Teasing Master Takagi-san (からかい上手の高木さん)

On a Walk

On a walk!

Whoa!

You have a new message

From Takagi-san?

What's she want?

A doggy!

But why she'd send this?

This one was taken in a different place...

Is she walking it?

No way... did Takagi-san get a dog?

I'm walking this dog for someone,

would you like to join me?

I'm walking this dog for someone, would you like to join me?

You got here fast, Nishikata.

Well, yeah.

I just happened... to be passing close by when I got your message...

I thought you were lazing around at home

and sprinted all the way here because you were excited to walk the dog.

She knows!

Whatever, forget that.

Because I get to walk...

a real dog!

I've always dreamed of this moment! And now it's here!

You sure do love dogs, huh?

N-not really. I mean, I don't hate them or anything...

Okay. Let's get going.

This rules!

But...

I wanna hold the leash!

The leash is the most fundamental part of any dog walk.

You just can't have a dog walk without a leash!

Guess I'll just ask her straight up.

Can I have the leash?

Ha ha!

Wow. Just look at you, so desperate to walk a dog.

No! I can't!

I gotta think of something else...

Hey, Nishikata.

Would you like to hold the leash for a bit?

Huh?

Why'd she ask me all of a sudden?!

Is that a no?

Huh? No! I'll take it, no problem.

I'm really doing it! I'm walking a dog right now!

Guess what, Nishikata? I hear this dog really likes running.

Oh?

W-well, then maybe I should run with it for just a little while...

Sure.

I'm going to keep walking. Just wait for me near the shrine, okay?

Okay. See ya!

This is awesome!

I'm on a run!

I'm on a run with a dog!

Whew! I'm beat!

Takagi-san said she was going to walk here, which means that I've got time to kill.

Perfect.

Aw, aren't you adorable!

Who's a good boy? You're a good boy! Yes you are!

Aw! You like that? I'll give you all the pets!

Such a fluffy good boy! Yes you are! And so cute!

Nishikata?

Oh, there you are.

Did you have fun?

S-sorta. I guess I got some good exercise.

Did you enjoy that, boy? You ran so far.

Hey, Takagi-san. Do you want to have the leash back?

I feel kinda bad since I've been hogging it for so long.

That's okay.

You look like you're having a lot more fun holding it than I was, anyway.

Huh?!

A-as if! This is n-nothing special. Nope.

Besides, the truth is, I'm enjoying myself plenty right now.

Because...

Because what?

Just try and guess.

Huh?

Uh, I'm stumped.

How fun was that!

Totally!

Uh, well, it was decent exercise. That's all.

Besides, the truth is, I'm enjoying myself plenty right now.

Because...

"Because" what?

Are you curious to know what comes after the "because"?

Nah, not really.

Okay. I'll send you a text with it.

It's something hard to say.

Done. See for yourself.

Wha?!

I snapped a great pic!

You sure do love dogs, Nishikata!

Wh-whatever! It's normal!

Seriously! I'm not obsessed or anything!

What's the matter?

I left my dang homework at school...

It's a waste of time, but I have to go back and get it.

Bye, Takagi-san. See you tomorrow.

I'll go with you.

Left at School

Left at school!

This feels weird. It's like we're coming to school super late.

You're right.

I didn't realize how many kids stayed late after school.

I hear they stick around to chat and hang out with each other.

Especially since there are a lot of new couples after Culture Fest.

Oh?

Because of Culture Fest, huh?

Ever since that spring day when we first met each other.

You are my one and only, prince charming!

Weird.

So like, why stay behind just to talk and stuff?

Because they want to spend time together.

That's all?

Seems like a good enough reason to me.

Uh-huh.

Wait, if that's really true then...

won't people think that we're a couple for walking around like this?

No, don't be silly! I'm only here to pick up something I forgot.

That's it!

But at the same time...

I'm starving.

Same.

It's killing me.

Okay, wanna go grab a snack?

Yeah, sounds good.

We are totally ordering the giant tower of donut holes covered in sugar.

Sorry, Takagi-san!

Huh?

But dude, I don't have that much on me...

Gotta hit the bathroom!

Oh hey, it's Takagi-san. You're still here?

That's a surprise.

Great!

I'll sneak out the bathroom window.

Then use a different route to go pick up my homework and head straight home.

The perfect plan!

What do you say we practice for the big tournament together?

Where do you think we should go during the next break?

How about...

I am noticing a lot of girls and boys hanging out together.

Oh, it's Nishikata.

Nakai-kun and Mano-san?

Yo. Whatcha doing?

Uh, I just came back for something.

Come on, Nakai-kun. You don't even need to ask him, do you?

He's the same as us!

No! Seriously! I forgot my homework!

Um, so...

I get it. Must be Takagi-san, then.

That's right. Let's leave him be.

See ya, dude.

Y-you've got the wrong idea!

Hey, we should get going soon.

There's no point in staying at school.

Being together is the point, dummy!