As dawn came, Liam was one of the only students at the school. After changing into his track gear, he started off by stretching. He then entered the gym and deadlifted three hundred and fifty pounds, completing five reps and four sets. After finishing, he moved on to bench pressing two hundred pounds, performing twelve reps and five sets. Next, he did hip thrusts with weights, followed by hamstring curls and back squats with weights.
Once those were completed, he did some weighted pull-ups, eight per rep and five sets. He then moved on to bicep curls, performing five reps per set with fifty pounds, alternating to the next hand until he eventually did thirty-five reps on each arm. To finish off his morning exercises, he ran on the treadmill for half an hour. After completing everything, Liam drank some water, breathing heavily.
"You're here early, Liam," said a man as he walked into the gym.
"Yes, coach, I already finished my morning training," Liam replied.
"I see. That's good. Keep up the good work," said Liam's coach.
"Yes, coach. I need to reach my goal as soon as possible."
"I know, and I'm really impressed with your work ethic. You haven't missed a single day of training."
Liam Ainsworth, a foreign student from the United Kingdom. Age sixteen, a second-year, one hundred and ninety-eight centimeters tall, and possessing a pretty damn good physique despite his height. However, he wanted to compete in the hundred-meter race, despite his size, and his weight was dragging him down. The fastest time he had was eleven point one seconds, which was below even the average high school sprinter. His coach was afraid he wouldn't make it in this field at this rate. It was really hard for him to break the news to someone working as hard as Liam.
"Alright, coach. I'm going to finish my morning training with a light thirty-minute jog. See you later," Liam said as he was about to leave.
"Wait, Liam. Before you go, I want to ask you something," said the coach with a concerned look on his face.
"What is it, coach?" Liam asked.
"What exactly drives you to want to become a hundred-meter sprinter? I mean, it doesn't really make sense to me. You are so tall, massive, and powerful, so why did you choose to be on the track when you're more suited for field events like shot put or discus?"
"Well, you see, my uncle really likes sprinting, so that's why I'm training to become a sprinter, and that's all there is to it," Liam explained.
"You've got to be kidding me. That's it? That's what compels you to be a sprinter? If that's the case, then you won't make it very far. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. So what you mean to tell me is that you aren't doing it for yourself but for your uncle, who likes to watch hundred-meter races?" the coach asked.
"Well, that's practically what I just said," Liam replied.
"So you make all these sacrifices just so your uncle can watch a high school race?" the coach asked, incredulous.
"Yes, that's the main reason," Liam said simply.
"Listen to me, Liam. Every sprinter has the drive and hunger for victory. Getting faster than everyone else compels them to get their body into peak physical condition. The thrill and thoughts of competing with someone who's faster than you is what keeps a sprinter on his toes, day in and day out. So how can you look at me and tell me that your uncle is why you're in track?"
"There is nothing more to say, coach, because it's the complete and honest truth. I will be the best sprinter in Japan, and I'll make my uncle proud," Liam said, determination in his voice. As Naomi ran past the gym, he added, "Plus, let's be real, it's not every day a guy gets to see and train alongside beautiful Japanese girls running around this early in the morning. I'll see you later when training starts, coach." With that, he started jogging.
"Such a waste of talent and potential. If only he knew that he was meant for something greater than an eleven-point-one second hundred-meter dash," the coach thought to himself.
Liam jogged around the track until he eventually caught up with Naomi.
"Good morning, Nakamura," he said as he slowed down.
"Oh, it's you, Liam Ainsworth, right? You're here early again today," Naomi said, recognizing him.
"Yes, I have to get faster. The track meet is quickly approaching, and with a time as slow as mine, I'd probably come in last place."
"Yes, you're right. I'm getting sort of anxious about the upcoming track meet, but let's do our best, okay?" Naomi said with a smile.
"Yes, for sure," Liam agreed, watching her smile. "Damn, she's so cute," he thought to himself.
As time passed, Hayato walked on the outer side of the fence near the track.
"Wait, what's Hayato doing at school so early?" Liam wondered aloud.
"Hayato!" Liam shouted as he ran toward the fence.
"Huh? Oh, it's you, Liam. You're out here early," said Hayato, surprised to see him.
"Yes, I have to. I mean, it's called morning training for a reason."
"I like your enthusiasm, my foreign friend," Hayato said with a smile, respecting Liam's work ethic. "So, why are you out here so early?"
"Well, I couldn't sleep a wink last night after that practice match we had against Yokonan yesterday," Hayato said, rubbing the back of his head. "Oh, I almost forgot! You told me you had a match. So how did it go? Did you win?"
"No, we lost. Yokonan High was obviously the better team. However, we only lost by a single point—ninety to eighty-nine."
"You guys did great then, and you have a lot of time to improve your game to get revenge the next time you meet," Liam said encouragingly.
"Yes, which is exactly why I'm out here so early. I'm going to work on my skills in the basketball gym," Hayato said with determination in his voice.
"Okay, all the best, Hayato. Good luck with your training," Liam said as he was about to get back to his own workout.
"On that note," Hayato continued, "why don't you come over and spend a minute or two? It's been a while since we played together. Ever since that class vs. class match, we haven't had the chance. You've been busy with training, and I've been... well, you know, focusing on my game. So what do you say?"
Liam paused for a moment, considering the offer. It had been a while since he'd spent time just messing around and having fun.
"You know what? Yeah, why not?" Liam agreed with a grin. "Let's see what you've got."
"Great! I'll meet you in the gym after you're done with your run!" Hayato said enthusiastically, clearly looking forward to it.
"Sounds good. I'll see you there," Liam replied before taking off again for his morning jog, feeling more motivated than ever.