"Get set… Go!"

  The first group of runners took off, their legs pumping as they sprinted down the track. One by one, they rounded the bend and slowed to a walk, breathing hard as they looped back toward Coach. The next group was already lined up and poised to start.

  "Get set… Go!"

  Kaitlyn shuffled toward the front of the line, shaking her muscles out in preparation for the sprint. The warm-up run and earlier exercises had helped her to stave off the cold. However, standing still like this meant her sweat was rapidly cooling in the crisp morning air. It had already passed the point of "refreshing" and was quickly approaching "freezing."

  "Get set… Go!"

  Luckily, she didn't have to wait long. She set off at a dead run, doing her best to maintain her breathing patterns all the way through the sprint. Her legs burned as she finally crossed the finish line with a triumphant lunge.

  Yes! I didn't come in last that time!

  A surge of pride swelled in her chest as she looked around at her fellow cross country runners. Second-to-last may not have seemed like much to an outside observer. But to her, it was massive. Any time she managed to outdo herself in running specifically felt like a victory worthy of a full-on celebration.

  I seriously thought I was going to suck at this forever, since all my progress gets reset every time. But I don't. Between my technique, my breathing, and my mindset… I'm so much better than I used to be. It's incredible.

  She interlaced her fingers behind her head and rejoined the lines near Coach. The walrus-like old man continued calling out cues and encouragement as line after line began their sprints. Kaitlyn had no illusions that she was a good runner, nor that she would ever be one. But progress was progress, and she'd never been one to devalue that.

  It really is amazing how much of a difference it makes. Guess that there really is more to working out than just the muscles and physical stuff, huh?

  She continued pushing through round after round of sprints before moving on to a flurry of other exercises that left her legs screaming in protest. The pain reminded her that the muscles were, in fact, still a large part of working out. However, rather than focus on that, she tried instead to think over the events of the surprisingly eventful loop.

  This new job is working out amazingly so far. And not just because of the car and the money, either.

  After working for a few weeks at John Avenue Capital, Kaitlyn could confidently say that it was the best gig she'd landed yet. The hours were mind-bogglingly flexible, the work challenged her in novel ways, and each contribution actually seemed to result in real changes. Even the people she worked with were nice—even if their few interactions took place through a screen. Best of all, there hadn't even been a whiff of any Enforcers trying to mess with her or anyone else. So far, it seemed she was in the clear.

  If I can go an entire loop like this, then I'm sold. This place is gonna be my go-to from here on out.

  All of that, in addition to the sheer speed at which she could land the job, made it an obvious choice. And that meant that she'd likely never have to worry about money ever again. Not that it had really been a true concern in recent history. But now, it wasn't even worth thinking about.

  It means I really wouldn't have to do Kate's Kitchen anymore, would I?

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  She dismissed the thought even as it appeared in her mind. Her cooking business had ceased to be a real contributor to her income for a long while now. At this point, it really was just a labor of love and an excuse to keep cooking. No way she wanted to give that up.

  I guess I really did come full circle, huh? From hobby, to job, back to hobby…

  "Get set… Go!"

  Her musings paused as she took off down the track once more, panting as she finished the sprint. Her work situation wasn't the only thing noteworthy about this loop. There were other areas that had seen significant changes. Specifically, the people she'd spent her time with.

  I can't believe Elliot's hanging out with me this much.

  For whatever reason, the ginger-haired male lead had been far more open to hanging out this time around. Not just in the usual ways, either. Sure, she still got invites to study sessions and lunches with him and Esme. But the guy also asked her to play Bash Bros a few more times after the first. The bizarre turn of events had her reconsidering whether or not this should still count as a rest loop.

  …No, going after his romance ending again is a bad idea, Kaitlyn firmly decided. She wiped some sweat away with the sleeve of her shirt. Just because he's hanging out with me more doesn't mean I know what to do with that attention. I mean, I still have no idea how I'm supposed to help him. I'd rather just sit back and see what I can learn rather than mess it all up by taking a shot in the dark.

  Just because they were spending more time together didn't automatically mean she was on the right track, anyway. It was entirely possible that this was merely an opportunity, one that required proper planning to take advantage of. And until she was certain otherwise, she'd let herself be content with going along for the ride.

  After her legs were well and truly cooked, cross country practice finally drew to a close. Coach made a brief speech about the upcoming home meet and the importance of getting proper rest beforehand—something that didn't apply to Kaitlyn—before the group dispersed. She managed to wobble only slightly as she made her way over to join Rachel.

  "Hey, sweetie." The athletic girl's dark eyes glittered with amusement as she took in Kaitlyn's flushed features. "Goodness, you certainly went the extra mile today. No pun intended."

  "Of course! Don't I always?"

  "Well, yes. But You seemed especially motivated. Did something happen?"

  Kaitlyn shrugged. "Not really. Maybe I'm just excited for the meet. Even if I'm not competing, you guys are kind of infecting me."

  Rachel let out a tinkling laugh. "Well, I certainly won't complain. And I don't think Coach will either. At this rate, don't be surprised if he tries to recruit you for track next semester."

  Kaitlyn suppressed a wry smile at that.

  They talked briefly about the coming race as they began the long walk toward the dorms. All around, a growing crowd of students bustled to and from their various classes. It wasn't nearly at its peak yet, given that it was still early in the morning. But far more people were awake now than when practice started.

  "By the way," Rachel mentioned, "I've heard a few plans to get together and celebrate afterwards. I'm not certain of the details yet, but would you want to come with?"

  "Of course!" Kaitlyn readily agreed. "I'm down for anything. We can even go somewhere off-campus if people want to."

  "Hmm…" Rachel tapped a finger against her lips. "That might be an option. We'd need to coordinate rides, of course… Do you have somewhere in mind?"

  "Not really. Just thought it might be fun to do something special. If rides are an issue, though, I can help. I have a car."

  The dark-skinned girl blinked in surprise. "You do? Here?"

  "Yeah. It's been… pretty helpful, honestly."

  Rachel shook her head in disbelief. "Honestly, Kat. You are just so full of surprises. First the cooking thing, now this? Next you'll tell me that you're secretly the heir to some famous restaurant chain…"

  Kaitlyn laughed. "No, nothing like that. I promise."

  Though I know someone who's not far off from that…

  It wasn't long before they said their goodbyes and parted ways. As she headed for the west dorms, Kaitlyn stretched her arms toward the sky, feeling the soreness of her muscles as she did. They burned in a familiar, almost pleasant way. One that served as a reminder that she'd worked hard.

  Alright. Time to go home and take a nice hot shower. Then, I've got a full day of work, cooking, and lab ahead of me. Maybe I can slot in a quick trip to the grocery store and a cafe, if I have time…

  With that thought spurring her forward, she tried to quicken her pace—just slightly on account of her aching muscles. Hopefully, they wouldn't render her too sore to drive.