Black stuff? Under nose?

Vision of the Past™ shows a young Hikari Hanazono training with her father, an avid pro-wrestling fan. She's soon introduced to Kei Takishima, and, despite her prowess, is easily defeated by him. So begins the rivalry between Hikari and Kei…
Back to the present, Hikari arrives at school to be greeted with much fanfare. Her classmate Akira Toudou arrives soon after, and receives a similar reception. Leaving the adoring students behind, it is revealed that Hikari and Akira are part of the SA (Special A) class, a class limited to the top 7 students in school. The Special A class has its own classroom (which is an overly extravagant arboretum), as well as a distinct uniform. Members of the Special A class are introduced, they include Hikari (of course), Kei, Akira, Jun Yamamoto (Rank 3), Megumi Yamamoto (Rank 4), Tadashi Karino (Rank 5), and Ryuu Tsuji (Rank 7).

Kei's entrance riles up an otherwise calm Hikari, and the two of them agree on their next competition. The contest is box vaulting, with Hikari always one step behind Kei. More and more vaults are added until the contest gets a little out of hand, with the vaults reaching the ceiling. Hikari succeeds, but so does Kei - right above her. Kei wins again.

orz. Rank 2.

Flustered, Hikari states her next challenge: the final exam. Kei accepts.
Leaving the gym, disgruntled peasant Nakamura loudly complains about the Special A taking over the gym for their own selfish purposes.
The next day, Hikari is greeted by Ryuu, Jun, and Megumi; who are passing out fliers for a performance that Jun and Megumi want to give. They're interrupted by disgruntled pea- Nakamura, who wants some more wine with his cheese. (Ha, ha, get it?) Hikari tries to defend her position, but Kei stops her. He identifies Nakamura and his goons' Oogawara and Takahashi by their names, and says that he also knows their addresses, scaring the trio off. After Kei leaves, Hikari turns to Ryuu with an idea.

Used Geass to read your mind, durr.

Getting out of the shower, Kei finds a challenge letter to him from Hikari. He finds her in the library, fast asleep, and waits for her. When Hikari wakes up, he asks her what the challenge letter is about, but she hears a noise and goes off to investigate. It turns out to be Nakamura and his goons taking pictures of the answers for the final. Nakamura tries to silence Hikari by offering her the answers as well, knowing that she's always competing with Kei. Hikari slaps the camera out of his hand, saying that she needs to beat Kei with her own abilities. Nevertheless, Nakamura continues to goad Hikari, before Kei runs in and assaults Nakamura saves her. Nakamura tells his goons to retaliate, but they're easily dispatched by Kei and Hikari.

After Nakamura runs off, Kei asks Hikari what the challenge is about. Instead, she wishes him a happy birthday, as the remaining Special A students appear on a stage. To celebrate Kei's birthday, Hikari decided to have Jun and Megumi give their first performance. The otherworldly nature of Jun and Megami's musical abilities are known to all but Hikari, however. As the performance begins, they all don earplugs, with the exception of Kei.

Obviously smitten

With finals over, Hikari excitedly informs the SA that she's gotten a 100. They speculate if she'll be first this time, but alas, Kei found a mistake on the exam and was awarded 5 bonus points.

Thoughts:
Special A shows some real promise. The talk right now is that it resembles Ouran, and I say yes and no. True that the setting is a elite school for the rich and talented, but around there is where the similarity ends.
All CLAMP and noodle people comments aside, the animation wasn't bad at all. My indifference towards CLAMP's character designs might be a playing factor in my opinion here, though. xD
I was wondering why Kei sounded like Zero the first time he told off Nakamura and goons. What do you know, voiced by Jun Fukuyama. I CAN'T UNTHINK IT. x_x
Definitely an interesting anime. I can just imagine when Hikari finally beats Kei, but only because the latter was too lovestruck… =D