Still in Eve's resort, Haruna was hatching a little plan seeing how happy Nodoka was.
Haruna whispered to Konoka, "We should throw bookworm a party."
"Um...is that a good idea," whispered Konoka.
"Sure since her and the professor look so good together when they fought," whispered Haruna.
"Well should we ask Yue-san," whispered Konoka.
"Ah forgot about her and her feelings toward Negi-kun," whispered Haruna.
"Just is not her though. There are a few girls I suspect," whispered Konoka.
"What are you two whispering about?" asked Eva.
Everyone else turned toward Haruna and Konoka.
"What?" asked Haruna innocently.
"What indeed!" responded Eva.
Negi still recovering from Eva's little battles as she called them. Konoka was treating Negi's minor wounds.
Konoka whispered, "Negi-kun, can I ask you for a big favor?"
Negi replied, "What is it?"
"Well, we are planning to throw Nodoka-san a party for her accomplishment today. She needs cheering up lately," smiled Konoka.
"What do you want me to do?" asked Negi.
"Glad you ask. We would like you to escort her to the party. But, first we need to set it up so you have to take her out," smiled Konoka.
"What? Me take her...," blushed Negi.
Nodoka looked over at Negi and Nodoka and saw Negi blushed.
"Yeah just for a couple hours professor. Please!" begged Konoka.
"Oh alright. I guess if it is need I will," smiled Negi.
"Thank you professor. Will tell the others," smiled Konoka as she finished tending to Negi.
"Nodoka-san can I talk with you for a moment," asked Negi.
Nodoka looked over and hurriedly over to Negi.
"What is it professor?" asked Nodoka.
"How...would you...like to go out with me for a couple hours to celebrate," blushed Negi.
"Is he asking her out?" asked Asuna.
Konoka whispered, "Well we need a couple hours to set up the surprise party."
"Yeah but it does look like he is asking her out on a date," replied Haruna.
"He is simply buying us some time," said Yue.
Chisame shook her head in disbelief.
Chacha whispered to Eva, "Master are you going to the party?"
"With those fools? No I have better things to do. But, you have my permission to attend," lied Eva.
Chacha bowed and smiled softly.
Nodoka was in her dazed dreamland as she could hardly believe he asked her out on a date. Even if it was just for a couple hours.
"Oh my I am not ready. I stink from training. I need to look good," said Nodoka to herself as she was pacing.
"Nodoka-san calm down. You can get ready before he takes you. Is that right professor?" said Yue.
"Oh yes! She can freshen up. We all do I guess from training," said Negi.
The girls hurried Nodoka away toward the baths as Negi sat in a little daze.
"So he asked you out?" asked Haruna knowing he already did.
"Ye...s, he I guess did," replied Nodoka.
Haruna nudged Nodoka and said, "See he likes you."
Yue responded, "He is just ten Paru-san. He does not like anyone like...that."
"Oh are you so sure?" asked Haruna.
"Listen Haruna-san. Professor is just a kid. What kid would like any of the class? None are normal," said Chisame.
"Does that include you?" asked Asuna-san.
"I...well...," stuttered Chisame who was blushing.
"The professor and bookworm do look cute together. After all who else has the guts to profess their undying love to him," said Konoka looking at a blushing Nodoka.
"You do know Nodoka-san does have competition for his attention these days," said Setsuna.
"Yeah Ayaka-san (Asuna rolled her eyes), Makie-san, Ako-san, and Chacha-san despite her being a robot has had a hint of feelings one way or another toward Negi-kun," said Konoka.
"I think you forgot one...or two," said Haruna as she looked directly at Yue.
Yue blushed and turned away.
"Shall we make Nodoka-san pretty," said Haruna.
All the girls raised their hand in an agreement to pretty Nodoka.
Negi meanwhile happened to go back to the dorm as the resort's time expired. He still hated the baths but had to take one. He relaxed within the baths as no girl was there to disturb him.
"So you taking out Nodoka-san," said a male perverted voice.
"Oh hi Chamo! Yeah got roped into taking her out so the girls can set up a party for her," replied Negi.
"You do not sound disappointed though that you are doing it," laughed Chamo.
"This is kind of awkward still. A teacher taking out a student," said Negi.
"Do not think of it that way. Think of it as a young boy asking out a teenage girl," replied Chamo.
Negi blushed, "That is even worse!"
"Alright calm down. Then just think of it as two friends going out," sighed Chamo.
"Two friends huh," said Negi as he is reflecting on when Nodoka told him that she loved him. Their first kiss despite her tripping and the pactio. Their second shared kiss at the Mahora Festival.
"You are blushing again," reminded Chamo.
"It is just that she is so cute and smart. But, we hardly know each other. How could she even have said she loved me," said Negi.
"Bro, girls are hard to understand. Maybe it is as they said. She fell in love with you because you are so mature for your age. You seem to focus on a specific goal and set out toward it no matter what the obstacles migh be. I cannot say for certain that she might be the 'one' for your permenant partner. Still think there are too many girls yet you have not made a pactio with," lectured Chamo.
"But she is honest and kind and willing to help me. But, she is also not a fighter and more of a supporter," said Negi.
"Just use Yue-san's advice at the festival. I do not think she wants an answer yet. You are still maturing and your future here is not set in stone. You two may never see each other again," said Chamo.
"True she has to graduate as well and I need to become a magi. Our paths may or may not cross in the future," said Negi.
"But bro? Enjoy the experiences with her and all of the girls. They may be valuable to you not just as a friend or a student," winked Chamo as he scurried away.
Negi thinking of Nodoka and blushed beet red as he dropped lower in the water.
Nodoka hurriedly finished preparing to get ready for her date with her professor. That thought made her so nervous she was fumbling things in her hands.
"Will you calm down!" said Yue.
"Ah come on Yue-san, you know this is another dream date for her. This time he asked her out," smiled Haruna.
"Hmpf!" replied Yue.
"How is my dress and makeup?" asked Nodoka.
Yue looked over at Nodoka, "It looks fine."
"Yeah but it is not ecchi enough. Still a little conservative," said Haruna plotting.
"Do not go near her Paru-san," said Yue.
"Wha? I was not," replied Haruna.
Nodoka was still fidgeting with her dress and continuously looking in the mirror.
The knock on the door was heard by the three girls as their attention focus on the knock.
"It is Negi," said Negi behind the dorm door.
Haruna opened the dorm door as Nodoka stood behind her nervously. Negi met her eyes as he looked at her. Both of them blushed. He was in another suit and looked handsome.
"Wow Nodoka-san you look beautiful," said Negi as Asuna reminded him to comment on how beautiful Nodoka looks since girls like to hear that from boys.
"Thank...you," replied Nodoka.
Yue smiled behind Nodoka and winked.
"Shall we go?" asked Negi to Nodoka.
"Where are we going?" asked Nodoka.
"How about Kyoto?" replied Negi.
"How? Oh you mean fly there?" asked Nodoka.
"Of course," smiled Negi.
"Sure!" smiled Nodoka.
Negi and Nodoka left the building and flew toward Kyoto for their date.
"Well there they go!" said the rose thief outside somewhere around Mahora.
In the Mahora's girls dorm in a big empty room. The girls that were preparing Nodoka's party gathered to design the room.
"So where should we hang this?" asked Asuna.
"Um over to the right," smiled Haruna.
"These decorations are a little adult themed Paru-san," said Yue.
"Hardly Yue-san," giggled Haruna.
"Cannot wait to see Nodoka-san's face," clapped Konoka.
"Calm down. She most likely will be blushing," sighed Setsuna.
"This is still good for her moral. She has been so timid until the professor came. Never saw her like this," said Haruna.
"That pipsqueak better treat her right on their date," said Asuna.
"Where did they go?" asked Chisame.
The five other girls turned to face Chisame.
"Wha? Just was asking. Not if I give a hoot," replied a shock net idol.
"They went to Kyoto," replied Asuna.
"Yeah their first kiss was shared there. How romantic!" sighed Konoka.
"Yeah if Yue-san did not trip her, she might not have kissed him. Hope she is happy with him there," smiled Haruna.
"I did what was needed," replied Yue.
The girls went back to setting up the room and checking on food and other miscellanous things they will need for the party.
"Just hope the class rep does not ruin this party," said Asuna.
"Why? Was she invited?" asked Setsuna.
"No idea who Haruna-san asked. But the rumors are out that there is a party," said Asuna.
Few hours later the party just started as fellow classmates clamored inside slowly into the room.
Ayaka came running full speed toward Asuna.
"I heard bookworm and my beloved professor ran off to get married. And, this is a reception," said Ayaka.
"Stupid class rep. Where did you hear that?" asked Asuna.
"From the twins who heard it from their source," replied Ayaka.
"The twins huh. For your information we needed Negi-kun to distract bookworm for a few hours. This is a party for her. To cheer her up (Asuna thinking of a good excuse) from losing her rose," said Asuna.
"Oh is that all," said Ayaka.
"Yes that is all," responded Asuna.
"Just enjoy yourself," said Kaede behind Ayaka.
"How...did...you?" said a perplexed class rep.
"I was behind you the whole time," winked Kaede.
Asuna laughed as Ayake walked away.
"Thank you Kaede-san," smiled Asuna.
"No problem. Last thing the professor needs is the class rep asking him questions," replied the ninja.
Everyone was at the party. Even the solemn Eva with Chachamaru by her side.
"You should go mingle and stop hanging around me. I will be fine despite the loud and obnoxious music," said Eva.
"Thank you master," bowed Chacha as she headed over to Chisame.
Suddenly the door to the party opens as Nodoka was in front of Negi. The girls turned around and yelled out surprise. Nodoka just was stunned and looked back at Negi.
"This is all for you," said Negi.
"Me? Why?" said Nodoka.
Haruna, Yue, and Asuna walked over to where Nodoka and Negi were.
"This is for your hard work bookworm," said Asuna.
"But...," said Nodoka.
"Just enjoy it," said Haruna.
"Alright," said Nodoka.
Kaede was blocking Ayaka's view.
"So did you treat her well in Kyoto squirt?" asked Asuna to Negi.
"We had a good time," replied Negi.
"Oh we want details," said Haruna.
"Maybe later," responded Negi.
Haruna was now pouting.
"It will be fine Paru-san. Let Nodoka-san enjoy the party before you grill her," said Yue.
"Are you surprise and happy," said Konoka as she and Setsuna walked over to Nodoka.
"Yes!" smiled a blushing bookworm.
"A bunch of brats celebrating her for what," mumbled Eva.
"Well since Nodoka-san is here let us PARRRRTTTTYYYYY," yelled Haruna.
The music began to play as giggling and talking were slightly heard.
Negi slipped off without anyone noticing.
"I think the girls and Nodoka-san needed this," said Negi in the hallway by himself.
Meanwhile Asuna simplied watch Nodoka and sighed.
"My life has sure become difficult with the kid here. Use to be so simple. Having a crush on Takahati-sensei, going shopping with Konoka-san, playing sports, doing my paper route, and even, well, trying to get good grades. Now its sword practice with Setsuna-san. Some dueling with Eva-chan. And just seeing Negi-kun's life and his search for his father. That kid sometimes needs a overseer. Why is it me?" said Asuna putting her head down on the table.
"Because you like him?" whispered Fei Ku.
"I do not like a ten year old brat," mumbled Asuna.
"He may be kid. But, he acts like grown-up more and more these days," replied Fei Ku.
"Ku-san, may I ask you a question?" asked Asuna.
"What?" replied the Chinese martial artist.
"How do you honestly feel toward Negi-kun?"
"What do mean?" replied Fei Ku.
"Your feelings. Like love, hate, and that stuff," said Asuna.
"Well like you said he just a kid. He someday be powerful. Me? I like him as a deciple and teacher," said Fei Ku.
"So you are not one of the girls that are falling for him?" asked Asuna.
"Fall in love? I cannot say. He treats me as girl which I like. Many boys here tend to want to fight. No are strong. Negi-sensei is strong, yet he needs maturity," replied Fei Ku.
"So you do like him?" said Asuna.
"Not saying," smiled Fei Ku as she moved on to mingle with Kaede.
"Where is Negi-kun?" asked Ayaka as she casually walked up to Asuna.
"He was here a few moments ago." replied Asuna.
Ayaka looked around the room and did not spot the professor.
"He seems to have vanished," said Ayaka.
"Not to worry class rep. He will pop up when you least expect," responded Asuna as she walked away to mingle.
Eva sat in a dark corner all by herself with a drink by her side watching the girls.
"What is it that has these girls falling for boya? He is still a ten year old kid. Granted he will be powerful once he gets older, but most of these girls do not know it yet. The old man dean did put all these girls in the class for a reason, but why? And why is little miss bookworm always with Negi? Has her love really the real thing or is it just a mere crush that she thinks is love? How many other girls have been in love with the brat? And what will Chachamaru do now that she may have feelings for the kid? Can Chacha even know what to do? And lastly what are my feelings?" pondered Eva remembering her kiss she gave Negi.
"Master? What is wrong? You are turning red," asked Chacha.
"What? Oh it is just a little warm in here. Maybe my allergies are kicking in. I should go," said Eva as she stood up and went outside into the hallway.
Eva saw Negi leaning against the wall in his thinking mode.
"Boya remember to watch out for everyone. It is the time that I should take my leave. The allergies may be kicking in," said Eva.
Nodoka walked outside to where Eva and Negi were and stopped.
Eva whispered in Nodoka's ear as Nodoka's eyes widen. Eva simpled smiled and walked away.
"Do not worry what I said to her disciple. It is after all, between us girls," replied Eva before Negi could even open his mouth.
Nodoka stood there motionless as she watched Eva leave.
"Are you alright?" asked Negi to Nodoka.
"Yes professor I am," smiled Nodoka.
"Shall we head back inside the party," smiled Negi.
"Sure!" replied Nodoka.
An hour later at the party, Ayaka was sitting beside Zazie.
"You...know what? Why does not Negi-sensei like me?" said a drunk class rep.
Of course the twins spiked the drinks by the way to get some of the girls tipsy.
Zazie shrugged her shoulders.
"Exactly Zazie-san. My point is I am more mature then the others in class. I have a great athletic body that any boy would desire. What more could he want?" asked Ayaka.
Zazie pointed to a few of the girls as Ayaka looked.
"What those girls? Nodoka-san, Yue-san, Konoka-san, Setsuna-san, and even monkey girl Asuna-san?' asked Ayaka.
Zazie nodded her head.
"But why? They are not the prettiest nor the smartest. Granted some are athletic though," said Ayaka.
Zazie smiled.
"There are more?" asked Ayaka.
Zazie nodded again.
Ayaka put her head down on the table and began to cry a little.
Asuna walked by and asked, "Is she drunk?"
Zazie nodded.
"Great more blackmail material," giggled Asuna.
"Even Nodoka-san may have a boyfriend," said Ako to Yuna and Akira.
"Negi-kun?" replied Yuna.
"Apparently! I will never get a boyfriend," said Ako thinking of her scar.
"But you have Nagi-sensei," said Yuna.
"I...it is not like that," said a flustered Ako.
"Have you heard from him?" asked Akira.
"No! But I wished I did," replied Ako.
"Could the pictures you sent that the cheerleaders made you take scare him away?" asked Yuna.
"I do not know. It was very embarrassing," said Ako.
"Well you could always wait a few years until Negi gets older," teased Yuna.
"Yeah he would look like Nagi-sensei," reminded Akira.
"True, but it would be different I guess if I did have feelings for the professor," said Ako.
"Maybe soon you will hear from Nagi-sensei. Do not give up hope," said Yuna.
"What about you Yuna-san?" asked Ako.
"I am too busy with my dad to even think of having a romantic relationship. And who would I even have one with," responded Yuna.
"Um the professor," giggled Akira.
"No way! Whoever it is has to be like my dad," said Yuna.
"If you say so," said Ako.
Sayo floated toward Negi wanting desperately to see if he wanted to somehow dance with her. A ghost dancing may be awkward, but Sayo missed doing that stuff with boys.
"Oh hi Sayo-san," said Negi.
Sayo blushed and said, "Well hello Negi-sensei. Um...well...its."
"What is it?" asked Negi.
"It is just...do you think you can dance with me? I do not know if it is even possible, but I would like to try," said Sayo.
Nodoka smiled and told Negi to go ahead.
"Shall we try?" asked Negi.
Sayo lowered herself to face Negi. Despite not having feet or being solid, she tried hard to grasp his hands but her hands fell through. Sayo lowered her head and started to walk away.
"Stop!" said Negi.
Sayo turned around and looked at Negi.
"Let me see if we can try. Hold out your hands," said Negi as he tried to touch her palm of her hand.
"Now put your other arm around my neck best you can do," said Negi as he put his free arm around Sayo's ghostly waist.
The music began to play as everyone watched.
"Now just focus on us moving and nothing else besides the music," said Negi.
The duo danced as best as they could.
"You know what?" asked Yue.
"What?" replied Nodoka.
"Negi-kun simply is the best," replied Yue.
"Yes he is," smiled Nodoka.
Sayo wished she was not a ghost because she would have kissed the professor for making her feel alive.
Kazumi hollered, "HOW SWEET."
The twins grabbed Negi out on the dance floor next. The DJ said that one more song was going to be played after this one.
"I sure have changed. Fell in love. Have some magic that I only read about. Have a rival or two for Negi-sensei's affection," said Nodoka.
"We all have changed. More you and a few then others. About the magic, I would never have imagined us as magi. You have to be kidding if you think I am a rival for his affection. He does not even know I have feelings for him. You and a couple others are closer to rivalry then us," replied Yue.
"Yeah but if he finds out you like him, then we will be. I still think you should tell him, but it is your decision," said Nodoka.
Yue rolled her eyes.
The disc jockey announced that the last song was about to be played but need a special person out on the dance floor. The spot light shined on Nodoka as she blushed. Haruna pushed her onto the dance floor.
The disc jockey now needed someone else on the dance floor. The spotlight hit Negi as he had a mouthful of Satsuki's food she brought. Negi did not budge.
"You do not want to embarrass bookworm so get out there," said Asuna as she shoved Negi.
Negi stumbled toward Nodoka and stopped right in front of her.
"Good now we have those two on the dance floor. We can play the last song. A nice slow song," said the DJ.
With the girls encircling the dance floor Negi and Nodoka gulped and blushed.
"Relax professor," said Yue.
"I am sorry professor. If you do not want to do this I will understand," said Nodoka.
"No it is fine," said Negi.
Negi held Nodoka like a gentleman should out on the dance floor as the music started to play.
Nodoka almost tripped as Negi held her firmly.
"Sorry!" said Nodoka.
"Do not be," smiled Negi.
"Aw they look so cute," said Haruna.
"I guess," replied Yue.
A couple minutes later the girls were swaying with the music as Negi and Nodoka were center stage dancing as best as they could.
Somewhere within Mahora the rose thief sits and looks at the pink rose.
"Very soon they will come," said the rose thief.