Chapter 12: Breaking Ties and Leaving Marks
Chapter 12: Breaking Ties and Leaving Marks
" Uhh... why’s everyone looking at me?." Lin Mu asked as he stepped off the treadmill, his chest heaving as sweat dripped from his brow.
The sprint he’d just finished made his body fell invigorated, but his euphoria faded when he noticed the intense stares surrounding him. The onlookers, who had been whispering moments ago, now openly gawked at him, their faces a mix of shock, confusion, and something else hidden which Lin Mu didn’t expect to be aimed at him.
Envy.
The gym was silent except for the faint hum of the treadmill slowing to a stop. Lin Mu stood Infront of them in silence, his chest rising and falling as he wiped the sweat from his brow. A dozen pairs of eyes were glued to him, mouths slightly ajar, stunned by what they had just witnessed.
"Little Lin!, That was incredible!" a voice piped up from the crowd. It was the same middle-aged woman who had moments ago been whispering to her neighbor about his lack of abilities. She now wore an exaggerated smile, clapping her hands as if she couldn’t be any happier.
’ Little Lin?.’ Lin Mu’s eyes twitched unconsciously.
"Yes, amazing!, Who would’ve thought you could run like that?" chimed in a younger man who had once made fun of Lin Mu’s quiet nature. He stepped forward, giving a loud, fake laugh.
"To think we all underestimated you," added another voice, this time a man Lin Mu clearly remembered. It was the very same one who’d ’accidentally’ spilled protein powder on him several months ago when he first wanted to give the gym a try and laughed about it with his friends.