Gratitude

That Day

Nishikata POV

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I open my eyes, the light hits my sensitive eyes hurting them. I get up and get ready for school. I eat some eggs and go on my way.

It's strange how normal today seems. So quiet. So calm. I breath the fresh air.

"Ni-shi-ka-ta." A voice from behind me says. It's a voice i'm used to and dread hearing in the mornings. Takagi-san.

"Hello Takagi-san. How are you?" I ask her. I didn't even think of what to do to beat her today. She's definitely gonna go at me today. She always has a kind smile, but sometimes it doesn't seem genuine.

"I'm good. Thank you for asking! How was your morning?" She asked. Should I just say the truth? Sure why not, she won't care anyways.

"Quiet, before you showed up. Pretty peaceful." I told her. I looked at her. I expected a teasing smile or a laugh or maybe even a mocking 'awwww'. She wasn't doing anything like that. She was looking away.

"I... I'm sorry about that." She said softly. I couldn't see her. WHY DID I SAY THAT!? She's my friend I don't want her to think that I hate her.

"Takagi-san, It was too peaceful... uncomfortably so. Don't worry." I told her to try to give her solace. She turns with that teasing smile. Shit, I unleashed a demon.

"Oh? So you like my teasing? I'll keep that in mind." She smiled. She was just trying to tease me, I really am a easy target aren't I?

"NO NO I DON'T IT'S THAT I-

"It's okay Nishikata. I really hope you can see how priceless your reactions are!" She laughed. We made our way to school.

It was an easy day in Mr. Tanabe's class. Except for something about a test. I'm nervous, I kinda already suck at English and Takagi-San doesn't help. "Nishikata. You're nervous." Takagi-san giggled. "Do you need help for the test?" She asked.

"No... Yes." I looked down thinking she would tease me. She was smiling. I was ready, prepared mentally.

"Well I'll help you anytime on one tiny condition."  She told me. What's the condition going to be something stupid like, run a 50k, do 10000 pushups, kiss her. Well would that be so st- WHAT?! why did I think that.

"What?" I was sweating.

"You have to come to my house to study." She smiled.                        Her house? WHAT?!

"WHAT!?" I yelled. Chalk sniped me. The pain sat me back in my seat. I was told to calm down. "What about your parents?" I asked looking for an out.

"Oh they wouldn't stop me from studying with a friend. Unless... you were thinking something dirty?" She smiled. My faced flushed.

"NO! NOT AT ALL! I-

I got hit again. He told me there wouldn't be a third. "Come on. Nishikata I really want to help you." She begged. She looked genuine, whether she was a bit psycho or not she was far from a bad person.

"F-fine." I replied. School ended. We were walking out the gate to go to her house. I told my mom where i'd be. She was skipping like a little girl. Happy, I want to preserve that feeling.

I didn't notice her skipping on the street. A blue mustang was in front of her.

It was in slow motion. I couldn't reach out, I was scared.

CRACK

She was ran over. It felt so slow and fast at the same time. That normal day, Death wanted her. The guy in the car was yelling. People around me too. Finally I got a grip. I ran to her and picked her up and ran her to the hospital.

She won't die.

She can't.

I have to tell her... I don't just want to beat her I did care. Takagi-san, you're my best friend.