Chapter 171: The Cheater

“OMG!” Mr. Romero says the word in everyone’s mind as they watch the pitiful scene. “Policarpio’s crawling to the baton exchange. Quick! Somebody help him! Help him!”

Reggie is the first to break the spell of paralysis. He leaps over the rail and onto the track. He and Jared manage to run towards him before the alert CAT volunteers practice crowd control and stop others from joining. Reggie reaches Nate’s side.

“No!” Nate screams vehemently. “Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me! I have to do this by myself.”

“But hyung,” Jared says, having stopped next to Reggie, “you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to prove anything.”

“Yes… I… do,” Nate grunts as he crawls forward foot by precious foot.

“Let us help you,” Reggie pleads. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

“Don’t come closer!” Nate barks, spittle flying between his gritted teeth.

In what feels like eternity, he reaches the changeover zone and Kate’s crouched form. Her eyes are glassy and full of pity for him. He hates that loo