Find your faith

Chapter 5: The comparsions continue ⚠️

This chapter contains explicit imagery of @n0r€x!@ and b0dy !m@g€. Reader discretion is advised
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Keqing's POV
"If Chloe looks a lot like Greg Heffley," I remarked. "Crystal is Sakura from LE SSERAFIM but plummier."

"Come on~ Chloe doesn't look half bad," Ethan admitted. "She just needs to put in more effort into her physical image despite her outcast status."

"Ok you should seriously learn to shut up," Xingqiu blurted out rudely. "And Crystal needs to lose a few kilos if our ex form Mrs Teo is seriously going to choose her as company leader. And if Mr Han wants to see her as a real guide."
Crystal's POV
How did they bring Sakura into the comparison game? I can't believe the comparisons became three way, me, Chloe and a k-pop star.  But then again, I have to prove to Mrs Teo I am deserving of the role. She always had high expectations for me.
Flashback
First half of prologue continued
"Girls," Mrs Teo said. "Congratulations for doing equally well for your EOYs. But Chloe, please leave first. I want to speak to your sister." My sister retreated to the concourse where she continued playing her Project Sekai.

Mrs Teo then talked me about attending a 5 day camp on leadership, claiming it was "prestigious" and only 2 Secondary 2 girls a year were sent for the camp. I stayed calm trying to absorb the information and how my parents were going to get an online letter since it was for a badge. Yet, when she finished, I jumped up and down and started squealing, actually jumping my way down the stairs. Nope, I didn't break my leg in the process.
Present day
Mrs Teo was old and strict, but if she thinks about you, it shows. If she believes in you, it shows. If she prefers you, it shows. She's bad at hiding admiration, but it's obvious she admires me. I have to keep my reputation up for everyone's sake.
The next day
Anika's POV
Canteen
"What's even in that protein shake?" I asked out of concern when Crystal was gulping down her supposed recess—a protein shake.

"Hainanese Chicken Rice but in the form of a protein shake," Crystal replied coolly. I looked a little closer, and was able to see Crystal look a little thinner than before.

"What have you been doing?"

"Running."

"But you lost weight. How long?"

"30-40 minutes a time. Usually at night because Mr Han is going to kill me for needing to run so many rounds the court. I'm a guide after all..."

I'm not sure what or how to feel. Is this an eating disorder in the making? But she looks so determined to prove herself to Mr Han, I might make it worse by stepping in.
Crystal's POV
A week later
I lost 5 kg over the past week. I managed to run 3 rounds less the previous lesson too! I never felt this great in my life. Not only has Mr Han praised me, but Mrs Teo confirmed I'll be the company leader for real. And it's a refreshing habit, so I'm going to continue my running.

Unfortunately, life didn't seem to work for a run today. There were raindrops on my window and I was having a splitting headache. But hey~ splitting headaches can be solved with hot showers and a good sleep, right? I decided to throw all caution to the wind and run. After all, it's just a drizzle and will die down soon.

Giving myself an hour instead of the usual 45 minutes, I proceeded with the run, the only difference being the small sound of my feet splashing in the puddles. I just kicked my feet to my @$$ and let the rain hit me. It felt so refreshing to run in a body lighter than before. Helped me to push on.

Halfway through however, my vision blurred. I slowed down to make sure I wasn't going to black out, but it wasn't. The rain was ablur, making everything seem blurry. I felt my shoes sink in deeper into the puddles, but I gritted my teeth and kept running. After all, this is what I'm paying for in order to get 3 Faith to like me.

Crash!

I fell in the water puddles with a thud and landed there. I felt my headache get worse but pushed it aside, finishing my round with my heart pounding like never before. When I got home, I desperately pounded my feet on the mat before sneaking up to take a shower.

In the shower, hot water pounded on my body, replacing the chill I experienced from the rain. I felt warm again, knowing I could head to bed refreshed. The soap on my body felt smooth, and conditioner ran through my hair like the snow rolling down. I blew my hair with the hot hairdryer which would always be soothing to me. It always brought a sense of calmness in my body. I then took off my glasses and turned off the light, closing my eyes and embracing the warmth of my blanket. What a day to be losing weight for Mr Han.