Dumb big peepee poopoo dumb dummy autho note that you should probs skip-
Back again with something new I guess. I'm debating whether or not I should actually make this chapter connect with the first chapter, if it's gonna connect then that means ima have to re-edit/re-write some stuff here and there but it's whatever, for now it won't connect. This could be either the worst chapter yet because of how long this is and how maybe some stuff probably got dragged on a bit too long, or a decent chapter, but ion know. At the same time when I was making this, I also kinda rushed the chapter in the end, and rushed my decision making on what objects should appear and be used, so there's gonna be some tiny edits here and there as well in the future to so I can satisfy myself, but it isn't gonna affect the plot too much (Reason why it was rushed is because if I didn't rush it, I was gonna be a bit more busier and lazier in the future. So now seemed like a good time). Anyways enjoy
Note (Again)- This chapter is not connected or related to chapter 1/Fever... Yet...
This chapter takes place after Nishikata and Takagi's fishing competition/Vol.10 Chapter 87
"(This is it, I'll finally beat after all this time!)"
It was a hot summer day as Nishikata and Takagi walked down the road once again, they were returning from school and as per usual, began playing a game, only this time it took place at the park. "(I'm doing it! I'm doing it! It really is working!)" as the excited boy proceeded to walk down a tall, straightforward, but also not too wide stone platform. Nishikata was keeping his arms out to balance himself and make it all the way to the other end of the stone platform, as Takagi also walked with him but on the ground floor, smiling. Nishikata then started getting very close to the end, his mind was going wild, he could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, he was nearing victory.
"Hm?..." Takagi all of a sudden said. Nishikata then heard her curiosity and calmed down a bit, but he still kept walking down the platform, keeping his eyes locked on down. "I wonder what that is" Takagi started saying, riling up Nishikata's curiosity, but very quickly Nishikata then thought "(Hah! as if you'll get me with that, there's no way you're distracting me this time)" as he continued on looking down and walking. "Oh! it really is one of those things" Takagi then said as she started looking more happy and excited, Nishikata then took notice of her face and immediately looked to the left, he really couldn't help it. As Nishikata took one more step on his path while also trying to find the thing, Takagi then said "Oh looks like you're about to step down".
This immediately caused Nishikata to panic a bit, he overshot his next step with his right foot and made his upper body make its way to the right, making him actually lose his balance, and then be forced to step down onto the ground floor. "... Oh I guess your foot didn't actually look like it crossed the edge" Takagi said, which caused Nishikata to go into a defeated pose on the ground, as he also realized how extremely close he was to actually finishing the path, causing Takagi to laugh. Takagi then looked around somewhere and walked off, Nishikata looked up to see her and thought "(She wasn't faking the distraction?)" as he also got up and followed her.
Takagi Crouched down and looked at the object that was in front of her, Nishikata then asked "What're you looking at?" As he finally caught up with her and saw what grabbed her attention. The object was moving in a wavy way, and was sort of puffy and white, "Oh, Dandelions" Nishikata identified.
Takagi nodded, as she picked out one of the dandelions and faced Nishikata, she then asked "Wanna blow on it?" as she raised up the dandelion towards him, causing him to blush. "Eh? I mean... (Wait, no this is what kids do, if I blow on this she's definitely gonna make fun of me for that)... Ehh I-I'll pass" He said as he made a hand gesture signaling a no. Takagi then lowered her hand and stopped smiling, she lowered her head and closed her eyes before resuming to smile, "If you say so" she said. Takagi blew on the dandelion, the seeds all scattered away, it felt satisfying seeing them all being blown away to both Nishikata and Takagi. Something about seeing the pappus being blown away made Nishikata feel all of a sudden... relieved?.
This feeling caused him to look at the last 2 dandelions and think, "(... Come on, I just gotta turn around and mind my own business, should be easy enough)". Takagi then asked once more "Are you really sure you don't want to blow on one?" "Yep, you can blow on the rest of them if you want (She'll soon realize how much of a kid she really is blowing on all these dandelions, that'll totally make her feel embarrassed!)" Nishikata thought as he turned around smirking.
Takagi observed Nishikata for a bit, she then picked out one more dandelion and said, "You know, I really think dandelions are beautiful, It makes me really happy blowing them and seeing them being blown away" as she blew on the second dandelion. Nishikata then stopped smirking and turned around, he saw the small seeds once more and started feeling something again. Only this time it felt like he really needed to blow on a dandelion.
Nishikata then made his way to the final dandelion, Takagi smiled as he crouched next to her and picked out the final dandelion. He observed it for a moment, and then finally blew on it. The seeds once more scattered off into the air. Nishikata felt good, extremely good and relieved, he stood up and for just a moment he felt truly happy for reasons unbeknownst to him. He continued seeing the seeds being blown away, he didn't mind the loss he took earlier anymore, Takagi was also taking notice of how very happy he was, which also made her extremely happy as well.
As the tiny flowers were now more far away from them, Nishikata then looked down excitedly but realized that it was the last dandelion he blew on. He went back into a neutral face, also making a sad expression with his eyebrows. Takagi took notice of the change in mood and decided to change it in a way, saying "I thought you didn't want to blow a dandelion" as she got up while smiling. Nishikata then realized what he said before and tried to explain, "W-well it's just that... It's just that..." Nishikata started, struggling with an answer.
Takagi then added on to her words, "I was really happy to see you change your mind and blow on one anyways" as she got up and turned around to get a hold of her bike and walk the road again. Nishikata then blushed, and followed her back into the road as well. As they started walking Takagi then shot out a question to Nishikata "What's your favorite flower Nishikata?" "... Eh!?" as Nishikata then looked at her while blushing. "Well... I mean..." Nishikata struggled saying, as he also started thinking and looking around everywhere, he then turned to Takagi once more, Takagi in return also faced him while smiling. "...W-WELL, I-I mean... I like all different types of flowers you know?" Nishikata finally answered, as he turned his face forward again on the road.
Takagi continued looking at Nishikata, "Hmm..." Was all she replied with . As they continued walking, Takagi then started once more "You know how the other appearance of a dandelion looks like, right Nishikata?". Nishikata then faced her and replied, "Well, yeah, it's early stage... What about it?" "I also really think of them as beautiful, it's just that it's rare for me to see them" she added on. Nishikata looked the other way, and for a moment started thinking, "(Rare for her to see them?...)" "Hey Nishikata" Takagi interrupted his thought. "Y-yeah?" Nishikata responded, as he turned his face back to her only to feel something on his cheek.
"Gotcha" Takagi said as she grinned at him, poking his cheek with her finger.
The next day. . .
"Can't believe she's teased me at least 16 times now" Nishikata said as he put his head down on a class table, with his bento in front of him. It was lunch period as he sat there in a defeated state, he looked to his right and saw nothing but an empty seat. "Oh right Takao's not here today, he had some sort of dentist appointment... So is Kimura, think he was a bit sick today, huh..." As Nishikata faced another direction, having his head still lay low. He then heard a chair slide, making him look up in front of his seat, "Having a bad day?" Hamaguchi asked. "Ehh so, so" Nishikata replied. "Guess we're kind of on the same boat huh?" Hamaguchi said as he opened his bento.
Nishikata then became curious about Hamaguchi and decided to ask, "Did something bad happen to you?". Hamaguchi then swallowed some of his food and replied, "You could say that... I guess there's no pain in telling you". Hamaguchi then started explaining "Houjou's birthday is coming up tomorrow weekend, but I still haven't thought about what I should really get for her birthday" As Hamaguchi then put his arm on his head, making an annoyed expression. "I've been thinking for a huge while now, it's gone on for 3 days and yet there's nothing I could think of that's mature enough for her" Hamaguchi continued, Nishikata then replied, "O-oh I see... Hm...".
Nishikata then asked "What gifts did you think of so far that you thought she would've liked?" "I was thinking about getting her a ribboned sun hat, but that just seems a bit too plain, I can't sing her a song since that's too much for me, can't really say much about getting her a slice of cake, that'd be a 50/50 for it to make her happy" Hamaguchi replied. Nishikata then started thinking "(Something mature... Something mature...) Well what about tandem riding?" "You speak as if you got experience ehh?" Hamaguchi replied.
Nishikata then instantly blushed "What?! No, no, no, no it's no-" "Yeah I get it, it's alright. Tandem riding wasn't a bad idea at first since I have my own bike and all, but we haven't practiced doing that yet" Hamaguchi replied. Nishikata then continued thinking, "(What to say, what to say...)" As he finally thought about yesterday's experience. "What about getting her a flower?" Nishikata asked, Hamaguchi then thought about it for some time and then spoke, "I see where you're going with this, but it'd be hard to tell what type of flower she likes". Nishikata was about to resume thinking before hearing, "But it can't be that bad eh? It's worth a shot at least" Hamaguchi said, continuing eating.
Nishikata then became happy, as he also resumed eating. As the two finished their meal, Hamaguchi then started talking, "Actually uh, I have a favor related to our conversation earlier...". Nishikata then replied in curiosity, "Oh, uh, what would that favor be then?" "You mind helping me look for a flower after school?".
Nishikata paused for a moment before thinking "(Hmm... I mean I don't really have anything to do after school... That and it's gonna be the weekend tomorrow... But Takagi-san is gonna be all alon-... Wait hold on this could be my chance for something even greater!)" Nishikata thought, as he remembered Takagi's last words that were related to yesterday's flower conversation. "(If I can find a dandelion at its early stage as well and show it to Takagi-san, she'll be so impressed by it, she'll just have to stop teasing me!)" Nishikata continued thinking. "Yeah sure! where do you wanna go and find them?" Nishikata asked, Hamaguchi then thought for a brief moment and then started, "Tell ya what, let's actually go home and get dressed for the search, we'll reunite at the candy shop and go to a forest not too far from there, I just came up with a plan related to the flower and sun hat you see" as Hamaguchi made a smirk and stood up.
"Think you can do that?" "Oh, yeah of course!" Nishikata replied to Hamaguchi. Hamaguchi then made a fist and said "Yes!" In excitement before starting to thank Nishikata, "Thanks a lot Nishikata, I'll see you at the candy shop then" As the bell rang and Hamaguchi left. "(Nah, thank you Hamaguchi, you just might have given me another push forward to victory)" Nishikata thought as he made his way to class as well.
It was the final period, the bell was about to ring, and Nishikata was in thought once more,"(Can't believe she teased me at least double the number that I counted earlier... And I obtained another loss... But just you wait Takagi, once I get that flower for you, you'll surely be seeing who's greater here)". As the bell rang, Nishikata packed and got up to realize he had a tiny problem on his plan, "Wanna walk home together, Nishikata?" Takagi asked as she also stood up. Nishikata stood there for a bit trying to think of any excuse "Err, well, uhh, you see Takagi-san I uhh.. (What do I do! Would I be the bad guy here declining her? I mean she asks me all the time and I accept so she should understand) I uhh, I'm actually kind of in a hurry you see?" Nishikata finally said.
Takagi then became curious and asked, "Mind telling me about it?". "(Crap, I didn't see that one coming! Now what should I do?...) Oh uhh well you see uh, I actually gotta go and talk to my mom quickly to decide where we should go for our family trip in summer before she already makes plans!" Nishikata lied. Takagi then got a bit up close while smiling, Nishikata blushed and backed away just a bit before he heard her say, "Are you lying?". Nishikata blushed a bit harder and then shot back, "N-no I'm not! It's the truth!" as he managed to for once, pull a decent serious face. "Hmmmm..." was all Takagi replied with, as she got a bit closer and closer.
Nishikata then started blushing even harder "(No way! She's really on to me. If she knows I'm lying then th-)" "Alright then, hope everything goes well for you!" Takagi cut Nishikata from his thoughts, as she walked away, and out of the classroom. "...Eh?... (Wait no, I can't get distracted, this is my chance!... Though it's not like her to let me off the hook like that...)" Nishikata thought, but he shook his head and walked out of the classroom, hurrying towards his locker.
Takagi was walking down the hallway, wondering whether or not she made the right call to let Nishikata go. As she kept walking down, she also saw Hamaguchi go in a hurry from behind, as she saw him hurry past her, "(Wonder why he's also in a hurry... Isn't Houjo-san supposed to walk with him today as well?)" Takagi thought to herself. Making it to her locker, she saw Nishikata exit out the building, she continued observing him for a bit before she saw him start running as soon as he exited out of the school gate, "(Guess he really was telling the truth)" Takagi thought to herself.
As Takagi was about to turn around back to her locker, she then also saw Hamaguchi do the same thing, making her think "(Maybe... Hm...)". Takagi organized everything and started making her way out from the school, as she started walking on the road with her bike, ready to ride it she heard her name being called out by a familiar voice, "Ah! Takagi-san". Takagi then turned around, and to her surprise it was Houjou.
As Houjou caught up with Takagi, Takagi then started talking "I didn't know you took this road" "Ah, well I guess I decided to take a detour since Hamaguchi had to leave early... Mind if I walk with you?" Houjou asked, as Takagi nodded and walked on the left side of the road. Houjou then asked again, "Nishikata-kun isn't walking with you today?" "Nope, he had some family business he needed to take care of back home, so he left early," Takagi replied. As the two kept walking and chit chatting for a bit down the road, Takagi then started once again "Nishikata was acting a bit weird though, I couldn't really tell if he was telling the truth or not", Hojou then took note of this as she replied back, "That's strange, Hamaguchi was also acting a bit weird when he tried giving out his reason as well. He said he had some family come over today, and wanted to spend some time with them".
As the two kept walking, they also became a bit deep in thought. Hojou then asked "Actually now that I think about it, their two other friends didn't come today either right?" "Hmm, now that you mention it, it was just Nishikata and Hamaguchi who came out of the four" Takagi replied. "You think they had something planned together?" "Maybe, it could be that or they just both ran by coincidence" Takagi replied back to Houjou.
"It's not like Nishikata to lie about something urgent" Takagi noted, Houjou also had the same thought about Hamaguchi. "If he were to lie about it, what reason do you think he'd do it for?" Hojou asked, making Takagi look to the left and think about it for a bit. "Hmmmm... I think I'd have a good idea on why he would lie about it" Takagi said, grinning.
"This is finally my chance to impress her!" Nishikata said aloud in his room, while getting dressed. He put his blue hat on, he then blindly grabbed a certain blue backpack, and 2 sodas from his fridge and put them in his backpack. Incase him and Hamaguchi are ever gonna need a quick break on the search. He notified his mother about where he was going, and off he went running again towards the candy store.
"I can already imagine how her face is gonna look like when I show her that dandelion. Oh, how much of a mistake it was for you to tell me that Takagi-san." Nishikata said, imagining a scenario between him and Takagi.
Nishikata shows her the dandelion, Takagi becomes very impressed, Nishikata looks like a showoff and is smirking. He then lives a happy life, tease-free.
"Just you wait when I get my hands on that flower," Nishikata said.
It was around 4:00 PM, as Hamaguchi made it with the sun hat to the candy store, he met Nishikata. The two made their way to the forest. "You know, it was a bit of a surprise that you're helping me out with this favor. You have some other intentions to go to the forest or something?" Hamaguchi asked, catching Nishikata off guard, "Oh! Uh... Well you see I'm also kind of uhh... You know what nevermind, it's not much of a big deal actually" Nishikata said. Hamaguch looked at him in a skeptical way, "You sure?" "Y-yeah! it's really nothing honestly" Nishikata replied, making a hand movement indicating that it's really nothing. "If you say so," Hamgauchi said.
"So what was your plan with the sun hat?" Nishikata asked, "Ah yeah about that, I was thinking about putting the flower that looks best on the ribbon here" Hamaguchi explained, pointing at the ribbon. Nishikata was impressed about Hamaguchi's idea, "Oh I see!" "Yep, this is gonna be my best gift for Houjou, it's all or nothing at this point too" Hamaguchi said, smiling. Nishikata then smiled, as he was a bit pumped up searching for his and Hamaguchi's flower. Reaching their destination, they entered the forest. . . .
Surprisingly, progress was going well for Hamaguchi's flower. Throughout the boy's search, they managed to find a few of each flower that went well with the sun hat: Marigolds, Tsubakis, Daisies, Daphnes, Dahlias, and many more. Yet Hamaguchi still felt as if there was a better flower suited for the hat. Nishikata, was extremely dumbfounded by the fact that all the dandelions he found were at their puffy form/late stage, not even one was found in its early stage.
As the search continued, Hamaguchi was starting to notice the annoyance in Nishikata's face, becoming curious about the change in mood. "You doin' alright?" Hamaguchi asked, "Uh, yeah! Perfectly fine over here" Nishikata quickly said back in a reassuring manner. Hamaguchi then decided to go along with it and continue his search, but he was starting to wonder more and more about Nishikata's decisions and attitude of today.
Hamaguchi then decided to try and converse a bit, "You think we should've invited Takao and Kimura on the search?" Hamaguchi asked. "Hmmm, I mean I wouldn't want them to be left out... (I just get the feeling they'd be onto me on why exactly I came here to help you with your business, which wouldn't turn out good for me...) But maybe we shouldn't bother them since they're still probably dealing with their business and problems and stuff" Nishikata said. "Yeah, I guess you're right about that," Hamaguchi said.
The two went on chit chatting and searching at the same time. After a while their legs started feeling a bit tired, "You wanna take a break somewhere?" "Sure" Hamaguchi replied to Nishikata. The two went on to try and find a spot to take a break on, something caught Hamaguchi's eye, "Is that a pond?" he said. Nishikata then looked at his direction and also saw the pond, and made his way to it with Hamaguchi. As Nishikata got closer to it he realized exactly where they were.
"(This is the pond me and Takagi-san had our fishing contest in...)" Nishikata thought. Hamaguchi sat on a log, as Nishikata sat on the grass. The two sodas were taken out from the blue backpack as Nishikata lent out the watermelon soda to Hamaguchi, "Ah thanks a lot, glad you brought that" Hamaguchi said as he popped it out and started drinking.
As they rested for a bit, Hamaguchi then noticed Nishikata's backpack and asked, "Is that your fishing backpack?" making Nishikata realize what backpack he brought in. Nishikata looked into the back and didn't realize he had some bait in the backpack and responded, "Ahaha, yeah I didn't actually know I took it with me" as he laughed for a bit. "Ah I see, there's some kelp here, so it would've been a bit nice to fish for a bit here as well" Hamaguchi said, making Nishikata think for a bit.
Nishikata then made his way to a bush near the pond, and grabbed the two fishing rods he hid in there, "Actually, I think we can do that too'' he said as he offered Hamaguchi a rod, surprising him a bit. As the two boys then swung their rods at the pond, Hamaguchi then started talking "I'm Not trying to exaggerate, but I really appreciate the help today" as he smiled. "Don't think I could've made much progress on Hojou's gift without you Nishikata" Hamaguchi continued, "Ah well, it really was nothing, I'm just happy to help" Nishikata replied.
"Did you really have this whole break planned out too or something?" Hamaguchi asked, "Ah, well it really was all a coincidence you see. I didn't really know I brought my fishing backpack with me, nor did I know I'd come across this pond with someone again" Nishikata explained. "... What do you mean by again?" Hamaguchi asked, making Nishikata realize what he said. "AH, well uh you see" Nishikata started, as he already began to blush, "Well it's just that, uh-" "If you don't want to tell me, it's alright. Besides, you've helped me this much so It'd be fair" Hamaguchi said, calming Nishikata down a bit.
Nishikata thought about it for a bit, whether or not he should really tell Hamaguchi about what happened here, but then again maybe he should understand right now what relationship he believes he has with Takagi. "...Well, uh" Nishikata started, catching Hamaguchi's attention. "I actually invited Takagi-san here for a fishing competition between me and her... But I lost... I could've actually won if I caught a big fish that was swimming around here, it fell for the bait and I tried reeling it in but it was kind of too much for me, I think I might've gotten dragged into the pond if it wasn't for Takagi-san grabbing me by the chest and then pulling me back, though the fish did get away" Nishikata explained.
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"Wait Takagi-san pulled you back by the chest?" Hamaguchi asked, Nishikata then realized once more what he said, "(OH CRAP! ME AND MY BIG MOUTH TELLING STORIES, NOW HE'S DEFINITELY GONNA BELIEVE THAT WE'RE A COUPLE) B-B-But it's not like that I swear!" Nishikata said as he stood up with his mouth open, and fully blushing. Hamaguchi sat there for a while thinking "Well, I guess it's better than getting pulled into the pond (There really isn't much of a point to ask about the relationship again, he'd just deny it)" Hamaguchi said, as he reeled in a fish.
Nishikata was caught off guard, especially by Hamaguchi, "Eh?... I mean, of course yeah!... It's better than getti-Ah!" Nishikata tried replying, as he started reeling in a fish while still standing up. Hamaguchi noticed how much force there was in the first pull that the fish made, and realized that this was a big fish Nishikata had on his hands, "(?... There's no way) Need a bit of help?" Hamaguchi asked, as Nishikata nodded.
Hamaguchi made his way over, also taking hold of the rod, and helped out Nishikata, successfully they reeled in the big fish. Nishikata then started thinking for a bit, as he took a hold of the string and saw the fish trying to escape from the hook. "... Wait, this is the fish I was talking about!" Nishikata remembered, and pointed out. Hamaguchi then started understanding a bit, "Guess you really did need extra help pulling that fish, otherwise you could've been soaked right now and back then huh?" he said. Nishikata thus then realized what really could've happened back then if it weren't for Takagi, but also realized he was a bit too weak as well back then and was destined to lose either way in the fishing competition.
As Nishikata unhooked the big fish, and sat back down, he looked depressed which of course was noticed by Hamaguchi. "(He probably thought of something related to his story, now he looks a bit pathetic... Hmm... Maybe now's a good time to challenge his belief while he's in this mood, that oughta brighten him up a bit) Hey Nishikata" Hamaguchi called him, as Nishikata responded with a low "yeah?". "What did you feel when Takagi-san pulled you back, back then?" Hamaguchi asked as he faced him.
"..." Nishikata went quiet for a bit. Hamaguchi then stared back at the pond and closed his eyes, thinking "(Was worth a sho-)" "It felt as if... There were butterflies in my stomach..." Nishikata said, blushing a bit. Hamaguchi was surprised he got an answer back as he once more faced him, "I... I dunno... But something about it felt strange... And... A bit... Nice?... (Why am I running my mouth again now...)" Nishikata said, Hamaguchi then started understanding and smiled, "But even then... She still teased me about it after that" Nishikata added on.
Hamaguchi then finally understood what was probably going on between them as soon as Nishikata added on. "You think you'll ever have a chance against her?" Hamaguchi said as he reeled in another fish. Nishikata went quiet for a bit again before talking once more "Actually uhh... You know Hamaguchi" "Hm?" "The other reason why I came here as well is because of her, I came up with the idea to get her a dandelion at its early stage, since it's actually rare for her to find those dandelions. She'll be so impressed once I show her it, she'll just have to stop teasing me right?" Nishikata explained. Hamaguchi once again smiled and asked, "Have you found it yet?" making Nishikata once again depressed.
"Ahh, I see..." Hamaguchi said, as he made a thinking expression. "Tell ya what, once we find the perfect flower for this sun hat here, I'll help you look for that dandelion" Hamaguchi said, "So cheer up" as he gave a thumbs up. Nishikata then became surprised and asked, "R-really?!" "Of course, it'd only be fair after all" Hamaguchi replied, smiling. Nishikata became happy once more, "Thanks Hamaguchi, I'll try my best in helping you find the best flower for you then" Nishikata said. As they finished their break, they searched once more around the forest.
After a lot of time, it seems as though both the boy's found the perfect flower that fitted the sun hat, this happened around 6:15 PM . "This Begonia really does fit with the hat huh?" Nishikata noted, as Hamaguchi kept putting the sun hat next to the flower seeing how it really fitted well with it. "You gonna cut it up and put it on the hat?" Nishikata asked, Hamaguchi then shook his head "I'll leave the flower here for tomorrow, put a pile of sticks and stones around here to know the flower's near. Gonna walk out here with Hojou-san and then cut it and put the flower on her hat so she can try it out" Hamaguchi explained.
Nishikata then understood, as he helped out with pilling up some pillars of sticks and stones around the location of the flower. "Now then, off to find your dandelion" Hamaguchi said, as Nishikata became excited but again was still surprised at how he or Hamaguchi haven't found one in its early stage around here. The search was on though, and it was starting to get late.
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No matter what they couldn't find the flower at all, it was around 7:00 pm, and Nishikata began to panic for a bit. Hamaguchi realizing this then said, "You wanna take a break back at the pond before resuming the search?". Nishikata in a panicked state, snapped out of it when he heard Hamaguchi's voice. He then smiled and looked back at him "Nah, after the break I think we should stop searching since it's getting late. We've probably already went far enough in here to not get lost, and looked around more carefully, so there's probably no dandelions here. You've been such a big help though Hamaguchi, thanks" Nishikata happily said.
Hamaguchi, understanding his friend's words nodded, but was also a bit sad for him as they made their way back to the pond. Once they sat down, Hamaguchi tried to think of a way to cheer up Nishikata, "You'll find it sooner or later Nishikata, I know it" he said smiling, as Nishikata smiled back at him, "Thanks Hamaguchi" he replied.
As a bit of time passed by, the boy's were finally well rested. Onward they went returning home until the sun shined surprisingly onto the location of the pond. Nishikata looked back at the pond, and noticed as the sun shined on it, it also revealed behind the pond yellow figures in a huge open space that they never noticed. Nishikata's eyes widened as he walked towards the pond once more, and then around it. Hamaguchi followed as he later took notice of the yellow figures as well.
As they made it to the spot, Nishikata was full of joy. "We found it! We did it! and there's even a whole bunch of them!" Nishikata said excitedly and as happy as he could to Hamaguchi. Hamaguchi smiled back, he then looked at the huge group of dandelions in their early stage, "Can't believe it was right under our noses this whole time" Hamaguchi noted. "Don't think we'll have to do extra work here to know where these are, since it's really around the pond," Nishikata said.
"Hmm... Hey Nishikata let's take a picture here together, don't think I'd wanna miss out on an opportunity like this" Hamaguchi said, as he took out his phone, and so did Nishikata. This was indeed a huge group of dandelions in their early stage, at least the size of a quarter of a garden. As the two took their photos together, and grabbed their phones that sat on some logs, they then started making their way out of the forest.
"If it wasn't for the sun, we would've never found you that huge pile of dandelions on their early stage" "Yeah, I'm just glad the sun came at the right time" Nishikata replied back happily. "Well let's head back home, thanks for the help again Nishikata" "Yeah no problem Hamaguchi'' As the two were making their way out the forest, a huge branch was in their way, Hamaguchi pushed through it, not realizing Nishikata didn't notice the branch yet and hasn't ducked yet. As Hamaguchi then slipped his hand from the branch, the branch swooped back into its original spot, and hit Nishikata in the face.
"... AH! Nishikata!" Hamaguchi quickly yelled out, as he made his way to Nishikata, "I'm sorry about that, I didn't me-" "Na-ow..., it's alright, I just wasn't looking at all. How bad does it look though?" Nishikata asked, toughening out his injury. Nishikata stopped covering his face with his hands as Hamaguchi began observing the damage, "... That's gonna leave a mark for a while" Hamaguchi said worryingly. "Is it bad?" "Well yes and no, you're gonna have a line marked on your whole face for a while, but it should be gone as soon as you get home" Hamaguchi explained.
"Ah, well as long as it's nothing serious, I should be alright. Let's get going now" Nishikata said, as Hamaguchi nodded and continued walking, still feeling guilty about what he did.
As the two boys made their way out of the forest, they started making their way down the road till they got to a separation point. But as they walked towards one corner of the road, Takagi appeared from the right, walking down towards them. She then noticed the two, making Nishikata quickly cover his face with his hat, and look down. Hamaguchi on the other hand became worried and a bit pressured on what exactly he should do, "Oh! hi Hamaguchi-kun" Takagi greeted him.
Hamaguchi then waved and greeted her as Takagi approached him and Nishikata, "What're you doing around here?" "Ah- well you see I uh, am hanging out with a friend here actually (Crap, it just had to be Takagi-san popping out of nowhere. Dunno what she'll think once she sees Nishikata with his mark)" Hamaguchi thought. Takagi then looked at Nishikata, she noticed his hair making her eyes widen a bit more "Oh, hey Nishikata '' She then said. Nishikata then panicked for a bit and then replied, "H-hey Takagi-san" He muffled out, still looking down with his face covered.
Takagi wondered for a bit why Nishikata was looking down with his face covered, "Why're you covering yourself?" She asked. Nishikata began to panic even more once Takagi asked about it, "U-u-uh just cause ya know!" He said back, he couldn't really think of an excuse at all. Takagi then smiled, "There's nothing wrong with your face you know. Or is there something you're hiding?" she said as she leaned a bit close to him, "Th-there's nothing wrong with my face of course!" "Then why don't you uncover yourself?" She replied back to Nishikata, standing up straight.
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"(GAHHHHHH, I'M ALREADY DIGGING MYSELF A DEEP HOLE!)" Nishikata thought, "(Dang, Takagi-san sure does know how to read him easily. Guess he wasn't kidding about her teasing him a lot) Hamaguchi also thought. "(But I need to somehow keep her from seeing his face, otherwise I can't tell what's gonna happen if he does reveal it to her... But what can I do...)" Hamaguchi thought for a moment, as Nishikata was slowly starting to uncover himself. Hamaguchi then thought of an idea as soon as he looked at the two, he then called out "Takagi-san!".
Nishikata stopped uncovering, and looked at Hamaguchi, Takagi too looked at him a bit surprised, "Hm? what is it Hamaguchi-kun?" she asked. "I Challenge you to a game! If I win, Nishikata won't reveal his face, if I lose he'll have to reveal it! (It's all or nothing at this point)" Hamaguchi said, Nishikata became a bit relieved, "(Phew, it's a good thing he's here) he thought. Takagi then smiled, "Alright then, I'll accept if you let me choose the game and conditions" she said, "Of course you can choose the game and conditions (Not like I actually did have a game planned, I just said all that in panic)" Hamaguchi thought. "Alright then, but I know I'm gonna win this game" she declared, Hamaguchi then raised an eyebrow "Hm.. (Getting a bit cocky I see... But she just might have something up her sleeve... But let's see what this is about)"
"I'll guess what you did after school, if I guess correctly you lose, if I guess wrong then you win" Takagi said.
"(Hm?... There's no way she can guess what I did after school) alright then, go for it and guess." Hamaguchi said, as he closed his eyes and started smirking. Takagi then smiled and started talking, "You really were in a hurry to go to your locker, and outside the school you know" making Hamaguchi open his eyes and raise an eyebrow. "It reminded me a bit about Nishikata, since he also was in a hurry. You also have that sun hat in your hand as well which helped me with my guess" She continued, these exact words caused Hamaguchi to go into panic and think, "(W-wait! Crap! She might actually be on to something!)" "(O-Oh no! She also noticed Hamaguchi in a hurry as well!) Nishikata also thought.
"But my guess to why you were in such a hurry after school..." Takagi continued, as the boys were starting to go into full panic mode.
"Was because you had some of your other family members come and visit you today" She said.
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"(Heh, she really did scare me for a bit there. But oh Takagi-san, you sure thought you were gonna win against me)" Hamaguchi thought, "(Phew, she really gave me a bit of a scare. Thought she was gonna say that he was gonna hang out with me or one of our friends... But it doesn't make sense... why was her guess that?)" Nishikata thought. "Well Takagi-san, your guess is ultimately, wr-... (Something feels off... I can't bring myself to say wrong... And she's still calm and smiling, But why?)" Hamaguchi thought.
"Hm? Something the matter Hamaguchi-kun? Am I wrong?" Takagi said, grinning. Hamaguchi was looking down thinking, before facing up and speaking once more, "W-well..." "(What's wrong with him? He won... So why can't he declare that she lost?) Nishikata thought.
"(No wait... Those words... I said... Something like that to... Houjou!) Hamaguchi thought as he looked eye to eye at Takagi, shocking him as she grinned. "(She- Wha- H-how does she know about that!?)" Hamaguchi thought, "(If Houjou told her about that... What would happen if she told Houjou I lied about my excuse?)" As Hamaguchi began to go into full panic mode. "Y-you're..." Hamaguchi struggled talking, "Y-...Y-you're".
"You're right," He ultimately said.
Nishikata's eyes widened beneath the hat as his mind was going wild, "(W-wait sh-she won!?)" Nishikata thought. Hamaguchi looked down in defeat, and Nishikata was going into full panic mode, while Takagi was just laughing at the two's expressions (She could tell Nishikata was panicking). "I told you I'd win, didn't I?" Takagi said once again, Hamaguchi was still so surprised about how she won and knew about what he told Houjou. "And since I won..." Takagi continued, as she looked at Nishikata who was probably already sweating raindrops, "You have to uncover yourself".
"A-a-all...right..." Nishikata said. The boy slowly started uncovering himself once more, while Hamaguchi looked at his suffering friend, ashamed of himself and defeated he thought "(I-I still can't believe... I lost to her... Of all people... Sorry Nishikata..)". As Nishikata fully uncovered himself, he closed his eyes and faced up and looked at Takagi's face.
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"Eh?" Hamaguchi said, as he looked even more closely at Nishikata's face, he couldn't believe what he saw. Takagi then started talking, "See? It's all fine Nishikata, there's nothing on it" Making Nishikata open his eyes. Nishikata touched his face, and then his whole face, he didn't feel any pain or anything, Hamaguchi still couldn't believe what he was seeing until he thought, "(Oh! man... That was good timing, it's a good thing the mark disappeared at such a perfect time)" being relieved.
Nishikata couldn't believe at all how the mark disappeared, before snapping out and started talking, "Uh, yeah like I said. There's nothing I'm hiding or anything wrong with me, I just wanted to cover myself was all" Nishikata said, turning his head to the right, still feeling relieved. "Hm... If you say so," Takagi said back. The three then chit chatted for a while, before all of a sudden Nishikata thought this was the perfect chance to ask her something.
Nishikata slowly elbowed Hamaguchi, and then whispered to him "Mind if you can leave us alone for a bit? I gotta ask her something". Nishikata really didn't think much about what he said, until he looked at Hamaguchi who was a bit stunned but smiled a bit after, "N-N-NO IT'S!" "Yeah I think I know what it's about" Hamaguchi replied in a whisper, as he walked a bit away from them, making Takagi curious about what the two whispered about.
"Gonna go take a bit of a walk" Hamaguchi said, Takagi was curious and asked "At this time?" "D-don't see why not," Hamaguchi said back, as he continued walking faster and took a turn past a wall. Seemingly he was out of sight from the two, but he was actually hiding behind the wall, trying to hear the conversation. "...O-oh right, uh I wanted to ask you something" Nishikata said. Takagi looked at him a bit surprised, she started to think "(There's all sorts of surprises today huh) What is it?" she said.
"Oh well, I was wondering if you were busy tomo-.. (Wait... this looks like-)" Nishikata paused and started thinking again, "(This looks like I'm asking her out or something!)" as the boy began to blush hard. "Hm?" "I-I mean... (It's now or never, I worked too hard to look for those dandelions, she'll never stop teasing me if I don't show them either!) I was wondering if you were busy tomorrow morning so I can invite you somewhere" Nishikata said. Takagi paused for a moment looking at him, she was caught waaaay off guard by that as she blushed a bit, Nishikata didn't notice it though as he looked down with his hat covering his huge blush. Hamaguchi observed this carefully as he probably could figure what Nishikata asked her.
A moment passed by. Takagi's smile was big, "I'm not busy tomorrow morning, so I can go" She said. Nishikata's blush grew even bigger, his ears were red as well, "(Th-this is... This feels so familiar... This feeling... This conversation...)" "Where are we going?" Takagi asked. Nishikata, still blushing, snapped out of it for a bit and quickly said "I-I'll text you the location". Takagi's smile grew even bigger. Meanwhile Hamaguchi thought now was a good time to return, as he tried making a poker face and made himself noticed by Takagi.
Takagi then looked up and started seeing how really late it was getting, "Looks like we should all get going back home, it was nice bumping into you two again" she said, as she walked past them and waved goodbye happily. Takagi then spoke to herself as soon as she was far away from the two boys, "I guess I did imagine something on his face for a second... Hm... Don't think I could've lasted much longer if I still stayed there talking to him" as her smile was actually shaking, and her blush grew just a bit more bigger.
The two boys waved back, and then looked back at the road. "... Starting to see how much of a challenge she really is" Hamaguchi said, making a thoughtful yet also annoyed expression. Nishikata then looked back at him "I'm rather surprised you lost to her, how'd you let that happen?" he said back, making Hamaguchi feel just a bit annoyed. "What she said was my excuse to not be able to walk with Houjou you see" Hamaguchi explained, "I still don't know how exactly she was able to know about that though" He continued, as Nishikata understood and became surprised as well.
"Y-yeah... She's like that... One moment you think you're winning... Next she's actually the one winning... Or she's already won in the beginning and having fun you know?" Nishikata said as he sighed, but was happy about it in a way. Hamaguchi then smiled, as he looked at Nishikata for a moment, who was still in a blushed state and looked away from him, "Yeah, but she does have some weak points" He said as he started walking. Nishikata hearing this then quickly said, "W-wait what do you mean by that?" "Who knows?" Hamaguchi said, as Nishikata quickly followed, wondering if Hamaguchi knew something about her.
The next day. . . . .
It was around 10 AM, and Nishikata was waiting for Takagi around one of the entrances to the forest. "(There's no way she's gonna continue teasing me after I show her all that, she might even go beyond and admire me)" Nishikata thought, before seeing Takagi come up to him with her summer clothes and hat. Around another entrance to the forest unknownst to Nishikata, was Hamaguchi with the sun hat in his arm, waiting for Hojou "(This is it, this is your chance to fully ask her out as well. I can't be pathetic after all that hard work, so ima do it)" Hamaguchi thought, before hearing "Ah, there you are Hamaguchi-kun" from Hojou who was walking up behind him, scaring Hamaguchi for a moment before going back into a so so serious face.
"So why'd you invite me here?"
"There's something I wanna show you in the forest you see"
"Hmm... Well okay then"
"(This is it, it's finally happening, I'm finally gonna stop all this teasing)" Nishikata thought as Takagi followed her. "This place seems a bit familiar Nishikata... Isn't this the forest we came to when you challenged me to a fishing competition?" Takagi asked. Nishikata then blushed a bit "Y-yeah, it is so what?" "Ah, you want a rematch then?" Takagi asked. Nishikata then quickly fired back saying, "N-no it's not that!"
As the first pair were making their way to the pond. Hamaguchi and Hojou continued getting even closer to their destination, "Sorry, but you'll see what it is once we get there" Hamaguchi said back to Houjou. Hojou was getting more and more curious about what Hamaguchi really wanted to show her if it wasn't the sun hat in his hand. Finally, they made it. "Here it is," Hamaguchi said, showing her the Begonia. "Oh... Wow, that's... How'd you find this?" Hojou asked, "That's a... uh, secret" Hamaguchi answered.
"But hold on, put this on now" Hamaguchi said to Hojou, as she then put on the hat. Hamaguchi then cut the flower and got closer to her "(wait... This is kind of embarrassing...)" Hamaguchi thought for a moment and instantly started blushing . Hojou, realizing what he was trying to do started blushing, "...A...Are you gonna put it on?..." She said. Hamaguchi hearing these words then snapped out of it for a bit, and managed to tie the flower to the ribbon, he then backed away slowly to see how Hojou looked.
"..Y...You look..." Hamaguchi struggled trying to find the words he needed. Hojou started blushing even harder until she heard "Amazing", making even her whole face and ears turn red. "H-...Happy birthday Houjou" Hamaguchi added on (A bit late), Hojou struggled a bit but was smiling as well to say "Thank you, Hamaguchi" As she used the hat to hide a bit of her red face. While Hamaguchi blushed extremely hard by the fact that he actually received a direct smile from her. As the couple were blushing at each other, Hojou noticed something next to the cut begonia. Hojou then picked it out, Hamaguchi then saw that it was revealed to be a dandelion at its early stage.
"Put this on your hair," Houjou said, making Hamaguchi blush even more. They both stared at each other for a while before Houjou forced the dandelion to be put onto Hamaguchi's hair, catching Hamaguchi himself a bit off guard and also blushing a bit harder. As Houjou backed away slowly, she laughed a bit, thus it was Hamaguchi's turn to turn burning red. "D-does it look that bad?" Hamaguchi asked, Hojou shook her head, "You just look cute with it on" She continued. Hamaguchi blushed even harder, "I think that dandelion really does help represent who you are" Hojou said, as she walked off to exit the forest, "W-wait what does that mean?" "Who knows" She said back, as Hamaguchi's face continued burning even hotter.
As the two walked, there was still something in Hamaguchi's mind that bothered him, "(Was that there when we found the flower?)" Wondered the orange haired boy.
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"N-no... It can't be..." Nishikata said, in a shocked state. Takagi was silent as Nishikata struggled to talk "N-no... Th-they were right here, and were exactly in their early stage..." Nishikata continued saying. "The... The dandelions... Have already changed..." Nishikata said, before getting onto his knees, and then putting his hands on the ground. "Why did it have to be now..." Nishikata said in sadness and a bit of anger, as he looked down. Nishikata didn't even know why he was sad or angry, something about showing these to Takagi, made him feel this way. It felt as if he failed in many more things, than in just one thing.
It was still quiet for a moment, Takagi was silent and Nishikata's mind was going a bit everywhere. It was until Takagi finally spoke "Nishikata..." as she got close to Nishikata. She crouched down, and Nishikata looked at her to the right, she was smiling as she said "It's okay".
Something about those words and expression changed Nishikata, it felt as if he was at ease just hearing those words. Takagi then looked at the huge group of dandelions, "I'm... I'm actually happy you tried finding those dandelions, in their early stage" She said. Nishikata just kept looking at her, still struggling to find words to use. "Even if they changed, I think seeing all them together makes them look even more beautiful. Thank you, for showing me all this, Nishikata" She said, smiling but blushing just a tiny bit.
Nishikata didn't know what exactly he was feeling again, but it was the same feeling he felt when Takagi pulled him back in the fishing competition. His mind was going everywhere, but what he did know was that. He was happy seeing Takagi happy.
"... (Alright this is it this should be the right time to ask her)" Was what Hamaguchi repeatedly kept thinking. Houjou looked at him and could tell that he really wanted to tell her something, "You seem deep in thought" she said, as Hamaguchi freaked out for a bit before talking back. "I-I-Uh-I... Houjou!" He said to her, fully catching her attention. "I-I... Do...Do you..." Hamaguchi kept on struggling as Hojou awaited, "Do... (Just say It! Now's the time to ask her ou-Huh?)" Hamaguchi thought as something caught his eye.
The pair were actually near the pond, and were next to it actually. Hamaguchi noticed two figures behind the trees, "(N-Nishikata?... Takagi-san?) Hamaguchi thought. Something bothered him the most though, the sun was shining over them but... He didn't notice any yellow color around them... And then he realized "(Oh, no)".
Hojou kept waiting for Hamaguchi to finally speak his mind, and so he finally did "I-...I'm sorry Houjou... I have to do something" he said as he took the dandelion out from his head, "I'll be right back". Hamaguchi then walked past her towards the other pair, Hojou then looked at Hamaguchi, "Hamaguchi?" She said as she followed him.
As Hamaguchi arrived at the scene he then called out, "Nishikata!". The pair looked at Hamaguchi, surprised, Hojou arrived as well to hear him call out Nishikata. Hamaguchi walked towards Nishikata, "Take this" giving Nishikata the dandelion in his hand. Nishikata was surprised "W-where'd you find this?" "It bloomed just today I guess, it was where the Begonia was..." Hamaguchi explained. Nishikata understood, he then looked at Takagi, he already started blushing as he talked, "T-Takagi-san..." "...Yeah, Nishikata?" Takagi replied.
"This is… For you," Nishikata said, with his whole face already looking like a fire. Takagi's smile widened, she then heard Hamaguchi talk before she was about to accept the Dandelion, "You should know... Nishikata put in a lot of time and effort into finding you these flowers... Just know that" He said. Nishikata then looked at Hamaguchi "D-DON'T SAY IT LIKE THAT" Nishikata yelled, already looking as if he became the color red itself, while Hamaguchi smiled and walked away. Even then Nishikata still also had the urge to say, "...Thanks, Hamaguchi".
"Anytime, Nishikata" As Hamaguchi walked back towards Hojou, as he too began to blush hard when he started thinking about what he just did. "Eh... Sorry about giving away the dande-" "That was really kind of you, you know" Hojou said, as she smiled. This smile alone made Hamaguchi look like his face was on fire, as he quickly replied with, "I-I just did what I thought was right was all" "Helping a friend out... Is something I think a real man does, you know?" Hojou said as she turned, "You really are becoming one you know" she continued as Hamaguchi then also started turning into the color red itself.
While the pair were talking a bit far away but still in sight of the other pair, Takagi was stunned about every word Hamaguchi said, as she looked at Nishikata. Nishikata then looked back at Takagi, when he noticed her blushing, he then went back to looking red. But as Takagi's smile turned into a struggling smile, she was about to talk to Nishikata once more until she felt the wind blow. Feeling this, she had an idea and asked Nishikata, "Can you call those two over here for me, Nishikata?".
"S-something you wanted to talk to them about?" Nishikata asked, as Takagi shook her head and replied "You'll see". As the other pair were about to walk off they heard a call, "Hey, you guys!" Nishikata called out to them. The two then looked at him and Hamaguchi asked "What's up?" "Uhmm, Takagi's calling for you two" which made the pair wonder what was going on?.
As the three teens made their way to Takagi, Takagi smiled "Thanks for calling them over" "Y-yeah no problem" Nishikata said. "Did something happen?" Hamaguchi asked, making Takagi shake her head, "I need all of your help with something".
The whole group all crouched down near the dandelions. It was all quiet, and all that can be heard was the water running down, the leaves, the birds, and overall just nature itself. Nishikata was next to Takagi, and Hamaguchi was next to Hojou. And then the wind blew. All four of the teens blew on the dandelions, they kept blowing and blowing all they could, and then they all stood and looked up to see a sight.
It was an incredible scene for the group, looking at all the seeds scattering and being blown away. Nishikata couldn't believe that he'd ever witness something like this, nor did the others. It was all just so amazing to see an event like this happen. It made Nishikata feel... So satisfied, warm, relaxed, and just at ease. But then he gripped on tighter to something, he didn't realize he still held onto the dandelion that was on it's early stage.
"T-Takagi-san" He called her. Takagi then looked at Nishikata, "You still haven't taken this, you know..." He said while blushing. Takagi too blushed, she didn't hold it back this time as she accepted the dandelion. "Nishikata?" "Y-yeah Takagi-san?" Nishikata replied, as Hamaguchi and Hojou also looked at the pair happily.
"Looks like you made everything around go into full bloom, didn't you?"
This special memory was cherished deeply within the group.
End of story 2