On edge

Part 5

It was the next day, and school had just let out as Nishikata was gathering his things while still focused on the dream from last night. 'Why did it happen again? Was it a warning? Am I coming closer to falling in love with her?' He shook his head as he tried to remain calm. 'That life ... being married to her ... why was I so happy?'

He glanced over to Takagi who was also gathering her things and felt his heart skip a beat just by the sight of her; she didn't look much different than usual, though she has looked troubled since the previous day. 'She hasn't tried talking to me since we almost held hands ... I ... I can't let this get in the way of our friendship, I need to fix this.' "Hey ... Takagi?" Nishikata began.

She looked at him curiously. "Yes?"

"So ... do you ... want to walk home together?"

She looked at him surprised for a moment, then smiled, causing Nishikata to feel a little at ease. "Sure."

She got up, and the two of them began making their way out of the classroom without another word. 'So how do I fix this?' Nishikata thought as they walked. They continued to make their way down the hall, before leaving the school grounds and making their way home. 'She looks like she's still a little upset.' He thought as he walked with her. 'Maybe ... I should try to spend more time with her. I mean as long as the situation doesn't become romantic I should be fine, right?' "Hey, Takagi ... could I ... ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Well ... what exactly do you usually do for fun outside of school ... aside from teasing me that is."

She slowly turned to look at him surprised for a moment before smiling. "I ... well, usually I like reading manga or an interesting book, but other than that, I like going for walks and taking in the sights and fresh air."

"Oh ... so ... do you like taking walks alone or ..."

Her expression turned to one of surprise again. "Nishikata ... why do you ask?"

"Well ... I was wondering ... if ... I don't know ... could I join you?"

Takagi stopped in her tracks to look at him, surprised once again before her look changed to one of confusion. "Wait ... I ... don't understand."

"I ... can I ... walk with you?"

"I get that ... and I don't mind ... but ... why do you want to?"

"Well ... I kinda want to try what you're interested in."

Takagi did a double-take and was at a loss for words for a moment. "I ... I mean like I said, I don't mind, but ... you know what, never mind, I need to go home first, so if you want to meet up with me, I'll wait by the place where we usually part ways till about three."

"Okay," Nishikata said with a smile. "I look forward to it." They continued walking until they parted ways, and Takagi took a look back to watch Nishikata.

'Just the other day, he panicked when he was about to hold my hand, and now he's trying out things I'm interested in? What exactly is going on with him?' She resumed walking as she continued to contemplate it more. 'There's definitely something different about him today, but it's almost as if he doesn't realize it himself ... I need more info, this is the first time he's ever stumped me.'

A little later, back with Nishikata, he had reached his house and was busy getting things ready before meeting up with Takagi. "Let's see, I changed my clothes, but what else do I need?" He continued thinking as he sat on his bed. "This is the first time I asked to hang out with her, isn't it? I mean other than the summer festival, which she wanted me to ask her to." 'And I'll have another opportunity to hold her hand.' He paused as he ran that through his head again. 'Wait ... what? I don't want to hold her hand, if I do that then I could end up as her boyfriend'