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."

eyebrow arched at

believe you when you say you’re moving forward," he clarified, "but grief isn’t that

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

gaze softened. "I see." He leaned back against the tree, his tone gentler now. "You do seem fine. I’m no psychiatrist, but I trust

George continued with a grin, "don’t expect me to go easy on you when

mean?" Nnenna asked, brows furrowing

know?" His grin widened. "My second major is martial arts. And my private sensei? One of the best masters

raised an eyebrow, unimpressed and not

"Yep."

a sly smile. "I’m looking forward

up already, like the duel had been scheduled right then and

said, shifting gears with ease, "let me help you study. Graduating

already had the best of the best as private tutors... but seeing the

side in less than a minute, like he had been waiting for that

said, voice firm but patient. "Year four pre clinical theory. You’ll need

not correcting him. "Sure, go

to catch up. But to

first, George chuckled. "Lucky guesses,

her head. "If that’s what you want to call

finally stump her. But Nnenna’s responses flowed just as

slowly, staring at her. "Hold on... you’ve already been through

Nnenna replied carefully, trying not to sound smug. "I’ve just...

eyes narrowed in disbelief, then softened with admiration. "You’re holding

gave him a small shrug.

he only discussed with his top peers. This time, his voice changed, no longer the superior tutor, but a fellow scholar. "Alright then... let’s see how you handle

excitement, Nnenna kept pace. They debated case outcomes, exchanged strategies, even laughed when one

Hours passed like minutes.

finally closed his book, shaking his head with a grin. "Unbelievable. You’re not just aiming for graduation, are you? You’re

maybe you’re