One step forward, two steps back

Part 17 Together

Takagi and Nishikata got off the Ferris wheel while not even trying to hide the fact that they were holding hands. "That was definitely an amazing experience." Takagi said as she glanced at Nishikata.

"Yeah." Nishikata said reluctantly. "I-it was."

She paused for a moment, then began leading him off the side where the picture monitors were. "Don't forget to save those three pictures, I know my mom would throw a fit if she found out that we passed on something like that."

"As would mine." Nishikata said as he scanned the photo card.

As they left the area, Takagi stopped causing Nishikata to also stop and wonder what had just happened. "Huh? Something up?"

Takagi pointed out at Hamaguchi and Houjou who were about to get on the line.

"Takagi?" Houjou said as she caught sight of them. "And Nishikata?"

"Huh?" Hamaguchi turned and noticed the two. "Hey, didn't expect to see you two here."

"I think they're on a date." Takagi whispered.

"They've already said hi, so we don't have much choice." Nishikata replied.

They walked over to the two and greeted them. "So, what are you two doing here?" Hamaguchi asked. "Wait, are you guys on a date?"

"Well ..." Takagi began as she scratched the back of her head.

"Oh, that's right." Nishikata continued. "We ... haven't officially decided if this was a date or not, have we?"

"Yeah, I mean, I think I know what you would say, but seeing as you haven't said it yet-"

"Yeah, we're on a date." Nishikata finished.

"Oh." Hamaguchi's face went red as Houjou smiled. "So does that mean you two are together now?"

"Yup!" Takagi exclaimed as she hugged Nishikata's arm and pulled herself closer to him. "Three minutes, thirty eight seconds and counting!"

Houjou's face went red. "Wait ... so ... you two were-" She looked at the Ferris wheel and her face went even redder. "Oh, so ..."

"Oh, Nishikata, did those pictures get sent to us yet?"

"I didn't check." He pulled out his phone and looked at his email. "Wow, they have, that was fast."

He pulled up the first one and showed them the picture of Takagi blushing. "It only makes three rotations, so you only get three pictures." He brought up the second that showed the two of them kissing and both Hamaguchi and Houjou's faces turned red. "Then again, you do still get more than one photo, so there's that." He brought up the last one that was of he and Takagi cuddling. "It was definitely a good time."

"You don't say." Hamaguchi said as he nervously looked at Nishikata's phone.

"Anyway, we should get going." Takagi said before waving to them. "Good luck!"

The two of them walked away, leaving a very embarrassed Hamaguchi and Houjou behind.

"I'm surprised." Takagi began. "Usually you're embarrassed about topics involving romance."

"Who said I wasn't embarrassed?" Nishikata asked as he scratched the back of his head with a red tint on his face. "But honestly, I wanted to show off the fact that I had the most adorable person in the entire school as my girlfriend."

Takagi smiled. "The same trick isn't going to work twice in such quick succession."

"What are you talking about?" Nishikata asked. "I'm simply telling the truth!" Takagi stared at him with a sly grin as Nishikata's face became redder and redder. "I ..."

Takagi burst into laughter as Nishikata turned away. "You always do make the best reactions Nishikata." Her expression softened and turned more affectionate. "That's one of the many reasons why I love you."

Nishikata blushed as his mind began to race. 'How do I respond? What do I do?!' Instinctively, he stopped walking and placed his hands on Takagi's shoulder. "Takagi?" Nishikata began.

"Hm?"

He pulled her in for a deep, yet brief kiss. As soon as they separated, Takagi had a shocked, and confused expression on her face. 'Was that not the right response? Did I do something wrong? What was I supposed to do? What am I supposed to do?'

"Stop." Takagi said as she placed a finger on his head. "You are thinking WAY too much right now."

"Huh? How did you-"

"Because it's obvious to me, I've always been able to tell what you're thinking because I know you so well."

"And you're a genius."

"I wouldn't say that I'm a genius." Takagi said as she closed her eyes and smiled. "Now come on, let's go home."