"Let me get this straight," Motoki said incredulously, staring at Mamoru. "You want to go back to the arcade even though my shift ended not —" he checked his watch "— five minutes ago?"
"Yeah," Mamoru said sheepishly, wishing he'd found a different way to frame his suggestion.
"Why?" Motoki demanded. He felt he had a right to know. He worked a lot, and he didn't really want to spend more time than was necessary at that arcade.
"No reason," Mamoru said quickly. He didn't need Motoki to know the depth of his obsession with Usagi Tsukino. But from the look of the smile on his friend's face, it was too late for that.
"It wouldn't have to do with Usagi-chan, would it?" he asked mischievously.
"No," Mamoru said firmly, but his voice shook, betraying him.
Motoki looked at him for a long moment, a hint of a grin still lingering on his face, clearly thinking something over. It was true he spent a lot of time at the arcade . . . but Mamoru spent just as much time there, keeping him company. Well,
and provoking Usagi-chan, but he knew Mamoru cared for her. Motoki wanted him to be happy. He deserved it.
"C'mon then," he said cheerfully, mind made up. He turned abruptly, heading back the way they'd come. "Let's go."