She couldn’t recall ever meeting the man, so she assumed he might be one of her fans. Not wanting toe across as narcissistic, she refrained from mentioning it and waited for him to introduce himself. Although he appeared slightly disappointed that Hera didn’t immediately recognize him, which struck her as unusual, he still proceeded with his introduction.


    "Hi, I’m not sure if you remember me, but I was from ss C, your neighboring ss. You helped me a few times with bullies who tried to steal my allowance and beat me up," he said with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his head.


    Hera raised an eyebrow, struggling to remember him. Throughout her life, she had frequently helped people, especially when it came to standing up against bullies. It was a cause she couldn’t ignore, but his face still didn’t seem familiar.


    She had also been bullied at times by girls who were jealous of her looks and academic sess, or who had crushes on Alexi. These experiences were part of what motivated her to learn martial arts and self-defense.


    Since she had helped many people over the years, she couldn’t remember all of them. At the time, she had been just a passerby and hadn’t taken her actions seriously, as she didn’t expect anything in return—it was simply what she believed a decent person should do.


    "How about we go in first?" Hera suggested, ncing at the growing line of impatient cars forming behind them. She didn’t want to dwell on the past and cause a dy for other customers at the racecourse.


    The man nodded eagerly, his expression brightening like a pleased puppy. He quickly hopped into his jeep, maneuvering it out of the way. The jeep had a noticeable dent from where the truck had hit it, and the truck itself had arger dent and damaged headlights. However, since the man had stopped causing trouble, Bry’s father chose not to pursue the matter further. With the truck’s damage being the least of his concerns, he focused on pacifying the young man and defusing the situation when they entered the facility.


    Bry’s father gave Hera a grateful nce before getting back into his truck and driving away. After ensuring that no further issues would arise, Hera began to return to her car. However, the security guards stopped her to apologize and thank her for intervening. They personally escorted her back to her vehicle, to show their respect for her.


    Before she could get back into her car, a sudden wave of tension washed over her. Her hair stood on end and goosebumps prickled her skin. She had the unsettling feeling of being watched as if she were a small rabbit being tracked by a predator.


    She nced discreetly behind her at the line of cars, but with so many vehicles around, she couldn’t determine if the unsettling feeling came from them or somewhere else. Not wanting to remain exposed to that eerie stare, she quickly got into her car and followed Bry’s father’s truck to the parking lot.


    She parked a few feet away from Bry’s father’s truck, and before she could even get out, the man from earlier had already approached her car, looking at her with a cheerful expression. Hera responded with a polite smile as she stepped out. Noticing his earlier behavior might have been intrusive, the man quickly took a step back to give her some space.


    He didn’t speak until Hera made the first move, but he followed her every step like a lost puppy. Reluctantly, Hera stopped and turned to him. "To be honest, I don’t remember many people from high school," she said. "I was so focused on my part-time jobs and studies that I barely recall my ssmates. If I did help you back then, please don’t dwell on it. It was something I did for myself and my own sense of conscience, not for recognition or repayment."


    Although Hera didn’t want toe across as rude, she felt it was necessary to rify her position. She didn’t want the man to hold her in unrealistic regard as a savior or to cling to her just because of something she did years ago. She didn’t want to be burdened by the weight of gratitude for something that happened so long ago. and just happened in passing


    "I’ve always known you were a kind soul," he said proudly, puffing out his chest. "But repaying the kindness I received is something I feel I must do. Your help from before inspired me to change and be a bit braver."


    Hera raised an eyebrow and looked him straight in the eye. <i>’Brave enough to pick a fight so early in the morning, despite being at fault for the ident,’</i> she thought to herself. <i>’I wonder if I’ve done more to damage to him than to help him grow into a better person?’</i> As she stared at him, she felt a strange twist of frustration and disappointment.


    Noticing the strange expression on Hera’s face, his own grew tense and flushed. He didn’t know where to put his hands, realizing his earlier mistake. Instead of making a positive impression on his idol, he had only managed to leave a negative one.


    He wanted to say something, but Hera had already walked away, leaving him rooted to the spot. Despite his frustration, he followed her a few steps, only to see her meet up with the man he had just verbally abused—someone he had unfairly treated as a target for his morning anger and frustration.


    He felt his body grow tense and cold as the blood drained from his face.