with York dragging Ivan out for
daily runs. After all, Ivan had caught a nasty cold when the seasons changed-a whole week in bed, feverish and
weak, thanks to years of avoiding sunlight and exercise.
After Ivan finally recovered, York took it upon himself to whip him into shape, insisting on two laps around the
park every afternoon before walking him home. It was easy to guess that Ivan had been picked for the relay
team for exactly this reason.
These details, of course, Ivan had shyly confided to Alessia himself.
It warmed her heart to see Ivan open up and share bits of his life. He was such a sweet, gentle kid-anyone would
feel protective of him. So Alessia always listened patiently, encouraging him to keep talking, letting him know he
had her full attention.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtClearly, her gentle encouragement had paid off. Ivan now spoke with confidence, even around strangers, waving
hello without hesitation or shyness.
When the relay ended, their team took the championship without question. The four of them collapsed into a
joyful huddle, spinning in circles, their faces lit up with irrepressible grins.
Alessia seized the moment, snapping a few candid photos. Sensing her
1/3
10.06
from a distance.
She lowered the camera and flashed them a big thumbs-up. The straightforward praise made their smiles grow
even wider, their happiness overflowing.
With the relay over, the rest of the day’s competitions belonged to other teams. The three kids had to stay put
with their classmates, playfully goofing off together while waiting for the next event.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Alessia’s end of the bleachers was decidedly more awkward. The two grown men-
Max and Zane-were engaged in their usual verbal sparring. Whenever one tried to speak to Alessia, the other
would jump in with a sarcastic jab, using her as the go-between for their banter.
Alessia resisted the urge to roll her eyes as the two of them volleyed snarky remarks back and forth, with her
stuck in the middle.
“Do you two wantto give you space so you can hash this out?” she asked dryly. “Or should | ask the staff to
clear the field so you can settle this with a wrestling match?”
That shut them up instantly.
“Honestly, how old are you? York and Ivan are more mature than you two.” “York? That little brat?” Max scoffed
and shook his head, as if being compared to York was a personal insult.
Just then, York emerged from his
class, looking none the worse for
wear. The hundreds eT grad
. T p fa
Bi y winded Him; ifanything, he
seemed even more energized,
standing tall on the field. He was
already growing into his good looks,
standing out among his peers, The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
He waved at Ivan, who sat curled up
with his knees to 8cggercans!
genuine. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
When Zane waved, though, York's smile disappeared, and he turned away.
10:06
Chapter 400
Zane looked hurt and glanced at Ivan
for comfort. Ivan AS 8g geitly
Pe pa Shouler-it was all the
reassurance he needed. The content
is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Soon, the four-hundred-meter race began. By coincidence-or fate-one of York's competitors was Tammie.
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