AN: Hello everyone :) I was able to keep my "promise", so here's the next chapter. So thank you all for the uplifting reviews, they keep me going.

I hope you like Hachiro, because you'll get more of him now.

Also the characters of Sailor Moon don't belong to me.

By Wednesday Usagi and Hachiro had sent each other a fair share of messages. Even though sending texts via an app didn't have the same effect as a real human interaction, especially if one had just met the other person and didn't know their unique way of communicating, Usagi had gotten a fairly well impression of Hachiro's character. And so far, he was not only a really good-looking man with a gentle heart, but also kind of humerous. Jackpot! Mamoru would be so... Jealous? No, impressed, Usagi scolded herself. It was not about making him jealous.

She should get a huge box of chocolate candy for Minako as a thank-you gift. The ones Usagi and Minako only indulged in on special occasions, like exceling at their jobs or at school. Sometimes even when one of them suffered from severe heartbreak. However these special occasion chocolate candy were mostly eaten for celebratory reasons. And Minako's perfect matchmaking was definitely a reason to celebrate.

But Minako had been hard to catch during the last days. Usagi knew, she had a more than busy time at work, nonetheless it seemed as if Minako was deliberately avoiding her. Very odd. On the other hand… a few days without seeing or talking to each other was not something to worry about. Or was it? Still… her and Motoki on the phone was rather strange. So was it a coincidence, that Minako became unavailable after she had caught her seemingly secret phone call? Usagi didn't want to ponder anymore about that. Overthinking only made things worse and giving it any more thought would be pointless.

So instead, she chose to focus on her upcoming finals and the perfect outfit for the Christmas party. Usagi had planned to go on a little shopping spree with two of her most fashionable friends. But since Minako was out of her reach, Rei had to be her only partner in crime and her raven-haired friend was more than eager to get a hold of a stylish ensemble for herself to wear at the Crown.

The temperature of the library had become a little warmer as the heat started working again. Thankfully Usagi was prepared for the chilling climate in the library and had put on an extra thick roughly knitted cardigan in pale pink, that she pulled a little tighter around herself, as she opened another book of her stack. She had been sitting and reading at the same spot for over an hour now and the only moving activity she did, was flipping through the pages and tapping her feet on the floor, ever so often earning annoyed glances for her soundly movements. Before she rushed out of her apartment, Usagi had contemplated to put on another pair of socks, but decided against it. After all it wasn't that cold outside and she hated it, when her feet got all sweaty. Now she cursed herself. She could've at least taken an extra pair of socks with her. Just in case.

As the next hours passed, she idly made notes on her tablet, highlighted the important parts, and browsed through her whole stack of books. Her next assignment for her extra psychology class was due in less than one week and her professor was a kind, but strict woman with high expectations from her students. That being said, Usagi was nervous to turn in her paper by the end of next week. She had done so much research and would love to read more on the subject matter, but not only time was running out, she also had to learn for an exam of her sociology class.

However in that moment, she needed a break. As if Hachiro sensed her current discomfort, her phone lit up with a message from him.

"Hey Usagi, just had a meeting in Bunkyo and I found a Cafè in this secondhand bookstore, that serve these fluffy pancakes and I was wondering, if you'd like to check it out with me sometime? Have a great day!"

Fluffy panpakes? She was so in! Another trait she noticed about Hachiro through his messages was his similar preference for all things sweet. That's why she immediately had to respond with a variety of star-eyed emojis. And then she decided to be a little bold and continued typing the next message.

"I am in Bunkyo right now. What do you think of trying them out right now?"

With a slight tingle in her belly, she hit the send-button and worried her lip. A few seconds passed and Usagi was staring at her phone, then it lit up again.

"Really? What a coincidence! I've got some time to kill. Where are you? I'll come pick you up."

Then it dawned on her: She had made the impulsive decision to leap right into their first "date" without preparation. Usagi glanced around, to see if someone was watching her, opened the camera on her phone and selected the selfie mode as a makeshift compact mirror.

So far, she looked presentable. Some of her strands were out of their given place in her signature odangos, but she also had to admit, that it looked rather cute. What didn't look cute, were the stressed lines around her eyes. Maybe the cold air outside could perform some magic on her tired face.

Her outfit was… okay. It definitely wasn't what she had intended to wear, but this would give her enough room for improvement. She closed the inside camera again, laid her phone down to pack up all her belongings and realized, she hadn't given him an answer yet. Oops.

"I'm at the Tokyo University library. I'm packing right now. We could meet at the entrance?"

His response came instantly. "I'll be there in 10 minutes. "

Usagi let out a deep breath. Enough time to gloss some her lips and put the books into the return section. When she got up, the chair scratched a little bit too soundly across the floor and some heads turned into her direction. A classic Usagi move. Now the cold outside was unnecessary to get her cheeks rosy again.

After she fulfilled her duties, buttoned up her coat and hoisted her backpack on her shoulders, she exited the spacious entrance hall through the double glass doors into the fresh air. The sun was shining beautifully and highlighted the shiny surface of the frost, that had engulfed almost every piece except the busy streets and sidewalks. She breathed in the cold air, closed her eyes and held her head up into the direction of the rays of sunlight.

Everyone around her seemed to be in a rush, either they exited or entered the library. And of course these people were stressed, everyone's finals were vastly approaching. And to top that of, Christmas season was a lot of pressure for some people. Oh… she still had to pick out some presents…Maybe she could add some gift shopping to the outfit shopping…Well, that depended, when she and Rei would meet up…

Usagi rather felt than heard a presence approaching her and when she turned her head, she saw Hachiro just a few steps away. With that breathtaking smile he waved at her and quickened his steps. Some of the fellow female students turned around at his sight and giggled quietly behind their hands. In all honesty, Usagi would've done the same, if Minako and Makoto were around.

Meeting new people had always been a serotonin shot for Usagi. And the source of the last day's shots was standing right in front of her now.

Hachiro wore a different coat than the last time. He was the spitting image of a businessman in his long grey wool coat, plaid scarf and black leather gloves. Usagi wore her favourite checkered coat again, but today she chose a huge baby blue scarf and light blue knitted gloves.

She thought about studying his style later in the Cafè. So far she had only seen him once for a brief moment last Saturday and maybe it would be a good idea, to wear something coordinated, to indicated they fit. Or was that too much? Usagi mentally made a note to ask Rei later.

"Hey Usagi, nice to see you again."

Hachiro apparently mastered the perfect social distance: Not too close, but also not too far away.

"Hello Hachiro." She grinned like a kitten that got the cream. "Please tell me, the shop is nearby. I'm famished." Just to emphasize her point, her stomach started to growl on its own account.

"Kind of. We have to walk for about ten minutes, if we're fast. We're lucky, that the weather is actually nice today." He glanced up at the clear blue sky.

"I am super fast. Trust me. We could make it in 5!" He made an impressed face.

"Are you a runner?"

"Oh no! I hate anything athleisure. I was just always late for school, so I had to run to get there on time…But… let's say my attempts were not always futile…" Usagi awkwardly laughed at her own joke. Was that too much?

No, because Hachiro started laughing as well. Slow exhale.

"You too? I spent so much time outside our classroom! And I still have a hard time to get up early in the mornings."

"Ohmygod! Yes! I have like 5 alarm clocks on my phone and one old-school clock in my shelf, that is super loud and in the far corner of my room. So I really have to get up, to make it stop. My brother gifted it to me, when I moved out."

"That's clever."

"Yeah, right?" A short moment of silence. They were still rooted to the spot and Usagi started to get cold.

"Shall we go?"

"Guide the way."

With that, Hachiro gestured to walk back into the direction, he came from. The store must be new, Usagi thought. She spent most of her breaks in cafés, that were in close proximity of her library, though she had her favorite spots, she frequented more often.

"I'm glad I texted you earlier. I wouldn't have thought we'd go there today."

He laughed as he strode on.

"Strange right? It's like fate playing tricks on us." Usagi chimed in.

They turned right at the crossroad. Usagi had to admit, that she turned into the left street more often, because a large number of cute and fancy cafés had settled down on that side. That would probably explain, why she had walked by the store Hachiro was taking her to.

"How was your business meeting?"

"Long…We started at 8 and one of the bosses just didn't get… Well… I don't want to bore you with this boring stuff."

Usagi was quick to react to his abashed statement.

"Well finance stuff sure bores me most of the times, but let's give it try. Do continue, please."

She did her best at a slightest pout and by the look of the smile he gave her, she had succeeded, and he went on.

"Okay, but if it gets too much, please tell me."

Usagi nodded eagerly.

"I had to meet with one of our clients. One of our past interns had mixed some numbers up, not in a bad way, but when one of our female project managers had told him, this large campaign would cost a little more, he didn't want to pay the rest. He constantly told our boss, that the ,girl couldn't be right'…" Usagi made a sour face. "My thoughts exactly. Unfortunately, this guy wouldn't let loose and my boss saw no other option, than to send me as the 'finance guy' to solve things… I showed him the exact documents my colleague had sent him. He didn't believe me at first… I was probably too young for his liking. But after some time, he finally gave in. I hate it, when that happens. And then he wanted to go over other stuff and constantly made biting remarks about our project manager, who is by the way the best in that area. But he wouldn't listen…Really, it's so exhausting to listen to stuff like that… And most of the times I had to bite my tongue and I guess he didn't get my sarcastic side remarks. Sorry for the rant."

"Oh no! Don't be! It's healthy to talk about stuff, that is bothering us. And he soo sounds like a pain in the ass. Does that happen often?"

"No…thank god. It's really exhausting. That's why I'm allowed to have an extended lunch break. Oh, we're here."

They stood in front of an inconspicuous store with just a little poster in the door as indication for the café inside. No wonder Usagi always passed by.

"This looks cute." She commented on the outside appearance. Built with light brown brick stones the store had the snug exterior many other places tried to replicate but failed.

Hachiro opened the door and the little bell above the inside of the door announced the newest guests. In comparision to the library, the café had turned up the heat on full blast. She and Hachiro immediately buttoned up their coats.

As Usagi took a look around, she saw not only a cute section for second hand mangas, but also a huge collection of old editions: Classics, medical and history books were stacked on tables and stuffed into already full shelves. And in the far corner of the store a counter with high bar stools could be found. Couches and armchairs with what seemed to be a burgundy velvet fabric were set up around black coffee tables.

"Do you want to sit at the bar, or should we take a seat in the reading area?" Hachiro asked her with glee in her eyes.

She took a look around. "Hmm… Maybe at the bar? The armchairs look too comfortable. I easily fall asleep on soft cushions…" She put her hand behind her neck and nervously laughed again. Ugh, again. Don't show off your weird talents too soon, Usagi.

But Hachiro seemed to like her confession and started laughing with her.

"Yeah, I mean we still have stuff to do today, right?"

"Don't remind me", Usagi huffed as she pulled the gold-ornated barstool back and sat down, but then put on a reassuring smile again.

In that moment a waitress with a cute flowery apron tied around her waist interrupted them.

"Hey, do you already know, what you'd like to order?"

Usagi glanced up at the menu behind the brunette's head. A heaven for coffee lovers. Which she wasn't. She got her caffeine shot from various types of Macchiatos, Lattes and Frappés, anything that blended out the bitter taste of coffee.

But this place had neither. Well, a green tea would give her the much needed energy kick.

"I take an Americano, no milk and sugar and the Soufflé Pancakes with maple syrup and no cream, please." Hachiro told the waitress and now two pairs of eyes were looking expectantly at her.

"Uhmm… I'd like a… uhmm… green tea and also the Soufflè pancakes with chocholate syrup and cream, please."

"Alright, it will be ready in a bit." The brunette turned around and left through a door, that was supposedly the kitchen.

"How are you doing so far? In terms of… your classes?" Hachiro curiously asked. Finally Usagi noticed his attire: A grey three-piece suit with small black pinstripes on it. He looked so dashing and she just looked like… a schoolgirl with her pink cardigan and simple grey daydress. For onlookers she must look like his little sister, not his… date? Was this a date? Usagi was drifting off in her thoughts again and Hachiro was still waiting for her response.

"Uhm…" again that stammering tremble in her voice. "I think I'm doing fine. It's just a lot right now. But the end is already in sight. My paper is due on Thursday and I'm writing an exam on Friday."

"Oh wow. But yeah, on the brighter side, it's almost over. I have to say, the constant stress about exams, tests and writing papers is what I don't miss about university. Even though it was a great time." Hachiro confessed.

"Oh right, Minako told me you studied also at Tokyo University and even abroad. Where did you go?"

The waitress came back and placed their drinks in front of them. A quick friendly nod as acknowledgment from Hachiro and she was gone again.

"In Germany."

"Wow, that's impressive." Usagi took a tentative sip from the tea and held the hot cup between her hands to warm her cold fingertips. Her gloves had been of no use.

"Yeah, it was. I stayed there for about a year. It's been a real experience. So much is different there."

The waitress came back and presented them their beautifully arranged pancakes. Three of the fluffiest pancakes Usagi had ever seen were decorated with thick dark chocolate syrup, cream topping, powder sugar and raspberries. It was like an edible artwork. So of course she had to take a picture of the arrangement in front of her.

Hachiro wordlessly shoved his plate next to hers. She raised her eyes at him in question.

"I thought you might like to photograph both of them?" He hesitantly said.

Of course, but she wouldn't have asked. Was he reading her mind?

She happily angled her phone in different positions, until she was satisfied with the result and then showed Hachiro some of her snaps while shoving the plate back in front of him.

"They look really good. Can you send me some these?"

"Really? Sure!"

"They look so good, I hope they taste just like it."

He shrugged and set the fork into the first pancakes and cut off a slice with his knife. Usagi watched as he took his first bite. He closed his eyes as he chewed and opened them surprised again looking into her direction.

"They're even better." He gushed with the same enthusiasm she so often showed, when tasting new exquisite food.

And she did the same while involuntarily copying the movements he had just made. She moaned as she tasted her first bite. The dough was so soft, the syrup soo rich it just melted in her mouth. Oh, had she really just moaned again into her food? She gulped and glanced over at Hachiro, who was cutting his next piece while expectantly watching her eat. He wasn't bothered by her suggestive sounds.

"I think those are the best I've ever eaten." Usagi proclaimed.

"Well, then I congratulate myself for finding this place." Hachiro beamed at her and raised his cup from the saucer and held it in her direction as if to toast. They clinked their cups together and each raised their beverages to the lips. As Usagi looked at him again as he held the cup against his mouth. The way he sat there, white pottery covering some of his face as he took a sip reminded her so much of the way Mamoru often sat at the Crown drinking his black coffee. No sugar, no cream. Just as Hachiro had ordered it. She shook her head. Not a good time to think about that baka. So she trained her eyes back on her plate.

Hachiro and Usagi indulged on their pancakes with equal fervor and emptied their plates within minutes.

It was so easy to talk to Hachiro, it felt like they had known each other for years not mere days. They were so alike in so many ways, it was crazy. As if he was a guy version of herself with just a few modifications. And probably without her crybaby antics and klutz attacks.

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud buzz and Hachiro quickly retrieved his phone from his coat pocket. As he read the message he received, Usagi could make out slight changes in his features as he concentrated on the text on the screen. With a furrowed brow and a heavy sigh he looked at Usagi with a guilt-stricken face.

"I'm sorry, seems like my break has to come to an end. My colleague needs me for his presentation later."

Usagi looked at the watch on her wrist and made a sour face. She hadn't realized how time had just passed by without her even noticing.

"No, it's fine. I hadn't realized how late it is already."

"Listen, I had a lot of fun today", he signaled to the waitress, that he wanted to pay, "I would love to do this again sometime. In the near future, perhaps?" he asked shyly.

With a puny tingle in her stomach, she smiled at him sincerely. Yes, she definitely wanted to see him again. That she told him.

"Great, uhm…I really have to go." He laid down some bills on the cheque.

"I insist on inviting you, because" - he emphasized his because – "you are giving me one of your cards for the Crown Party and they are worth more than pancakes and tea." He laughed so genuinely at this, Usagi just had to chime in.

"Okay, I'll give in. But next time it's my turn."

"I won't oblige." With that he stood and put on his gloves, while Usagi was still sitting at the counter.

"Do you want to stay a bit longer?"

"I wanted to go back to the library, but it's so cold there and in here it's just so warm. I think I'll stay and do some reading here." Usagi confessed.

"Maybe this will be your new favorite place?" Hachiro sheepishly said.

"Maybe."

"Okay, I'd better get going. See you around, Usagi. We'll text later."

"Of course! Bye!" They waved each other goodbye and off he went. Usagi looked after him and when he left through the door, he glanced back at her through the tinted window. Classic rom-com moment. He waved one last time and went his way. Then she was alone again.

This encounter had been nice, she thought, as she pulled out her notebook and tablet from her backpack. Usagi opened her pencil box and chose her favorite pink pen with way too much glitter on it and started going through her notes again. However, she ever so often lost her focus. Yes, this whole encounter had been nice and fun and all. And yes, she had felt something fluttering in her stomach, but something was missing. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on. She dismissed the sentiment; it was too early to make a diagnosis. For now, she would just enjoy this.

Anyhow she repeatedly drifted off and glanced at the stacks of books. Maybe a little distraction from her initial distraction would be a good idea and she still needed a present for Ami. So she hopped off the high chair and looked over some of the titles in the "medical section".

Some of the books were just old editions of the ones Ami had to read for med school. But after some digging through the stacks, she found an old volume with beautiful drawings of the heart and brain in it. She thumbed through the pages. This was the perfect gift for Ami. Usagi clutched the book to her chest and went to the next section.

Her father loved to collect old editions of myths and sagas and with a little bit of luck, she could cross out another name on her list. Some of the book spines were so tattered, they almost fell apart. Not a good addition to her father's elegant collection.

She walked over to the next rack and her eyes grew wide with disbelief at the second shelf. In golden italic letters printed on the green fabric spine the title read "The Legend of Lake Yokai". The lake were her parents met. She stifled her joyful scream, this was a bookstore after all.

Another perfect present. And the book was just as beautiful and old as the one, she had chosen for Ami. This was a good day indeed.

As she made her way back to her belongings, her gaze fell onto a red leather spine, that stood out amongst the other plainer ones in that row. She pulled it out. It was an old fairytale book about Snow White. Beautifully illustrated, it reminded her of the school play, Usagi and her friends staged. Usagi, her friends and Mamoru. The only guy, who volunteered and who naturally had to play the prince.

And later she found out, that it had been his favorite story, when he was a little boy living in the orphanage. She really felt sorry for making jokes about him taking part in the play. But she never apologized. Maybe she could subtly do it now by handing him this copy sometime?

Sometime, not as a Christmas gift. That would be too much and too heartfelt, Usagi thought. And it would be weird giving him something so sentimental like this, while they both attended a party with their respective dates. No one should get the wrong impression. Not Hachiro and definitely not Mamoru. With that in mind, she went to get her coat and backpack, paid the books, carefully put them into her backpack and went outside. It was late in the afternoon, the sun hanging low in the sky and a chilly breeze was blowing. Time to go home, Usagi supposed. She was so lost in her thoughts, she forgot to pay a visit to the manga section in the story. A not so classic Usagi move.

AN: It's the longest chapter, I've posted so far. But it seems so short.

Anyway: What do you think about their "date"? And what do you think will happen next? :P

I have an idea, how I want the story to unfold further, but nothing is set in stone, yet.

Again: Thank you so much for your reviews. It's the greatest motivation :)