They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 634: Holding Back

But to cover pre clinicals and clinicals in a single year, while skipping months of lectures and practical postings? To many, it sounded impossible.

Even Carl, in his time, had at least attended his postings before daring to skip ahead. But now this barely eighteen year old girl was threatening to break his record. To most, it was laughable. To a few, though... it was worth watching.

"I see you found my spot," a male voice called out.

Nnenna lifted her head from the book in her lap. "George," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "This is your spot?"

"Yes." He nodded, settling down against the tree across from her. "I come here a lot to study. Peaceful, you know? Guess that’s why you like it too. Which means... what I heard is true." His eyes narrowed with curiosity. "You really intend to graduate after barely two years in this academy?"

"Yes, you heard right," Nnenna replied simply.

George blinked, as if her calmness only made the revelation more shocking. Then he chuckled softly. "A lion hangs out with lions, after all. Feels like yesterday I first took notice of you, and now you’re planning to graduate the same time as me." His voice carried no jealousy, only genuine admiration.

Sensing this, Nnenna’s smile deepened. "Anyone can do it, as long as they set their mind to it," she said calmly.

George shook his head. "No. Most people don’t take things this seriously. But you... you went the extra mile. You inspire me." His gaze lingered on her.

The words caught Nnenna off guard. She was never good at accepting compliments. For a few seconds, she didn’t know how to respond. Finally, she forced her voice steady. "Thank you... I appreciate you saying that."

George nodded, leaning back against the tree with a thoughtful look. "I’m curious," he said after a pause. "Where have you been these past months?"

"I couldn’t reach you on your cell. I even went to the year two block to find Princess Ava, but she only said you were taking personal time off. She wouldn’t mention why. Then today, someone told me they spotted you in the academy." George leaned forward, eyes sharp with curiosity. "Who knew you would be here? What happened?"

"Uhm..." Nnenna hesitated, torn between what she could say and what she couldn’t. But lying wasn’t an option. She drew in a breath. "I... lost a loved one and needed time to recover," she admitted softly.

George’s expression shifted, all curiosity melting into empathy. "I’m sorry you had to go through that, Nnenna. I can’t imagine how that must’ve felt. If you need anything... I’m here for you, okay?"

"Thank you." Nnenna gave a small nod. "But don’t worry, I’ve moved on." Her voice was calm, steady, too steady.

George studied her for a beat, then shook his head. "I doubt that."

arched

you say you’re moving forward," he clarified, "but grief isn’t that simple. You know that too. You’ve got to

a year now. Really, I’m better. It still hurts sometimes when I remember... but that’s only because

no psychiatrist, but I trust my gut, and

with a grin, "don’t expect me to

you mean?" Nnenna asked,

sensei? One of the best masters

unimpressed

"Yep."

smile. "I’m looking forward to that

bet." George’s eyes lit up, fired up already, like the duel had been scheduled right then

gears with ease, "let me help you study. Graduating from year four ain’t

but

less than a minute, like he

of a senior about to guide a junior. "Alright, let’s start with the basics," he said, voice firm but patient. "Year four pre clinical theory. You’ll need these foundations nailed down before

faintly, not correcting him. "Sure, go

tutor waiting for his student to catch up. But to his growing surprise, Nnenna kept answering his quick questions without hesitation, calm, precise, and with the kind

George chuckled. "Lucky guesses,

her head. "If that’s what you

expecting to finally stump her. But Nnenna’s responses flowed just as smoothly, subtle corrections here, an extra detail there. She wasn’t showing off, but she couldn’t fake

"Hold on... you’ve

not to sound smug. "I’ve just...

then

gave him a

He flipped his notes open to year six full clinicals and case studies, the kind of material he only discussed with his top peers. This time, his voice changed, no longer the superior tutor, but a

They debated case outcomes, exchanged strategies, even laughed when one of them made a mistake. The air between

Hours passed like minutes.

not just aiming

maybe