[ Erza POV ]
The Second Group of the Boys Section, took their respective positions. Ayanokouji, Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi and some others will be competing against each other.
"This is so amusing. Will this be a match between Ayanokouji and Sudou?" I thought.
Come to think of it, Sudou is extremely athletic, anticipating that he will most likely aim for the '1st' Position and Ayanokouji ; well, about him, he is most likely 'supressing' his 'Real' capability. So there is a fair chance, he wont be 'competing' against anyone, other than the students who doesn't know Swimming in a most appropriate manner.
So concluding, there might be a decent amount of chance, he would not compete for the 'First' position. Hmm. Expected.
I crossed my legs and put my hands over it.
"You 'dislike' troublesome things, anyway, don't you?" I thought as I smirked.
"Are you excited about this match, Eri?" Airi called out.
"Well, about that, I am just feeling what everyone is, so I couldn't care much about it." I fixed my gaze upon the figures which positioned themselves.
"Everyone is excited, though." Airi chuckled.
I stared at her from the corner of my eyes.
"....Then maybe, same goes for me." I said.
"You really are not honest are you? Eri?" She started laughing.
Of course, the result comes nothing, if I be honest, with myself or with anyone.
I didnt answer. There was nothing to answer in the first place. Either way, I should not attract too much attention. For the best.
Not long after, when the participants were ready enough, the whistle blew, for the second time, marking the beginning of the Second round of competition.
I focused on to the scene. As expected, Sudou gave his all. Making his way through the water with his excessive force. Might as well declare him the 'Winner' , cause the gap between the paces of the competitors and Sudou was way to obvious to declare Sudou as this round's winner.
Ayanokouji, on the other side, as expected from him, never meant to compete in the first place. But looking at his physique and the prominent way to swim, well, actually it was obvious for me, to conclude that my intuition was utterly correct.
He maintained his position, so as to not, come at last place to put himself at a disadvantageous position also, he didn't highlighted his capability, neither attracted attention, nor failed to achieve his goal.
A very smooth way of dealing 'Troublesome' , rather 'expecting the unexpected' situations. Very well.
"As for this round! Sudou Ken with 24.7 seconds! Is The winner! Now following with the Girl's First group to compete! Take your positions, girls!" The coach declared.
Might as well 'Try' not to highlight myself among all of this. So the next competition is between Sudou Ken with 24.7 seconds and Koenji Rokusuke with 24.3 seconds. What a minute difference. This is gonna be fun to 'watch'.
I came forward in the First girl group. Dont want to delay this any further.
Kei Karuizawa. Previously, a member of the Swimming club, in Junior High school. Lets see the Capability of yours in the Second Round.
"I thought you must be participating in the First Round! Well everyone is cheering for you." I thought.
Not like it matters. This competition doesnt even mean anything, to be honest. Its a brutal time waste.
In the First Round, the girls took position, looks like Horikita and Kushida is in this round. Interesting.
The whistle blowed. The cold water made contact with my skin once again. Not faltering, I 'tried' not to come First and also not to come 'last'. LOSING is not one of the capabilities of mine.
While reluctantly Swimming across the deep pool. I looked at the distance between me and the competitors.
"Easy." I smirked inside my thoughts. Atleast, I wont come at last and neither First, but dont wanna 'Lose' too. Alright then.
The First round competition finished with declaring a specific 'girl' as the winner by 26.3 seconds. It wasnt half bad for me, a good position after the Winner. The Second Place. Horikita was the Third.
"It was a lovely competition between me and You. I enjoyed it. I wonder if Ayanokouji noticed." I thought.
I got up from the pool and was greeted by Airi.
"You were so amazing." She said while her mouth was left wide open. Too much dragging.
"Thank you. You did quite well too." Yes, she also participated in it. Though, I wasn't particularly interested in her or how she did, though.
"Just a little bit more and you could've been the winner. What a waste." She said disappointed.
I was quietly listening to her while I wiped off the water sticking onto me. Just when I heard a voice, from whom I was least expecting.
"You performed very well in the pool, To be honest."
Well, not very bad, Horikita Suzune.
"I could say the similar for you." I eyed her from the corner of my eyes. Airi was left stiffed at her presence. Horikita, well, she held a little formal and intimidating aura, but Airi is most likely 'all-curled-up' in front of strangers.
She was also like that in front of Ayanokouji for a liitle instance. But seems to have became acquaintances.
"Thank you for your compliment. I might take my leave now." She said and walked away.
I followed her with my eyes. She went towards the 'Locker Room'.
"Not intending to see the next few matches?" I thought. " Couldnt expected less from the girl who despise human interaction."
"Its the first time Horikita came to you right?" Airi asked while she stared at me.
Well it is not, coincidentally, we have met before and it was bitter for her.
"Looks like it though." I mumbled loud enough to let Airi hear.
Anyway, I went to my place to sit. Many congratulated me. I didnt expect this much 'Attention' for this simple action. Tiring. The Girl who won was getting the annoying amount of attention and all. This is why I avoid situations like these. Its just not comfortable. You do something good once in a while, and the others expect you to do the same things over and over again, whether you like it or not. Definitely Tiring.
The Second Girl Group's match was up. As anticipated, Karuizawa won the match by 25.1 seconds. Impressive.
Everyone gathered around her. Where she kept laughing and blushing. What a mess. I dont care. Neither I should.
"Hey! Erza! Sakura!"
I turned to see Kushida. With her usual cheerful face.
"Um..hello..Kushida.." Airi meekly spoke.
"Yes. Hello there. Is there something particularly you want from us?" I asked.
"No, no, I came to befriend and talk with you~" Kushida smiled.
I have no such intention to 'befriend' with someone as 'unreal' as you. I am anticipating you to have some 'ulterior motives' which you cannot talk about.
I didnt answer to her proposal. I dont have any reason to.
"To be honest, I really wanna be friends with You and Horikita. It just seems like you guys are so far away from the rest of the class. I am so worried~~" She said with a 'worried' face.
Worried? Thats laughable. You don't expect me to believe that, do you?
Suddenly, coming to me also not to mention, Ayanokouji, to tell about the 'Swimming class' just before it. If you were that responsible and worried; could've told that in the 5 minutes break between two consecutive classes. But you didnt, you told 'us' just before the actual deal.
You wanted Ayanokouji and Me to come. Intentionally. I suppose you didnt even thought of Horikita to come in the first place.
Second, complimenting me, to the simplest thing, to act like we are close in front of the class, isnt that an act?
Bravely told, I despise your 'Fake' personality. Its just so Fake.
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, regarding us, but I am quite fine, altogether." I said with no single emotion wearing on my face or my eyes; as I started to walk past off her. She was smiling. Creepy.
Please understand, I dont like your 'personality' not your presence, though.
Due to her presence in the scene, some girls came to her too. Actually wanting to attract attention? I will love to play with you too, then.
"Its fine~ But I am so worried, Eri~~" Kushida spoke casually.
Did she just use my 'nickname'? I really DO hate personal intrusion. Aren't you a low one, Kushida? Actually, implying me to act ' brazenly' through that little act of yours?
"Dont think I ll give my composure, into something insignificant statements like that." I THOUGHT.
The boy's last final round was on the corner. Yet, I am here meddled into this 'low' situation. I sighed.
"As I told, thank you for your concern. If needed, I will be sure along with 'Sakura' to call for 'help' to you, if needed, that is. Is that correct Sakura?" I said calmly as my eyes focused on Kushida.
Kushida never faltered her smiling face; making it creepy as it is now.
Airi was shocked. She stared at me. I ve never called her 'Sakura' since the day I 'befriended' with her.
"Ye-Yea! We will." She said timidly to Kushida. She patted Airi's shoulder and said.
"Alright! Take care guys~ Be sure to lemme know, kay? " As she went off with her 'group' of friends.
What a tiring situation it was.
"Umm..Eri..why did you call me 'Sakura' in front if her?" She said worriedly.
I eyed at her. As I smiled a little. For a millisecond, though.
"....I wonder, why?" As I turned from her, wanting to take a place in the marbled bench.
"Was- Was it perhaps...you didnt like her calling you 'Eri'? "
Arent you one sneaky little girl?
"As I said, I dont know. Subconscious mind got the best of me, perhaps? But, why did you think of 'that' instance, may I ask?" I was sitting as I saw Sudou Ken and Koenji Rokusuke take positions. I maintained my voice in a very low frequency manner.
There was silence between us.
Sudou's eyes met mine, accidentally. He seems confident. I guess, he is thinking of 'winning'. Not that its a crime to think. Its totally fine. Either way I was in a neutral position. I just want to be entertained. Amused. In the first place.
Since, it was an 'extra' class, visiting this Natatorium, should personally preferred by the students. Therefore, those who havent came, would not be in a disadvantageous position of losing their 'Points'. Making those students an exceptional.
"You hate it, when people wants to get too close to you and tries to be 'Personal' with you, dont you?" Airi said at last.
Have you noticed this, while we were together as 'Friends'? If so I am really glad. That way you would not even think of getting 'That' close to me, or would you?
"....Guess, it must be like that." I said, without really agreeing or declining her statements. Its upto her how she will take my words for.
The competition started. Girls cheered for both Sudou and Koenji. Sudou was a worthy opponent. A true clash went through. Cheering and water splashing was heard.
Suddenly, my eyes met with Ayanokouji. Then I distracted my eyes as if I ve never met with his.
" Was he looking this way? Must be for the 'competition'. " I thought.
The competition ended with Koenji winning with 23 seconds and Sudou with 23.3 seconds. Declaring Koenji the Solo-standing winner. Left Sudou angry and gritting his teeth as his glaring eyes followed every actions of Koenji.
"Uh-huh! I am the most magnificent art ever created! A very exciting match it was, Sudou Ken!" Koenji mocked Sudou with his self-eccentric words.
"Damn you Koenji Rokusuke!!" Sudou yelled. Where the other girls around him laughed. Sudou had a good physique. Expected from a Basketball Player.
I wasnt really interested in the Girl's Final match. It was obvious who would win. Kei Karuizawa. Nothing exciting.
Exciting is when, something unexpectedly faces me, and it lefts my heart in a slight shaken form. Like the 'Facing' with Ayanokouji. Thrilling.
I left the scene and went towards the 'Lockers Room'.
[ Erza POV end ]
[ Ayanokouji POV ]
( Before the Boy's First Group Match )
All the students were told to sit outside the pool and the Participants of the First Round were to take positions.
I was planning on going to the Second Round anyway. Along with Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi.
"So that Koenji is gonna pull his own name first, huh?"
I glanced to see, Sudou, as he took his seat beside me. I focused my eyes onto the Swimming pool. The girls on the other side was cheering for Koenji and Hirata. Nice presence you have, Koenji Rokusuke. Not to mention, Hirata.
"Damn. What a show off!!" Sudou spout those words irritably. "Do you think, he is gonna win?" Sudou focused his eyes on mine and expected for an answer.
"I guess, Time will tell, Hirata is also a capable competitor anyway." I said with a blank face. Even though, I know, I wont come last. And that, this competition makes no sense. Still, playing with the School's decision is interesting.
"I really dont know! But if that punk Hirata can somehow beat him, it will be great! I really wanna see how 'great' Koenji could be!" He smirked devilishly.
He really detest Koenji Rokusuke, I suppose. Not that, I desire too much of his attitude. But, self-confidence is also important.
"I am gonna win the second round! And make his face filled with regret to look at me in a low profile." He laughed. "Also, I want Erza...to see me at my best. If possible." Sudou said in a low and 'kind' voice?
I stared at his figure. And suddenly our eyes met.
"Well- um.. you know...I actually braced myself up and asked her to... exchange contact numbers!" Sudou said excitedly.
First, never knew Sudou could make that 'Kind' face. Second, Erza actually exchanged numbers? Well, that is very unexpected. Doesn't this 'intrude' your personal space? Also, there could be one possibility that she only gave her contact information based on how Sudou Ken was 'only' her 'classmate'.
I seriously cant read your mind. Erza Wistaria. You make so obvious, some information about you, but also you do something totally unexpected based on that information. Just what are 'You'? What are you planning? Why are you in this institution? Could it be that you are from 'There' ?
No. The possibility is low. It would be utterly impossible ; I made sure no one knows my 'presence' here. And no, if she would have been one of 'those' then I would have caught her, in the first basic meeting. I know what they are capable of. What aura they carry. No, Wistaria is just not like the 'other' students. Thats it. Nothing to conclude, nothing to focus on.
We are classmates. We are 'coincidental' partners, teaming up for Reasons. I dont know, rather not sure with what 'intentions' she teamed up with me, but one thing is sure. She wary this School Authority. She is sensible about the 'System' and Teachers of this Institution. Knowing me, and observing me, it was a high chance of her being 'acquaintances' with me.
"Hey! You alright mate?'' Sudou woke me up from my thoughts.
"Ah. Yes. I am fine. Why do you ask?" I asked him.
"Bro...you were totally focused on the girls side. Lol" He laughed. "Are you interested in someone too?" He nudged my arm.
''Too, huh?'' I thought.
"About that, not really, I am not desiring to be in a relationship with anyone." I declared. Bonding is useless. Wastage of time. No matter what, relationship within me and other students or people is unhesitatingly impossible. But, I don't mind having 'Acquaintainces' . That is there to it. People's relationship dont interest me. Not a little bit.
"Man. You are one tough guy. Anyway, while you were lost in your thoughts, dunno wha'cha thinking about, The competition ended ages ago." Sudou said as he stood and excercised his arms and back.
I stood up too with my glasses and all, required for swimming and we both went to the competition side of the pool.
"Dont mind, if you don't come first, kay?" He said and departed towards his position.
I didnt answer. Afterall, I am just going to make sure I dont come 'last'. Neither I want anyone to praise me or such.
I took my position.
I glanced at the Girl's way, where I noticed Erza. Guess, Sudou's eyes met with her. He seems happy. Must have given him 'imaginary magical energy'.
I sighed. The whistle blew. We did our best. I also gave my portion of 'best'. Though, not a significant position, I got, still, it was a Third position. Sudou was declared 'First'. Ike and Yamauchi were in the later part.
The 2nd round ended well. Now, the Girls will be competing. All right, let me now enjoy the 'way' Erza tends to perform. Also Horikita.
I got up from the pool and soaked myself with the Towel, the others gave.
" Swimming is refreshing " I thought.
I expected Wistaria to participate in the First Round. She seems to take interest in 'unexpected' situations. Taking risks, I guess. So for a minute, unreasonable competition like this, she wouldn't even think of 'observing' the other competitors.
Does she even think of them as 'competitors'? I highly doubt it. I wonder if we are thinking the same.
The First Girl's Group was up. Positions were taken. Many were cheering for some girl, whose name I kind of not remember. Some were cheering for Wistaria.
"Just- Look at her! I dont know! She looks fantastic. Damn those curves! Ugh. She will win for sure!!!! " Sudou cheered.
Many were cheering for Kushida. As expected. She returned a bright smile to them.
"My goddess!! Win for us! My Kushida!" Ike shouted.
"Horikita is not that bad! Erza too! Kushida also! Damn. Everyone of them is in some other league, lol" Yamauchi as usual focused on every girl standing.
This is what I call Tiring. They dont get tired of this 'same' conversation, at all.
But, Erza Wistaria really had one different aura. It isnt so intimidating the way I first met her. It was rather. She was having an amusing time. Not that she showed it in her facial expressions. No, not at all. But sometimes I would catch her smirking that's all.
Horikita, she did, what was told by the coach, however, she didnt even tried to talk to anyone, neither anyone tried to talk with her. A tie game, it was. Having the aura of a 'Dictator' she faced her competitors.
The whistle blew for the third time. As usual. Erza took it for a 'game' . Not wanting to compete for some ridiculous position or wanting to lose to some ridiculous competition.
She maintained her values, and the result came out to be that girl occupying the First position and Erza being the second. Horikita, the third.
It was a good match. Both of them got out of the pool and started drying themselves.
Suddenly a very unexpected situation occured.
Horikita, herself went to Erza to talk. Sakura was there too. What made Horikita talk with the girl who made her speechless in a debate in the First day? Very interesting.
Actually, I shouldn't mind. There's, a whole reason to why Horikita went there. First, to understand 'our' non-existent relationship better. Second, to normally greet the competitor after a fair match. Although, I dont think it was 'Fair' enough.
An unexpected competition where the 'Last' coming students' points would've been deducted by 500. Not at all, a 'Fair' competition.
Now, other situation, Kushida came upto Wistaria. Seems like Horikita and Kushida are really interested in Her. Aren't you having a hard time there? Wistaria?
Not like it matters, I think she will be able to handle those situation well. I distracted my eyes to the Second match. Karuizawa, won. She is a really good swimmer.
"I will finally crush that Koenji! I cant wait to see your face! Punk!" Sudou was really excited about the Final confrontation. Actually, its going to be a good match.
Both are very capable, in terms of physique, strength, force and height.
Kushida was long gone from the scene of the girls. There was only Sakura and Wistaria, with a heavy aura surrounding. It was obvious.
Erza was straightforwardly staring at the pool and Sakura was glancing here and there with a slight panick? Atleast, I haven't observed Sakura like 'that' in front of her. Something must have striked between them.
Then, Her eyes and my eyes met, though she distracted her eyes. Haven't noticed me, I guess? I see.
The Finals of the Boy's started. After some seconds. The winner was declared.
Over-confidence is destruction!
Koenji took the Grand First position. Sudou gritted his teeth in anger and shouted at Koenji.
Koenji, on the other hand, was relaxed and overly beaming with universal self-confidence. Mocking Sudou to the bitter.
I noticed Erza walking towards their 'Locker Room'.
"You dont want to watch the Girl's Final? Is it not interesting?" I thought.
She was interested a while ago. Even after the small conversation with Horikita. Must have been the conversation with Kushida then.
The situation became from low to high, real quick.
Guess, I will get to know, when I confront her TODAY. In the evening.
[ Ayanokouji POV end ]