"1...2...3...Go!"

Nishikata and Takagi started up their staring contest. A staple of their competitions as of late. The boy had failed to come up with a new plan to win over Takagi the previous night (due to somebody's teasing distracting him) - so he resorted to a common staring contest.

It was around 15 seconds in when Takagi started her usual teasing. She leaned in forward, let out a rather seductive breath, and whispered his name, "Ni-shi-ka-ta?"

His eyes widened and a small blush appeared on his cheeks - she was going to get him again! He felt a stinging sensation at the back of his eyes. No! He had to win this!

Noticing his strong resolve, Takagi leaned back in her seat. She put on a smug face - and placed her hands behind her neck. Out of nowhere she morphed her face into a hilarious display, one she had used many times before.

Nishikata stifled a laugh, but within seconds he had burst out disturbing the entire class.

"NISHIKATA! QUIET DOWN!"

The startled boy jumped up and bowed his head, "SORRY SIR!"

To his right he could hear Takagi's hysterical laughter being muffled by her arms. She had buried her head in her desk to keep quiet. As he sat down, a small part of his heart squeezed at the cuteness of her actions. Unfortunately, this was overshadowed by all of his unyielding rage!

She peered over at the fuming boy, his face was still bright red and he was staring off to the other side of the classroom,"Oh come on Nishikata," Takagi whispered trying to get his attention, "I win. You blinked."

Nishikata scowled deeper, "Ya I know..."

Takagi's smirk turned into a small look of pity, "Ok Nishikata. As punishment you have to text me again tonight!"

His deep scowl lessened slightly, "T-That's it?"

Takagi nodded - and her usual smile shined brightly.

"Hey Nishikata, have you heard about that new kid, Seno?"

Nishikata walked with Nakai and Kimura to lunch - and Kimura had been rambling about school gossip for the past few minutes. He guessed it was because he hung out with Sanae so much, the both help out at the library - but man was it kinda annoying.

Nishikata glanced to his friend, "No I haven't, his name is Seno?"

"Ya," Kimura glanced around suspiciously, "he's a senior, and apparently he's really popular with the girls." He froze for a minute, seemingly deciding on what to say next, "I heard he's planning on asking out Takagi-San later today."

Nishikata froze, Nakai and Kimura walked past him and had to back up so they didn't lose him.

He was going to ask out Takagi?

"I just thought you'd want to know," he walked a bit closer to Nishikata, "I know you always say you guys aren't a thing but you're still close so I thought you'd want to know."

Nishikata shook his head a bit, "Y-Yah, no! I don't really...care or anything." He put on his best poker face and walked forward towards the cafeteria, his friends in tow.

Did he care? It's not like he controlled Takagi or anything, she could date whoever she wanted to. He just, never thought of her dating someone. And who's to say she'll even say yes? She probably wouldn't.

"Hey Nishikata you ok man? You kinda went quiet."

He turned to Nakai, "Ya, I-I'm fine."

Nakai nodded and then patted his shoulder, "Listen I'm sure she won't even say yes. So it'll be fine."

Nishikata's cheeks went red and he jumped back a bit, but he didn't get mad. These guys were his close friends, no use in denying something they probably know more then him. His face went down, and then it went up again, "Thanks, and I'm not worried. Takagi can do what she wants, if she really wants to go out with this Seno guy then I'll respect that. It's not like we're going out ourselves or anything."

As the group got their lunches and sat down - Nishikata thought back over the day. It had been less eventful then he had hoped, his scheme to win over Takagi had failed once more. She teased him 11 times so far, already on track for more push-ups then yesterday. That and he would have to text Takagi tonight, not the worst thing in the world, but still. He thought back to her smile, her laugh, he was mad but her happiness sorta...cut through his frustration. He noticed how that had been happening a lot more often lately.

He bit into his ham and lettuce sandwich, trying to think of anything but Takagi dating someone. He had to admit to himself, he liked her. He'd known for a while but with this Seno guy coming to ask her out, it really propelled his own feelings to the forefront.

Maybe he should tell her? No. No way, that would just be a major opening for a tease and it would come off as way too overprotective and jealous. That would just be...a bad idea.

Trying to get his mind off of Takagi for the time being, he thought of the field trip they would be taking next weekend. It was sure to be fun, three days overnight camping in the woods, he just hoped his parents would agree. He was sure they would, but it doesn't hurt to worry.

School had come to an end, and Nishikata was packing up his bag to walk home. Takagi was as well, but she hadn't asked him to walk home yet. Nishikata knew why, Seno probably already asked her to meet him somewhere or something. This sucked.

He stole a glance at her, and noticed she seemed ever so slightly...guilty? Like she knew she couldn't walk home with him that day, but didn't want to say it? It made him feel bad. Like a pit was forming in his stomach, maybe he could make her feel better?

"Hey Takagi-san," he thought of something really quickly, "sorry but I won't be able to walk home with you today, I promised the guys I'd meet them to play the newest Fierce Soccer game."

"Oh, that's ok Nishikata," she seemed relieved, "I actually had plans as well. I'll see you tomorrow."

The bad feeling left Nishikata's stomach and a smile formed on his face, "see you tomorrow Takagi-san."

As he walked past her, he could almost physically feel her smirk at him, "Remember to text me tonight."

A deep hue of red plastered the boys face and before he could even turn around Takagi was giggling once more. He growled lightly before looking back over his shoulder, before he could say anything however he simply scoffed and let it go. It was too hard staying mad looking at her smile.

Walking through the halls that pit in his stomach returned. He knew she would be getting asked out any minute now. Maybe he should have told her.

After getting to his shoe locker, Nishikata realized that he had forgotten his science book back in the classroom. It was all Takagi-san's fault, getting him all flustered like that! Now he had to walk all the way back upstairs to retrieve his books.

He climbed the steps begrudgingly. Part of him knew he was overreacting, it was just a book. It's not like he actually had anywhere to go other then his house.

The boy stopped at the floor of his class when he heard some talking. Was that...Takagi-San? Maybe she was talking to Seno. He peered around the corner of the top of the steps, just barely able to see Seno's back with Takagi standing in front of a wall.

"I'm sorry, but I like someone else Seno-kun."

Three emotions flooded Nishikata's system all at once. Fear, Relief, and Guilt. He was relieved that she seemed to be turning him down, but he also felt fear from her proclamation of liking someone else. What if that someone else wasn't him? The guilt was for listening to this conversation, this wasn't any of his business to be truthful.

"Oh come on baby," barely standing over Takagi he leaned forward pressing her body up against the stairwell wall, "You don't wanna just have a little fun?"

Nishikata's eyes widened immediately. What the hell was he doing?

"No. Please stop and leave me alone." Takagi commanded strongly, although with a slight hint of fear behind her words.

Nishikata was about to snap, this guy was harassing her!

"Oh come on..." Seno's hand came to caress her cheek, "I'll treat you nice."

Takagi took a deep breath and moved her hand to slap him. Before Takagi could however, Nishikata had ran up behind Seno, grabbed him by the uniform, and thrown him directly into the wall behind them. Her eyes widened, "N-Nishikata?"

"What the hell is your problem!?" Nishikata yelled at the bewildered senior, "she told you to stop!"

Takagi watched as Nishikata stood firmly in front of her, she was completely shocked. She stood almost paralyzed by the scene unfolding.

Seno quickly stood up and stared daggers back at Nishikata, "Who the hell are you?! Get the hell out of my way!"

Takagi quickly shook off her paralysis and stood in front of Nishikata, "Just stop! Please! Just leave us alone!"

Seno rushed forward pushing Takagi out of the way. She fell to the ground.

The entire world seemed to slow down, and Nishikata's eyes widened as he saw Takagi get shoved to the ground. His fists clenched, and he looked up at Seno who was charging towards him like a rampant bull.

How dare he hurt her! How dare he treat her like that?!

It was like a truck had hit him in the face. Seno must have punched him, because he could feel his entire jaw vibrate. It hurt - but he did not fall over. His head turned back to see his attacked, who looked rather surprised.

Before he could register what had happened, Nishikata's fist had connected with his face. It stung, but it only took one hit to completely knock Seno on his back. Presumably unconscious.

He breathed deeply, it felt like he broke his hand. But that didn't matter, he turned to Takagi who was still on the floor. She was looking up at him, her eyes wide with tears forming at the corners.

She seemed shocked, staring directly at Nishikata who had crouched down beside her.

"Hey are you okay? You're not hurt right?"

The tears welling up in her eyes started to fall, and she reached forward enclosing Nishikata in a tight hug, "T-Thank you Nishikata."

The boy instinctively wrapped his arms around her, barely paying mind to the heat rushing to his face. Her eyes were buried in the crook of his neck, she was crying. He hated it. Why did she have to cry?

He tightened his grip on her, "It's ok Takagi-San, it's ok. I won't let anything bad happen to you."

They stayed like that for a minute, Takagi had stopped crying and took to breathing deeply into his chest. She brought her head up to meet his, her face fully tear stained, "We should get the principle, "her eyes widened, "Are you okay? Your face... and your hand, is it okay?"

His face felt terrible, like someone inflated a balloon on the side of his head. His right hand, it had bruised significantly and it really stung. But it was ok, "Ya, it's ok. But you're alright?"

Takagi smiled, "I'm fine, thanks to you."

They both stood up, Takagi taking extra note on how Nishikata moved. She didn't want him having a concussion or something, "Are you sure you're okay Nishikata? Maybe you shouldn't move."

He poked at his face and flinched at the pain, "I'm okay, I probably just have a black eye or something."

She didn't lose her worried expression, but decided to take him at his word. She glanced down, Seno had been knocked out cold. His nose was crooked and bleeding as well, "Nishikata, you really knocked him out. I-I think you broke his nose."

Nishikata scowled st the boy, "He deserved it. I'm sorry Takagi-san, I should have told you what he was planning. I found out he was going to ask you earlier but didnt...tell you."

Takagi seemed a bit taken back, but shook her head strongly, "No! Nishikata this wasn't your fault, nothing was forcing you to tell me and in the end you saved me anyway. Thank you."

They both smiled, and Takagi moved to his side before slowly walking with him to the principle's office.

(Insert line)

"Thank you sensei, I'll make sure Nishikata gets home safe."

Takagi walked out in front of the school where Nishikata had been waiting. An ice pack pressed firmly against his face, and his right hand wrapped in bandages.

After the two had gone to the principle and explained what happened, Nishikata was checked by the schools nurse. He had to visit the hospital for X-Ray's later in the day just to be sure, but the nurse predicted it was merely a sprain.

Luckily they had believed them when they explained what had happened. They sent security to get Seno and that was almost all of what they had been told. They almost called their parents but luckily she had been able to convince them otherwise.

After finding Nishikata sitting on a small bench near the bike rack, Takagi quietly moved towards the boy. It was crazy seeing Nishikata fight like that, he had taken a punch to the face and barely moved! It was impressive. He definitely wasn't lying about those push-ups.

Most of all though, she felt grateful. That was...scary. If Nishikata wasn't their who knows what would have happened? Well, she would have slapped him, but he might not have stopped after that. She was happy he was there.

Takagi looked at the seemingly tired boy, "Hey Nishikata. Are you okay to go? We can wait a bit if you want."

He shook his head, "No I'm fine, let's go."

Nodding Takagi walked over and picked up his bag for him, "I'll carry this for you."

"You don't have to, I can carry it just fine."

"Look at yourself Nishikata," she gestured to his hand holding the ice pack and his other busted hand, "Just let me do this for you ok? I can carry it in my bike rack."

The boy sighed and then smiled with the faintest blush, "alright, thank you."

With that the two started their journey home. Albeit slightly slower then usual - they traveled down their usual path.

Takagi toyed with the idea of teasing Nishikata - but decided against it. He didn't deserve to get teased right now, especially after he saved her like that.

Speaking of, she never thought Nishikata could fight like that. He took a punch to the face and barely stumbled! He must have been telling the truth about those push-ups. Maybe she should compliment him on that...nah - too teasy.

"What gives?"

Takagi turned her head towards the boy, a curious smile dancing across her face, "What?"

"By now you would have teased me at least 5 times," Nishikata peered at the girl, "So what's wrong?"

Takagi fought back the urge to say 'What? Do you want me to tease you?'

"Well I thought you deserved a break after saving me today," She giggled at his wording, "It's funny how you notice something wrong when I'm not teasing you!"

Nishikata held back a scoff and simply rolled his eyes, "You don't have to do that for me you know. If you want to tease me go ahead, I know you enjoy my reactions," he moved his gaze to the ground, "especially after today, and what he did to you."

Takagi stopped dead in her tracks - did he just ask me to tease him because he thought it would make me feel better?

Nishikata noticed her absence after a few steps, he quickly turned around and realized what he had said, "WAIT! N-No! I didn't mean it like that I just-"

The boy closed his eyes to hide his embarrassment (to no avail)

Thank god he closed his eyes though, because in that moment Takagi's face lit up with a blush that rivaled his. Why did he have to land a critical hit right now?!

Thankfully she turned it around in mere seconds, "Well, if that's what you want Nishikata," she shuffled closer to the boy and whispered in his ear, "I'll tease you as many times as you want."

She swore she could see a thin trickle of blood running from his nose - but she also watched a lot of anime with that trope so it might have been her imagination. Regardless, she burst out into a fit of laughter at Nishikata's face after her words.

"Takagi-San! I take it back!"

Later on that Night

Nishikata layed in his bed, the darkness of his room captivating all of his senses. He rolled over to grab his phone from his nightstand - he almost forgot.

Nishikata: Hey, are you awake?

Takagi rolled over and grabbed her phone, smiling at the most recent message.

Takagi: Ya, what's up?

Nishikata: I just wanna make sure you're okay, I'm sorry that happened to you today.

A large smiled formed on Takagi's face.

Takagi: I am. Thank you again, you really saved me today.

Takagi: Those push-ups finally payed off huh?

Nishikata blushed something fierce, damn that Takagi! Always teasing!

Nishikata: You know Takagi-san, what happened to going easy on me?

Takagi laughed out loud, tiny hints of a blush appearing on her cheeks. There was no reason to hold anything back, she loved talking like this with him.

Takagi: Well I AM just doing what you told me to do - if you didn't want to get teased you shouldn't have texted :)

Nishikata: I'm only texting because you told me to! Remember earlier?

Takagi: oh right! Ya sure whatever you say Nishikata.

Takagi: Alright, I'm going to bed now. Goodnight Nishikata.

Nishikata: Goodnight Takagi-San

Nishikata: ...

Nishikata: Takagi-San?

Takagi: Ya?

Nishikata: I would have texted you anyways.

Nishikata: Goodnight.

Takagi went to sleep with a deep blush on her face, and a wide smile as well.

Two critical hits in one day Nishikata. Not bad...