Read and help, i will love you =3?

okay so in my english cl theres this kid that i really dont like, and every now and then we get into an argument but the thing is (not to sound like a little pansy) he always starts with me , like if i say something to my friend, he will make a smart reply , and today as well as every other day he needs a pencil , and most days as well as today he screamed out "does anyone have a pencil" and i said , ill give him one as long as he sharpens it and then he can keep it, and this girl across from me said "why are you always so nice to him" i wish i could answer that question . what to do in a situation like this , this kid that use to push me around in 6 grade when i was a total punk(im no punk anymore after 4 years of MMA XD) hangs out with him . and seeing them together gets me so pissed . i wish with all my heart that i could go up and beat the shittout of both of them because i know i can but i have all honors cles and a performing arts cl and i cant afford to miss 2 weeks of school because of fighting . so what should i do? i mean im totally ncie to the kid but i think if i try to be nice and settle our differences he will start to take advantage of me.