@gronkle Well, yeah I mean their classmates refuse to believe they aren't already an item. Nikikata's friend Takao's response to being told they aren't dating was "Like hell they aren't"
That is the thing. He has has so many chances to "win" if he just went threw and showed some affection back to her instead of trying act liek he didn't like her. One short comment or action several different times could of thrown her calm and collection behavior off.
I sort of get the impression that that’s not a lose condition for Takagi; she’s aware she likes him so Nishikata going on the offensive is a positive outcome for her.
That and she has a really good poker face so even if Nishikata throws her off he might not notice.
I like the direction this manga took. Takagi still teases him a little, but now their relationship seems more mature and sincere. Also, this chapter really puts into perspective how much Nishikata has grown.