Another Like Me - Part I (CoTE x OC) ?

Chapter 38 - Exposed, Part 1

"You knew about it, didn't you?" she suddenly asked me.

"Knew about what, Masumi-san?"

"That Takeyama-kun and Ayanokoji-kun were holding back. You're the least surprised. Take the warning or not; Takeyama-kun is becoming a force to be reckoned with. He'll be a dangerous opponent to Class A down the line."

"Fufu. I know that very well, Masumi-san. I'm probably the only one who does not underestimate Class D this year. They have 2 very interesting students this year, after all."

"As usual, I don't understand what you're going on about," she sighed.

"Say, Masumi-san. Can you do me a small favor~?"

***

(The Sports Festival; Takeyama, Keisuke POV):

The Sports Festival had finally come to a close, and all runners were to head back to the camps for refreshments and announcement of the results.

It seems Sudo and Horikita had returned as well, but they were late. Sudo formally apologized to the class, and apologized to me individually as well. I wonder what Horikita did to change his demeanor so much.

"But damn, Takeyama, Ayanokoji, you're crazy fast!" Sudo patted me and Ayanokoji on the back. Or hit me on the back. "That speed, man....."

"I guess it was hysterical speed," Ayanokoji-kun said monotonously. "I got a bit excited, I guess."

"A bit excited, my ass," Sudo said. "That kind of speed is absolutely abnormal. Heck, you'll even beat me in a race fair and square! Have you been holding back until now?"

"No, not really. As I said, it's all just hysterical strength," Ayanokoji said again.

Horikita approached me when I managed to escape undetected from the crowd. Most of the attention was focused on Ayanokoji, since his speed was definitely more surprising than mine. Still, it hurt to know that there is someone out there who can match my pace.

For a second, just for a second, I felt threatened.

That there is someone out there. Who could possibly be better than me.

I unconsciously balled my hand into a tight fist, and let out a deep sigh. No, I could not allow this to get to my nerves. I slowly took in deep breaths, and I could feel my pulse slowing down.

"Something the matter?" Horikita asked me, as she limped and approached me.

"Hmm? No, nothing," I said, as I relaxed. "You got Sudo back. How you did it will forever remain a mystery to me."

"It's a mystery even to me," Horikita scoffed. "I couldn't arrive here back in time, though. We were only 2 minutes late. We came in when you were running the race." She eyed me suspiciously once again. "So you're hiding incredible speed now as well?"

"Well, I'm not hiding it anymore."

"Are you planning to unveil each and every one of your qualities one-by-one like some sort of unboxing video?" she asked scathingly.

"You've given me a good idea. Maybe I will do that now," I replied.

Horikita sighed. "You know what? I don't even care anymore. The results will be announced soon."

"Yeah."

I turned back to the big screen that was shown in the stadium, and I patiently waited for the results to flow in.

The screen buzzed to life, and the speaker announced. "The winner of this year's Sports Festival is....."

"The Red Team."