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!
I'm getting my homework and then getting out of here.
Took you long enough.
What?!
I thought she was going to wait for me by the bathroom!
Did you think I was going to wait by the bathroom?
Urk!
Or maybe... you were afraid we'd be seen as a couple for walking together after school,
so you went a different way while trying to leave me behind?
D-dunno.
There sure are a lot of them.
Huh?
The couples who stick around after school.
I'm not so sure. I didn't see anybody like that at all.
At all? Really?
M-more importantly, I got my homework. Let's hurry and get out of here.
Oh, Nishikata!
You really did stick around to be with Takagi-san!
N-no, it's not... I just came to pick up my homework!
Later, man!
Uh, are you listening?
You were saying something about "not seeing any couples"?
Um, well... anyway!
We should really get going. Come on.
Hey, Nishikata.
Let's stick around here for a little longer.
No, let's leave...
Why? You embarrassed?
N-no, that is not the case!
I just don't see a reason to stay any longer...
Well, I have a reason. Wanna know what?
Huh?
I figured that since we're already here, I'll just get all my homework done now!
Homework...?
Did you think I meant something else?
It's called homework because we're supposed to do it at home!
That's true!
Let's go then.
Okay!
Boy, so much homework I gotta get done!
Christmas isn't too far off now.
Santa Claus?
I suppose all the couples are gonna spend it together.
Like Takagi-chan and Mano-chan.
Actually, I heard that Takagi-chan and Nishikata aren't actually dating. Yet.
Well, they might as well be. Just look at them.
So? You desperate for a boyfriend or what?
N-no, not really.
Speaking of which! What did you guys ask Santa to get you for Christmas this year?
You veered pretty far off subject there.
I'm asking for some warm gloves and a scarf.
That figures, since you're always cold!
What about you, Mina?
I haven't decided yet.
There's just too many things that I want.
As you do.
What about you, Sanae-chan?
We don't do Christmas presents at my house.
I mean, I'm in middle school.
What?! B-but why?!
I didn't know that could happen!
Huh? Why are you freaking out?
S-so Christmas varies by house?
Then what about mine?!
Will I be getting a Christmas present this year or not?!
Don't ask us. That's a question for your parents.
WHAT?!
You mean my mom and dad have inside info?!
About when and where Santa Claus comes?!
Santa Claus is actually...
Don't shatter her dreams.
I'm gonna ask as soon as I get home.
I really hope I get a present this year...
LIBRARY
Okay! Let's get pumped up for library duty!
Who gets pumped up for peace and quiet?
Another book on dogs?
What's wrong with that? I like them.
That comes as no surprise.
Well, guess I'll get to work.
Knitting
Knitting.
Is that a knitting set?
You know how to knit, Takagi-san?!
I just started recently. I'm still pretty slow.
Incredible!
I didn't know she had that kind of skill!
Takagi-san really has a fearsome repertoire!
Do you want to give it a try?
Huh?
I have a spare set.
Here.
Uh, isn't it kinda hard to do?
It's easy once you get the hang of it.
You start by doing this.
Then hook it through like this.
See?
Um...
First go like this, then hook and... huh?
You have to make a loop, and then put it through from the bottom.
Like this?
It's hard to teach by just explaining.
Look, right here.
Are you watching? First go like this, then this, and done!
Are you following so far?
Th-that's enough for me. It's just too frustrating.
Aw, boo.
Too humiliating, huh?
No, I said "frustrating"!
S-so, are you making a scarf or something?
Close, it's a type of winter clothing.
Want me to make one for you, too?
Huh?
No, I'm good...
Too humiliating, huh?
Hey. I'm thinking about knitting some letters into it.
What color do you think is best?
Letters?
Why not just use whatever color you like?
Well...
It's supposed to be a present.
Oh?
Is it for your dad?
Th-then a present for your mom, maybe?
Nope.
So...
You're really curious about it, huh?
No! Not really!
Uh, I was just thinking a good color would depend on who you gave it to...
Oh.
So you were trying to help me decide on a good color.
Thank you.
This will be a present for...
a 15 year-old boy.
A boy... who's older than her?!
What the heck? What is this feeling?
What color would you recommend?
Maybe red. That would be good.
Okay.
Then red it is.
Something about this... really bothers me...
A doggy?
But why?
Oh wait. Takagi-san must understand this weird feeling I'm having...
And now she's trying to cheer me up,
with this picture of a dog...
That's the boy.
Huh?
The 15 year-old boy.
He belongs to an elderly woman in my neighborhood.
Since he's a grandpa in dog years, she asked me if I could knit some nice clothes for him.
Is something bothering you?
N-not at all.
Sure is empty in here.
Are you trying to change the subject?
Oh come off it.