Pool
Everyone from Class D was at the pool, and Suzuki was sitting by the water. He had no intention of joining the others unless the teacher instructed him to. That was when he noticed a group of guys: Ike, Yamauchi, Sudo, and Sotamura. Sotamura was typing on a phone.
"So place your bets."
Sudo shyly looked at them.
"I think I got an idea about Ayanokoji."
Yamauchi looked excited.
"Really?"
Suzuki heard this.
'These degenerates!'
Suzuki got up and walked over to them as Sudo spoke.
"She's gotta be a B Cup."
Suzuki walked up to them.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Ike looked at him in annoyance.
"None of your business Ikemen!"
"I could go ahead and tell the girls what you're doing."
Sudo ran off all of a sudden.
'What's with him?'
Suzuki looked to see Kiyomi standing behind him.
"Guessing my cup size? I usually wouldn't care but I feel insulted that you think I'm smaller by a whole cup."
Suzuki made a dumbfounded expression as Yamauchi drooled a little. Suzuki blushed as his dumbfoundedness turned to anger.
"What the hell are you saying!?"
Kiyomi tilted her head.
"It doesn't really bother me that much. Never has. But I felt insulted that he..."
Suzuki grabbed her shoulders shaking her.
"There's something seriously wrong with you saying something like that!"
"Um yes. There is something wrong with me. I never denied that."
Suzuki frowned as he sighed.
'Just what happened to you to make you this way? To make you feel this way?'
Ike then looked to Kiyomi.
"Man. I can't. You're so cute Ayanokoji-Chan!"
Suzuki glared at him.
"Will you shut up and leave?"
Ike gulped in fear before leaving.
"Hey. Ayanokoji-San. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Why do you ask? I mean there's always something wrong with someone right? Everyone has a flaw."
Suzuki sighed.
'Honestly this girl. It's almost like she's trying to seem normal. But from her expression it's all to obvious that she isn't.'
Suzuki then noticed the school swimsuit she was wearing. Frankly, he was a bit disappointed.
'Wait. Am I having such perverted thoughts? What's wrong with me all of a sudden? I don't like Ayanokoji that way, do I? No way. There is no way I'd like her. Ugh even in that travesty she looks cute.'
Kiyomi sat down by the water. Suzuki sits down next to her.
"If we want to stand a chance at reaching Class A we'll all need to be on our best behaviour. We'll all need to preform well during those Special Exams Chabashira-Sensei was referring to as well."
"You're right. I guess sleeping in Class is a no-go for me from here on."
Suzuki sighed.
"Definitely. Do not do that anymore."
"Hey Horikita-Kun, did you do martial arts when you were younger?"
"Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?"
"It's just... Your forearms are muscular. I was just wondering... because of that."
Suzuki blushed a little.
"I used to take Karate."
"So that's why you were interested."
Kushida approached them.
"You two seem to be getting along better than before."
"At times it feels like Horikita-Kun only keeps me around to make fun of me."
"That's not very nice Horikita-Kun."
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't bother me Kushida-San."
Suzuki got into the water. Kiyomi looked to Kushida.
"Kushida-San."
"Yes?"
"Do you have a crush on Horikita-Kun or something?"
"Eh!!!???"
She blushed but secretly she was repulsed by such an idea.
"Not at all. I just want to be friends with him."
"I see."
Kiyomi walked over to Suzuki.
"Can I ask why you're so rude to Kushida?"
"I don't want to talk about it but I'll warn you. Stay clear of her."
"I don't really get it."
"Why did I even bother?"
The teacher then calls for a competitive phase as Kiyomi steps up next to Sudo.
"Hey, Sudo."
"Hey... um... I'm sorry about before."
"I don't really mind. So can I ask you something?"
"Um yeah. Anything."
"What's the average time for the 25m swim we're about to do?"
"Hm? Isn't it like 30 seconds?"
Suzuki heard this and held his hand to his face.
'Idiot. It's 36 seconds. And that's for boys. For girls, it's 39 seconds.'
"30 Seconds huh?"
'Now way. Did she actually believe that!?'
Kiyomi steps out onto the launching platform and races achieving first place. Odenaera finishes making a surprised expression.
"Woah. 30 seconds? That's amazing."
"Well... You were pretty amazing too."
"Nah. I lost by 5 whole seconds. You should join the swimming club. You could probably go pro with some more training."
"I can't. I'm already in the music club."
"Seriously? So you're the multitalented type huh?"
"I wouldn't say that I'm talented."
Odenera left and Suzuki walked over.
"You're deliberately hiding your abilities aren't you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about?"
"Sudo tells you the average is 30 seconds and then you go on to get exactly 30 seconds?"
"Just a coincidence."
"I can't believe you think I'm so stupid that you'd think I'd believe that."
"I don't know what to say to you. It was only a coincidence so leave it alone."
Suzuki sighed at this.
'What is with her? Why does she hide her abilities?'
"Um. Ayanokoji-San. Would you like to go to the cafeteria with me?"
"Hm? Why are you asking that all of a sudden?"
"Just come with me."
"Well alright."
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Cafeteria
They sat down at the table as Suzuki ordered his food.
"Ayanokoji-San. Feel free to order whatever you like. It's on me."
"Why would you offer something like that? Is this a date?"
Suzuki blushed intensely.
"What? No! I'm just treating you to a meal. As friends."
Kiyomi sighed ordering her food as it arrived at the table and she ate it.
"So Ayanokoji-San. Will you help me organise study groups for the upcoming midterms?"
"Huh? But I want no part in that though."
"Ayanokoji-San. I did pay for this expensive meal didn't I? Shouldn't you repay me for it with a little effort on your part?"
"Horikita-Kun. When you say you're treating someone it means you don't expect anything in return."
"But when someone does you a kindness it's expected that the person repays that kindness."
Kiyomi sighed having relented.
'I kind of want to see her pout but I doubt she would. Ugh. Honestly. What is this woman doing to me? Why am I having these kinds of thoughts?'
"Fine but I'm not really that capable so don't expect too much out of me."
"That's a lie."
"It's not."
"You seriously expect me to believe that?"
"You seriously expect more from me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"You're just...sigh... nevermind."
Suzuki seeing how pointless it was to continue didn't even entertain the conversation any longer as he got up.
"Here's my phone number. Contact me if you need anything."
"Sure."
'Giving my phone number to her like that. It was embarrassing but still. It was necessary for proper communication. Without this step, our success could be at risk. That's right... that's why I gave it to her.'
Kiyone sighed as Suzuki left.
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Library
Sudo, Yamauchi and Ike entered the library and sat down with Suzuki, Kiyomi and Hirata. Suzuki looked surprised.
"You actually got them to come. I'm surprised."
Ike smirked.
"Anything for a cute girl like Ayanokoji-Chan."
Yamauchi agreed holding his hands to his heart.
"Yeah. Ayanokoji-Chan has our hearts with her cuteness."
Kiyomi didn't show any visual reaction to this.
"Um... thanks? I guess?"
Sudo looked away with a blush.
"Hey don't lump me in with those two. I only came here cause I wanted to."
'It's so obvious that that's a lie.'
They started studying when Sudo had an outburst.
"I don't get it at all!"
Suzuki sighed.
"I'm astounded that you made it through Middle school at all with this level of academics. You're more stupid than I thought."
"I've had enough of this!"
Sudo got up grabbing Suzuki's collar. Hirata stood up in response.
"Hey, don't!"
Kiyomi got up sitting next to Sudo's spot and flipping the pages of his workbook.
"Ah... I see now. Where you made the mistake. You're confusing Parabolas and compounding charts."
"Huh? You..."
"Sit down. I'll help drill it into your head."
'The way she's helping him... why?'
To Suzuki, it was like watching a mother taking care of a child and nurturing them. It made him feel jealous though he didn't linger long enough on it to fully recognise it for what it was.
"Hey, I think I understand now."
Yamauchi was ignoring everything as he looked at Kiyomi creepily.
"Help me out too!"
Ike then went on.
"Hey! It's my turn to be taught by Ayanokoji-Chan!"
Hirata looked at Kiyomi with admiration. Eventually, the study group ended and Sudo confronted Suzuki.
"Listen. I hate your guts and I'm not losing to you."
"I find it laughable that you would even challenge me. Fine, whoever gets the higher score in the..."
"Not about that. Ayanokoji. I won't let you have her."
"What are you talking about? I have no intention of dating her."
"That's bullshit and we both know it."
Sudo left.
'What kind of nonsense is he talking about? There's no way.'
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Alleyway
Suzuki met with his older sister Makoto.
"Neechan I... I made it here. To this school."
"And?"
"..."
"You think that's worthy of praise? Do you expect praise from me? For what? Being assigned to Class D. Worse yet. The worst Class D in the history of this school?"
Suzuki looked down unable to refute her words.
"I wouldn't care if you gave me a reason to believe in your ability to be promoted to Class A but given your inability to change it's obvious you don't stand a chance."
"Neechan. I... I can do it! I'll make it to Class A with my own strength!"
Makoto grabbed his arm pinning him to the wall.
"Do you think it's so easy? Class D has never been promoted before. I've watched the students of Class D from former years band together in an effort to be promoted and still fail and yet you expect me to believe you can accomplish it on your own?"
"I'm different from them!"
"Yes. You are. You're worse than them."
Suzuki shuddered at these words.
"You can't even look a woman in the eye let alone cooperate with your classmates. Leave this school before you embarrass me."
"No. I... I won't."
"No matter how much I tell you you refuse to change. Someone who can't change themselves for the better will never achieve anything noteworthy at this school. Perhaps words won't convince you..."
Makoto swung her free hand back.
"Perhaps I'll have to teach you a lesson like this?"
Makoto swung her fist when Kiyomi rushed in and grabbed her arm stopping her.
"Hm? Who are you?"
"Ayanokoji-San? Why are you...?"
"Violence against men is often overlooked. I'm not going to overlook it so you better let him go."
"Just leave it alone. None of this has anything to do with you."
"What if I don't want to leave it alone?"
"Then... we won't be friends anymore."
Makoto's eyes widened as she relaxed her hand, and Kiyomi let go. Makoto swung her arm back as Kiyomi stepped back to dodge. Makoto then kicked at her, only for Kiyomi to sway her head and dodge her. Makoto then tried to grab her, but Kiyomi slapped her hand away. Makoto composed herself and smiled.
"You move well. What arts do you practice?"
"Piano and calligraphy."
Suzuki was dumbfounded by that response.
'You can't be serious.'
Makoto sighed.
"I see who you are now. I'd heard of a student that rigged their results. What I can't understand is why you chose to be placed in Class D."
Suzuki's eyes widened.
'She rigged her results? To end up in class D? Why?'
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Makoto inspected her face closer.
"Hey... you're cute. Are you my little brother's girlfriend?"
Suzuki's face became flushed red as he protested.
"Eh!? Neechan! I'm not dating her!"
Kiyomi looked unbothered as she responded.
"No not really. We're just friends.
Makoto leaned towards Kiyomi.
"I know my brother is selfish and arrogant but he's a good kid so try to take care of him okay?"
"Huh!? Neechan!? What are you saying?"
"Well if that's all then sure."
"Huh? Ayanokoji-San? What are you saying all of a sudden!?"
"It's not a big ask and you'll find a way to blackmail me into helping you anyways."
Makoto glared at Suzuki.
"Blackmailing your girlfriend are you?"
Makoto grabbed him by the ear.
"Ow! She's not my..."
"Apologise."
"But she's... Ow! I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted."
Makoto left.
"You enjoyed that didn't you?"
"Not particularly though it didn't bother me that much either."
"So did you really rig your results?"
"What? There's no way I'd be smart enough to do something like that."
"Really?"
"Really."
Suzuki sighed.
"Fine. I won't pry any further. I'm sure you have your reasons for whatever you're doing."
"So. I guess you and your sister aren't don't the best terms?"
"I'm not prying into your life so don't pry into mine."
"That's fair though there's not a lot for you to pry into."
'You say that but I highly doubt that. Is that why you came to this school? 3 years away from an abusive father?'
Kiyomi's gaze seems to lock onto Suzuki who blushed a little in response.
"Hey. Why are you staring at me like that?"
"It's just... From your interaction with your sister. I think I understand you better."
"You understand me better? Really?"
"Really."
Suzuki laughed a little.
"Honestly. What is with that deadpan expression while saying that. Maybe you are a machine."
"Maybe."
She said this again without any expression as Suzuki sweatdropped a little.
'If not for common sense I might actually have believed her. She's a strange one. She's definitely not just a cutie."
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To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Part:
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