It is the last period. Everything is normal, as usual with our 'exceptional' students others are busy with their work. Also, in my case, there is the continuation of the 'Negotiation' I will be having with Erza later on.
The thing which is bothering me is, Why does Horikita want to go to CLASS-A, so badly? Is that because his brother was one of the students there, before? But does it matter? Whether its CLASS-D or CLASS-A? As long as it is in this school, it should be enough.
Does that got anything to do with 'Garbage students' ? Might have hurt her 'pride'. So she cares about what others think of her, huh?
"Not so strong, as you show, are you Horikita?" I thought and glanced at her ; focused onto the lessons. There goes my eyes, distracted towards Wistaria. She was doing the same as Horikita. Concentrated with her usual stoic face.
Now that there was another question on my plate. I, not gonna lie, am a bit excited. Actually, observing my actions also my thoughts, correctly. Thats exciting for me actually. Really exciting. It was the first time someone Understood my 'Thoughts'.
The bell rang. The Teacher excused himself from the classroom. The students were excited. About something. I dont know what it was all about. Wasnt really interested, to be honest.
"Hey! Ayanokouji~~" Someone called me, as I was packing my bag.
I turned around to see Kushida. Along with Ike, Yamauchi and Sudou?
"Yes? Is there something you want?" I was a little hesitant, as I thought, maybe I can make some 'Friends'. Doesnt really matter what nature they have. Just having an acquaintance is enough.
"Do you know what period it's now?~~" Kushida spoke with her high-pitched voice. But it was cute. I find that cute.
"No, not really." I said. Wasnt before, the last period? I looked at the clock. Yea. 3.15 PM. The time when our school ends.
"Man!!! What a mood breaker!!!" Ike spoke with a disappointed voice.
"ARE YOU KIDDING!!???" Yamauchi exclaimed with a surprised face.
I stared at their faces. Am I forgetting something? No, I am not. What's up with them? Why dragging this a lot? Cant you just tell me?
"I am afraid, not." I said.
"Today, our sports coach, allowed us to to use the Swimming pool in the other building!! Hirata and I went to ask, after discussing with the classmates. Were you perhaps not present?" Kushida spoke coming close to me.
"Too close." I thought.
She was short, her head came upto my chest, rather. Its cute right? Shorter girls, that is.
"Erza is a little shorter than me but taller than Kushida. Well I was having a good height. I am Tall, I guess. But, she is a quite Tall girl. Which I consider, Cool and smart." I thought as I stared at Kushida.
"Yes, I wasn't present." So they didnt even notice my presence. I dont mind, though. Its better that way.
"Not a problem~ You are welcome to come to the Swimming pool with us." She smiled at me. First time, someone gave a pure cheerful smile. Good girl, I guess.
Well, not everyone who smiles at you is a comrade, or is it?
"Yea! C'mon! Kushida invited you herself!!! " Yamauchi spoke.
"Y-Yea..." Ike spoke with a 'Fake crying' face. Oh, so its like that huh. Guess, I ll maintain my distance. Dont wanna intrude myself in some 'Problem'. Anyway, Kushida sure is popular, with both girls and boys.
Erza wouldn't come right? If so, That'll be so like her.
"Think about it right now okay?~~" Kushida said while her hands were at the back ; gave her usual smile at me and went towards Erza's seat.
Again. She smiles a lot.
Sakura went to Erza too.
I noticed Sudou come towards me.
" Oi.. Ayanokouji!" He came close to me and put his arm over my shoulders. "Will Erza come?" He whispered.
Is he 'interested' in her? Wow, So you are popular, Erza.
"Why are you asking me?" I said. Dont tell me he thinks we are close, like Horikita?
"Arent you guys close?" He stated. I sighed.
"No, we are not."
"Oh..man! That's a bummer!" He exclaimed.
"Why dont you ask her, yourself. I doubt she would even know about it." Well, Kushida went to her, maybe told about the discussion?
Sudou's eyes were left gaped slightly.
"Y-Yea you are right! I should go." As he went towards her.
Ike, Yamauchi also went. Perhaps, Ike went for Kushida. Who knows?
I dont think Erza will like all this 'Gathering around her place'.
"Are you planning to go?"
I glanced at the owner of the voice. Horikita. Why are YOU interested?
"I ll consider it. But I dont know. What about you? No?" I said as I stared at her from the corner of my eyes.
".....I was thinking of going. Not because they asked me or anything, but because the coach allowed the class. And I am a part of it." Horikita explained herself.
So, in other words, You really wanna go.
Tsundere, are you? Yea, a Tsundere.
"Oh. I see. Best of luck being around your 'classmates'." I focused on 'classmates' for her.
"I wont think twice before pricking your skin with the needle of my compass." She glared at me.
"I'll call you a murderer, then." I glared back. More like I 'Stare-glared' back.
I went towards where Ike and the others were.
Guess, she said Yes. Ofcourse she is not like Horikita. She tends to be familiar with the class, no matter how much she despise. But, she doesn't 'Despise' knowing people. Thats what I have observed.
On the other hand, Sudou's ears were bright red. He stared at her. Are you conscious of it? Wistaria?
"Would you mind stop staring at me, Sudou Ken?" Erza suddenly got distracted from the topic which was being discussed. How amusing.
Sudou flustered. "I-I am sorry!" As he rubbed his back of the neck.
"Never mind." She stated.
She hates being stared at, huh? Unlike for the ones who 'Observes' other people. ALSO, highly conscious about her surroundings.
Her eyes moved towards my direction.
Oh?
I met her eyes. Though that didnt last for a second. Also, there wasnt any new expression on my face or any 'high lighting' feature in my eyes, to look into.
So, its confirmed she WILL go along, with Sakura. I thought, you would not go. But seems like Horikita Suzune and Wistaria Erza will likely be going to the natatorium. Guess, maybe I can befriend with someone too.
Three days, passed, with no friend, I am as usual going on with my life. Good experience though, no interruptions, no consideration.
No Feelings To Get Attached with. Just like always. But its Free now. Freedom it is.
We all were on our way to the Natatorium.
Erza went her way with Sakura.
Soon, we reached to the place, everyone wanted to be.
I was sitting at a distant place after changing my clothes. Suddenly, Horikita came.
"Do you excercise, perhaps?"
I stared at her. She has a good body of a 'girl'. No I didnt expected her to be a man. No.But, I still didnt see Erza.
"Not really, too lazy to put effort."
"Lying is not one of the things you are Good at, are you?" She proceeded to sit beside me.
"Why are you sitting here? Are you perhaps, lonely?"
"In your dreams, rather I can sit wherever I want, is it not?" She eyed at me. I eyed at her.
Broke the eye-contact and looked forward. Saw the girls and boys having fun. Kushida was having fun with her female friends and Hirata along with some others were accompanying Kushida and her friends. They really are 'touchy' with each other.
No, not in a weird way, of course. Classmates should get along well. And its perfectly fine.
"Are you perhaps, not having friends?" I asked Horikita.
"I would rather refrain, from having such illegitimate childish relationship and focus on getting more scores in my Academics."
"I see. Good for you. Not like I mind though." I said.
I was looking forward as usual. But, something made the others look into a particular direction.
"Wow...Erza, she really does have abs. Thats so cool. Never thought she would be so beautiful really." Kushida spoke in admiration.
I glanced at her. She really is beautiful. Moreover she has abs; the lines traced over her swimsuit. Not to mention, she curled her hair up to a messy bun. Scarlet hair bun. Attractive. Cool. So she excercises, I see. Conscious of your body? Great. A female should always take care of their body.
"SHE DOESN'T EVEN PUT MAKEUP! BUT LOOK AT HER! SO BEAUTIFUL! Unlike some girls." Some guy spoke the last part in a low voice.
Well, a girl's hearing capability is far more superior.
"What the hell!!! So rude!" Karuizawa Kei slapped the back of that boy. Serves right, I guess?
I stared at Erza. Not in an inappropriate way. I am not a Pervert. I am a guy.
Erza looked at me. And frowned slightly. I distracted my eyes from her.
"Guess, shouldn't have stared." I thought as I put a blank face.
"About that, are you sure you dont excerise? " Horikita Interrogated.
"No." I simply said.
"You have quite a build body, for someone who doesnt consider excercising." Looking at my body? Well.
"It might have been because of my Good Genes. Isn't it? I dont like troublesome things, anyway." It wasnt a lie though. I was a bit muscular though. Not too slender not too muscular.
"I ll accept that answer then." Horikita spoke and stood in front of the pool. Ofcourse, she wasnt satisfied with my answer. But the truth is truth? I guess.
I sighed. Not long after, I felt a presence; back of me.
I turned to see. Wistaria standing there.
"Not planning to go to the pool?" She said, while her right palm rested on the side of her waist. Curvy I'd say.
"No, its not like that. Just planning to go anyway."
"I think its quite rude, staring at people, without their conscience. Dont you think?" She stated.
Is she talking about before?
"Yes. It sure is." I maintained eyecontact.
"Well same goes for a particular individual too, I suppose?" She moved her eyes towards the pool.
I didnt say anything. I knew particularly who she meant. Me.
"Guess, I should go to the pool too." I thought.
"I will see you later then." She said and proceeded to go to the pool.
Same with me.
I went to the pool. And stood in the water where those three were. But in a distance. I noticed. Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi come near me and whisper. Though Sudou didnt.
"Damn...we will be swimming. Summer is the best!!!! Kushida is rocking the swimsuit..oh man!" Ike spoke. He sure is excited.
I glanced at Yamauchi who whispered to me.
"Girls! Swimsuit! Damn...this is what I call Summer School Life!!! But school swimsuits are also good!" Also, Yamauchi seems to be energetic too.
I think if this energy they used in their studies, maybe they wont drop out. Or would not get dropped out. According, to the red markings of the DRY-RUN Examination.
"I wanna see Erza in the swimsuit though..." Sudou whispered to himself and faced me. Along with two others who did the same.Well the girls wore swimsuits but not the 'erotic' one. Maybe that is why they were disappointed?
"Arent you glad!!?? Ayanokouji?!"
I as always, as expressionless as I am, without even hesitating I said.
"I dont know. Seems fine to me either way."
"Bruh! You really are a bummer, huh?"
I didnt answer. Those three chit-chatted about Girls and stuffs. I wasnt particularly interested. But I guess, thats how High Schoolers work. Normal High Schoolers, I mean.
Sudou kept on speaking about Wistaria. Ike about Kushida. Whereas, Yamauchi talked about every girl, now and then.
Tiring.
I wonder how the Girls would feel if they listened to their conversation.
Moreover, what would Erza think? Sudou and Erza? Definitely wont go well. Polar Opposites.
Polar Opposites do attract, I heard. But, here, the case is a bit exceptional.
All Girls came from their locker. Lastly, glancing towards Horikita and Wistaria, saw that Erza looked at the water thinking about something while her eyes were dark.
Not having a good experience with water? Then, she would've rejected the offer. Maybe, a haunting experience. Trembling, fearing, experience?
Erza and fear? Not compatible, I guess. She a bold girl.
Not even Horikita can stand her ways.
Its like Erza DO have a high-self esteem. Appropriate words to fight back. Experienced in handling situations. Moreover, Defending herself, with highly self-confidence.
Horikita, on the other hand, has High-self esteem, for sure. Have words to fight back, true, but not always. Her statements does have a fault in it not always though, but in those cases, the 'Fault' can be taken advantage of. Guessing, she could get manipulated, by even a small amount of break in her words. Which gives her at a disadvantage to be near of someone like Wistaria.
Though, I dont STILL know what Wistaria's other hidden capabilities are as of now. But, its a hunch, she is very much Similar to me. In various ways, possible.
Probability of her manipulating others, is quite high, regarding the stats, mentioned.
Maybe, a question can arrive, thus clearing it would be my earnest duty?
Who cares.
Am I manipulative? Well, I do NOT know about that. But if Erza is capable of that skill. Then I supposely dont know. Nor I want to talk about it. Or consider it.
So lets conclude that, Me and Erza are not AT ALL manipulative.
We are normal High Schoolers who are a BIT 'observant' that's it. Nothing more. Nothing less.
The world revolves around Deals, Parties, Politics, Discrimination.
Everyone is related in it someway, possible. Thus, none can be taken in a disadvantage state.
Back in Present.
The boys changed to their swimsuit and later on some of the girls came. Though, only the disappointed faces of those three could be seen. Why?
"I thought it will be S-W-I-M-S-U-I-T-S! But they are wearing the 'school swimsuits'!!?? Whyy!!?? I was so eager to look at Kushida but as I told she is rocking it." Ike's voice dropped.
"Its a bummer for me too. Wanted to look at Erza, really..." Sudou's dissatisfied face makes it more evitable than the disappointment in his voice.
After that, they started talking about some games and stuffs. Which I dont really get. Because, I wasn't fond of them.
Looks like Sudou and Ike was looking forward for this Swimming class.
Sudou continued staring at Erza. Hmm. Real crush on her, huh?
My eyes roamed around her tiny figure, which looked small due to the distance. Horikita was near her too. Is she getting familiar with Wistaria?
I dont think Erza will even consider Sudou. More over, those 'feelings'. Sudou better be ready.
Anyway, none of my business.
"Ya know! I asked Erza to come watch my Practice match!!" Sudou exclaimed.
My eyes distracted towards Sudou from Erza.
"Ehh?! Really? Man...Dont you dare get a girlfriend before me, Understood?" Ike shouted on top of his lungs.
A shrill high-pitched sound of the whistle was heard.
Our eyes moved towards it.
"Male students over there! I suppose, you are talented in Swimming?!" The coach shouted, but not in a frightening manner. More like, he mocked us.
I dont care. What others expect of me. What others think of me. I dont want to prove myself to anyone. I dont want want anyone to be proved of my capabilities, either. I wont allow it. Never.
My eyes narrowed at the coach's figure.
Forget it, lets be friendly. Even if its troublesome to get going at those three's conversation, but its not that tiring either.
The boys shouted in unison.
"We will try our best!"
"Anyway, so what did she say? Erza is quite stylish not to mention, cute too. Man you got eyes." Yamauchi spoke.
"Well yea, but Kushida is way more cuter and beautiful than anyone. Aww..man she is a goddess. She is so friendly too. Beautiful like a rainbow." Ike went in his imaginary world.
"Guess, sometimes it can be tiring." I thought as I sighed.
If compared between, Kushida and Erza, I think Erza is more preferable. She is not that cold but not too friendly like Kushida either. She doesnt smile that often like Kushida. Not too caring towards class like Kushida. Not too of a 'Goody-pair-of-shoes' like Kushida.
All I want to say is, I get what Erza told me earlier. The way Kushida behaves, is a bit unreal.
But, the way Erza is, makes her more Human. So, its Erza. Kushida, is a nice girl. She seems not to have any ulterior motives. Its pure. And charming I could say. Not being selfish and thinking about others. Its a quality, not everyone possess it.
"Well Erza said, she will consider?" Sudou spoke rubbing the back of his head.
She considered? I glanced at Erza. She was helping some girl with the position of the Swimming.
Do you have some kind of plan? What are you plotting? Are you gonna 'use' People? But, I dont think there will be any use of 'using' Sudou, or is there?
"Girls and Boys, as you all have practiced for a fair amount of time, the Students will be now segregated by two sections." The coach came back and positioned himself in the middle of the pool.
"First, the students who are the beginners might go to the right end of the pool where the water level is low compared to the middle and the left portion. Second, the students who are athletic and are good performers in swimming, will be doing a Competition divided into Girls and Boys respectively. Each Girl and Boys section will have two groups. Participation is necessary. And also important for your 'Grades'. The last coming student will have their point deduction of 500. Better, give your best."
The students were excited at the word of 'competition', though its more like a 'Friendly competition'.
I was a fair swimmer. Not a bad one though. Still, gonna try, but not too much. As long as I dont come last, its fine.
We sat down in the Boys section and observed at the First Boy Group's turn.
Hirata, Koenji, and others were there.
Girls were fawning over Hirata's slender yet manly built body. Whereas, as usual Koenji, with a muscular toned abdominal muscles, attracted a great amount of females, but due to his excessive self-contained personality, many girls were preferring Hirata.
Hirata is a good baseball player. Koenji looked like he was good at Swimming. Well because of his confidence.
"This round shall be won by the Great Me!" Koenji said he excercised his arms before taking positions.
"Good luck!" Hirata said in an amiable manner.
As the positions were taken. The whistle was blown by the coach. The competitors dived into the water. Splashed it. And with exerting a great force. The outcome was yet to be decided.
This was a pure match between Koenji and Hirata. Others were turtling around. Koenji had an advantage in height and the force exerted. His ability was out of this world. Though, Hirata was a good opponent for someone like Koenji.
The match ended in the blink of an eye.
"Winner! Koenji Rokusuke! 24.3 secs!" The coach gave the result. "In the next round who ever wins will be clashing with the winner in this round!"
I was in the second round.
[ Erza POV ]
(Before coming to the Natatorium)
"Classes are tiring to be honest" I thought.
Suddenly, Airi came along with Kushida.
Kushida told me about the permission given by the coach to the class, today.
"Well, I dont mind. Do we have to go now?" I answered.
Its been one year since I last swimmed. Still, I have goosebumps. Thinking about it.
I sighed. Cant be helped, huh?
Airi asked me go with her. Its fine. I can do my best. No, I have to do my best.
Others started to gather around too. They talked with each other. Sometimes asking me too. I gladly answered. I have no such intention of being unfamiliar with my 'classmates'.
Also Sudou's constant staring. I particularly dont like getting stared at. Personal reasons. It feels like there is always someone who is mentoring my 'Actions'.
Then, I noticed Ayanokouji's presence. Eyes on me. I met his for about a second and turned my eyes away.
After a while, I went to the Natatorium with Airi. We both went towards the 'Girls' Locker Room. I changed my clothes. Well, it took time. I prefer changing my clothes when there are less people around. I am not that social.
I went inside. While others changed, I made my waist haired length into a big messy bun.
It was after Kushida and her friends went. Before that, Kushida said.
"Lets have have today. By the way, I love your hairstyles. You look good anyway." Kushida gave a bright smile.
"Thank you." I said.
They went out and proceeded going to the pool.
I changed my clothes. I noticed Airi looking at me.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
She distracted her gaze towards my face, now.
"I- Actually...um...Eri... you have abs!" She stuttered. Oh, so she was surprised about that? Well.
"Yes, I do even though its not too much." I said while I adjusted my costume.
"No. Your body structure is beautiful. You must've taken care of it, since beginning, right?" She asked while her hands were at the back. She was staring at my 'abs' and continued staring.
I sighed.
"Its nothing like that. Furthermore, do you like my abs this much? Then you'd love to see the boys, dont you think?" I asked knowing that she will get embarrassed.
She was already a blushing mess, when she understood what I meant.
"No-no..I mean I love you..no what I mean is..I like your abs. Only."
She continued stuttering like her life was on the bait.
Well, she is cute. I slightly chuckled.
" Come on. We should move forward too." I said and continued to walk.
"Yes" Airi said and followed me.
As I walked I noticed numerous of eyes on me. That one thing which I dont like. Also his eyes. I noticed them. I tried to make contact.
I furrowed my brows at him. For fun, I guess? He immediately without a second to waste turned his eyes away.
I noticed Horikita talking with him. Looks like he isnt interested at all. Tell me, just when is he interested?
I went towards where Ayanokouji was sitting. Saw Horikita Suzune stood up and went to pool side.
I stood at the back of his. Seems like he knew my presence and asked him about whether he was planning to go to the pool or not.
He answered in affirmative.
I kind of asked him, "I think its quite rude, staring at people, without their conscience. Dont you think?"
I maintained the eye-contact.
He told without hesitation that I was utterly correct.
"Well same goes for a particular individual too, I suppose?"I questioned him about himself.
No other words were spoken by him after that. Taking his silence as YES. I went away saying a 'See you later.'
After that. Ayanokouji proceeded to go to the pool where his 'acquaintances' were.
I stood at the pool side and looked at the pool for sometime thinking about 'everything' closely. Later, I went inside the pool. Water touched the surface of my skin. Cold. It sent goosebumps to my warm body.
Horikita was beside me. She wasnt really talking to anyone. Nor did I talk. Kushida seems to be very keen regarding us. Horikita and me, I mean. She kept glancing every now and then.
I was a good swimmer. Not a bad one. I could swim. Atleast, I know I wont come last. After, the coach told us about the 'competition'. Just going try a minimum, anyway. I have no such intention of being a 'Winner' in this.
Soon, it was Koenji and Hirata's one sided competition began. Girls were cheering. Some for Hirata. Some for Koenji. Looks like it doesn't matter, who cheers Koenji, cause he himself cheers the best for himself. Thats a nice attitude.
The 'competition' ended with Koenji declared as the winner. Some girls during the match were even curious about my Abs and blabbered about how they have seen Women with abs in magazines and internet.
"Too much attention.". I thought.
Soon, it will be the Second group of the Boys Section. In the first group, Ayanokouji wasnt there. Must be in the Second Group then.
"I am looking forward to your performance." I thought as I smirked a little. Not anyone noticing me though.
[ Erza POV end ]