Thank you so much to all who reviewed my first chapter. the next girl on Negi's wonderful list is none other then Nodoka. This pairing other then Asuna is one of my favorite pairings, and I did have a lot of fun writing this chapter too. Like with the first chapter please review/comment so I can improve my abilities. Again thank you so much so now without further ado here is chapter 2!


Chapter 2

Nodoka Mizayaki

Number XXVII

"Though he may not love me, Professor Negi, will always be special to me"

-Nodoka Mizayaki

Nodoka was always shy and quiet, yet she is a wonderful person to have around. She never had a person she liked until the first day she met Negi.

Like the other students in his class she became smitten with Negi after Negi saved her from falling off the stairs. She began to fall in love with him more as she began to spend time with him as a partner and as a person.

Despite having strong feelings, she never had a personal connection with him. She was always left out when it came to knowing Negi.

Nodoka had known that Negi trusted his other partners for some time. Despite knowing about Negi through her artifact it also hurt Nodoka at the same time.

She was Negi's partner so why couldn't he tell her upfront?

As much as Nodoka loved Negi, she began to feel like she wasn't important to him anymore.

Tired of using her artifact to obtain her answers she made a promise to herself to meet with Negi about all this before it was too late.

"I'm going with Konoka, and Setsuna to Kyoto so be sure to behave yourself," Asuna said rather motherly. Asuna was to go with Konoka to deal with her wedding arrangements as a "bodyguard" like Setsuna.

Despite talking to Dean Konoe about the arrangement for Negi to go with them he had to reject the request, saying Negi still had responsibilities as a teacher to uphold.

"I can't believe the Dean is letting you stay here at school. Who knows what trouble you'll get into," Asuna said

"I'm sorry Asuna but rules are rules. I'm supposed to remain here and teach the class," Negi said sternly. "Besides I have learned to cook from Satsuki so you don't have to worry about me having a meal."

Asuna was still tense regardless of Negi's assurance, not just because he couldn't take a bath by himself, but because when he had his nightmares who was he going to turn to when he wakes up?

"Well if you say so, but I'm not going to leave you here by yourself. Find someone you can trust, I will leave that much to you,"Asuna said reluctantly.

Negi smiled "I'll take care of everything while you're away," Negi waved at Asuna as she walked out the door leaving Negi alone in their dorm room.


After finishing grading papers for the day Negi decided to take a walk to ease his mind.

He decided to go to Library Island to return some books that he already read more than once.

It was when he got to the front counter that he saw Nodoka putting books away on the cart.

Negi saw that something was off about her for the past couple of days.

Even as she walked into class in the morning, she gave him a fake smile as if she was hiding something.

Naturally as a teacher this concerned him, but the concern was more than just that.

Recently Negi began to worry about her not just as a pactio partner, but as someone close to him.

He wanted to get her attention but the shy bookworm caught his as she approached the counter.

"Oh hello Professor Negi, are you returning those books?" She said in a calm voice yet you can hear the sorrowful tone to it.

"Yes I hope I'm not late," Negi said with worry.

"Don't worry professor you're not late," She said with assurance. But by the look on her face she was still gloomy, and out of it.

By then Negi knew something was wrong with her. Negi wanted to find out on the spot, but it was the wrong time and the wrong place, so he made an offer she couldn't refuse.

"Asuna is out-of-town now, and Asuna is asking that I stay with someone until she gets back. Since you're next door is it alright if I stay at your place until then?" Negi said politely.

Like a moth attracted to a flame Nodoka finally saw her chance to talk to Negi about her feelings alone with him. What even made the deal sweeter was that no one was around to see her embarrassed, and nervous around him.

"It is okay for you to stay with me. Since Haruna and Yue are on a weekend trip we'll be alone. I hope you don't mind if it's just the two of us professor," Nodoka said with a nervous blush.

Even Negi became flustered at the idea after what happened at Mahorafest. He thought about how soft her lips were, and the mishaps that happened during their date.

"Thank you so much Nodoka. I really appreciate your kindness," Negi smiled

"Well I will see you later though, because I need to finish my shift here so just relax until then." Nodoka said with a smile.

However Negi knew it wasn't "her" smile and became more determined to help his partner in her time of need.


It was around six in the evening when Negi gathered a few of his things and knocked on Nodoka's door.

Nodoka then allowed Negi inside in order for him to relax and settle in. Negi began to observe his surroundings and noticed there were so many books scattered across the room. From research material to the manga it was almost like a mini library. "I really like your collection of books Nodoka. It really fits you," Negi said in awe.

"Thank you professor Negi," Nodoka said while she nodded. Nodoka finally saw her chance to get her feelings across to Negi.

"I have to ask you a question," She said timidly yet made sure Negi could hear the sound of her voice.

"I beg your pardon?" Negi said back questionably.

Nodoka then walked up to him and made eye contact. By then she was already beginning to tear up as she stared into her teacher's eyes.

"Why do I have to find out about everything you don't tell me! Why couldn't you tell me anything! I-I mean were partners and friends so why couldn't you come to me?" Nodoka said with her tone becoming moderate

"I-I didn't know Nodoka that you felt that way." Negi said as he looked away. "I didn't know I was keeping you in the dark. I figured the less you knew about me, the better it was for me to protect you from harm. In the end I hurt you personally, and I really apologize," Negi felt bad for Nodoka. He believed he was protecting her but in the end only caused her more grief.

"If there is anything I can do for you please tell me. I want to make it up to you," Negi said as he looked up and made eye contact.

Nodoka looked at him with her eyes gleaming just a little. She couldn't stay mad at him for keeping her in the dark. She understood that it was Negi's wish to protect her, and realized that in his own words she herself is worth fighting for.

"I just want to help and support you, because I love you Professor Negi. I want to protect you too," Nodoka said happily.

They continued to look each other in the eyes finally coming to an understanding. But by instinct they slowly began to lean in, and they kissed each other. Negi felt her warm lips again, and in his heart called out for more of her. He had the initiative to stop but Nodoka stopped first.

"Negi I'm really sorry to ask this of you, but I just want your love tonight." Nodoka said sweetly

"It is okay Nodoka. For once….. I guess I want your love too. I always felt alone, the nightmares wouldn't stop, and the feelings of despair seem to come back again and again. But I don't feel that way when I'm with you. I feel comforted knowing that you're here Nodoka," Negi said truthfully, and honestly. Negi then hugged her out of gratitude and a blush on his face.

"Thank you Negi," Nodoka said as she returned the soft hug.

"No thank you for the love you've given me," Negi said with a smile.

They continued to embrace one another for what seemed like hours, knowing that there would be no one to talk about them, and that their love will be their secret.


To give you insight to the next chapter it will be Konoka X Negi. So until then keep on reading!