COTE: What If - Alternative

Average student vs Class A (2/?)

I heard quite a few people snickering. I really didn't mind. The reputation of an exceptional student, even in a class as academically cutthroat as ours, gave me a lot of leeway in terms of behaviour. While being in a class full of honor students made sure I didn't stand out too much.

I was confident that if anyone else looked out of the window half as much as I did, they'd get shouted at by most of the class.

"Nah, I'm not worried about that" I shrugged. "Don't you feel weird about..?"

Katsuragi shook his head "Don't think about it. Just follow the crowd if you don't want to stand out. I've heard this is common in sports teams." A few people affirmed his statement, so I nodded and began taking off my shirt, while the boys crowded around the muscular ones.

"How many private points to make you muscleheads wear a rash guard from now on?"

"Holyyy, what's your training regimen?"

"I'm just built different."

"What the fu-" Suddenly, all eyes followed Satonaka's finger to where he was pointing.

Me. Oh great.

"No way, what on Earth.."

"I didn't know you could go above 6 packs..!"

"I'll eat my tie if that isn't the work of steroids!"

"So this is why the princess was so obsessed with you, hmm?" Hashimoto smirked widely, but even his expression had been gobsmacked just seconds ago.

"I just have good genetics. And I-" They didn't let me finish.

"Ahh, understandable... As if!"

"Do you really expect that to fly?"

"So good at academics AND physical ability? Someone hit the lucky draw." No, I really didn't.

"So, how many private points to make you muscleheads wear a rash guard from now on?" Zero. Trust me, zero.

Katsuragi cleared his throat. "His physique is certainly impressive, but considering his introverted nature it's probably not a pleasant feeling for him. Please don't bombard him." Was this genuine or was he just trying to get me to join him? I appreciated it either way.

I'd just lose the attention by coming in middl-

"Well, cancel the betting, I guess. First place is already taken." No, no. I've never gone swimming in my life. You'd easily beat me.

"Yeah, second place too. By me."

"You mean, me?"

"Heh, let's just bet for second now. Adapt, improvise, overcome."

"Guys, I'm not really good at-" My classmates really had it out for me today. I couldn't even finish a sentence.

"Just shut dude, it's not even a contest."

"Let me guess, Darwin-kun, you're gonna come first place and say your swimming technique was also genetic."

"Unless... you really did take steroids." Yahiko narrowed his eyes at me. Turning down his leader repeatedly must have soured his impression of me.

"Nope, nope. Genetics and slight exercise." Being known as a steroid user would be extremely detrimental to my reputation. I'd rather be liked than hated, at least.

"Slight? Yeah, and your performance on the entrance was just average, am I right?" This was bad. My cover was being blown far too quick. I really had no way to explain them plausibly.

Luckily, at that moment, the swimming instructor barged in. His face was a mix of annoyance and puzzlement.

"What are you all chattering about? This is the first time the girls of a class have come out before the boys!"

"Ah, sorry, sorry. We were just coming out." Machida bowed and began walking out with his clique. He was one of Katsuragi's closest confidants and was one of the few in class with knowledge of martial arts.

The swimming instructor didn't move though. He noticed everyone's gazes, then noticed me and seemed to come to a conclusion. "I see. Well, I expect a great performance from you. Not exactly a swimmer's build, but those muscles are still perfect." He turned around and began walking out.

On the way, I got a lot of slaps on my back. Was this bullying? I was half-considering reporting them but they'd likely receive a deduction in private points and then blame me. That, and I had already drawn too much attention. Way, way too much attention.

When the girls began staring at me, I immediately knew that my peaceful life was now unsalvageable.

"Did you tell them you were taught swimming by professional instructors, Ayanokouji-kun?" I glared at the giggling Ari - Sakayanagi. Right, Sakayanagi.

"Didn't he say he was a novice at it?"

"No, I swear he said he didn't know how to swim?"

"Ayanokouji's the kind of guy who pretends he doesn't study and then aces the exam." But I really don't...

I could only sigh. I wondered how she'd react if I brought her to the special annex, stole her cane and precious beret, and just ran away.

If she could pull stunts on me, well, turnabout is fair play.

_____________

Click. Our swimming teacher stared at the stopwatch for a full second in shock.

"Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, 21.76 seconds!"

Louds cheers from every direction. Wait, are they lifting me into the air? And was that Kamuro lifting my leg? "Fufufufu" I could faintly hear a little girl laughing maniacally. Katsuragi was staring at me in shock. Contrary to his physical appearance, he wasn't actually good at sports.

Haah. I sighed yet again. I was sighing way too much these days.

At least the 5000 private points were decent compensation?

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A/N: I'm actually having fun writing this

Next chapter may take longer. I'm bored of the usual Sudo trial but I don't wanna jump straight into the island exam. Midterms would be boring too, because Class A is the bastion of nerds. I'll try putting a creative spin on the trial.