DOUBLE NAME

Mamoru felt a pang of guilt for not being in touch with Motoki for, like, years, when he saw him wave

enthusiastically at the airport. And he was just bursting with his news to tell his coming-back friend

- You wouldn't believe this - Motoki said, after hugging Mamoru and starting towards his car - what's

happening in my life right now.

He stopped abruptly and looked at his friend happily.

- First of all, I'm going to be a father in, like, days! And I'll make sure you'll get to see my son

among the first people who do. And the second is... - he jestured to the left, inviting Mamoru to look

at something.

He turned his head and saw a large banner being installed at the entrance of a modern-looking

coffee place. The banner said "Furuhata-Tsukino Coffee Corner"

Mamoru opened his mouth to ask he wasn't sure what question, but Motoki went on, excitedly:

- This is our franchise cafe! Right in Tokyo Airport! Do you believe it, we have Furuhata-Tsukino diners,

sushi places, street food places, several arcades like the original one and even fancy restaurants with Italian and

French cuisine! Over 30 places here in Japan, and for your information, dear American Doctor, we've just sold

our franchise to the States and the will be diners opening in US under Furuhata-Tsukino brand!

Could you believe this? We're having people coming to our old Arcade to see it, because it's the birthplace

of the youngest food chain that grew literally in a couple of years! All thanks to Usagi, I really think this

should be Tsukino-Furuhata, but she insisted...

- Usagi Tsukino? The Usagi? - Mamoru asked dumbly, his mind seemingly frozen, and Motoki went on.

- YeP! The best decision I made in life! She is literally my happy ticket! Well I've always seen her as a

bright person, so this is my merit, too - he chuckled.

Mamoru felt like his throat suddenly went dry. Why? He didn't see Usagi in years. Wasn't he supposed to be glad

for her and Motoki, their happiness and success?

And a future baby boy he was going to see really soon...

Why did he suddenly feel so lonely and a little bit..angry?

Meanwhile, Motoki went on:

- Usa asked to give her a job at the arcade the summer after you left. She needed money for education and wanted

to earn herself. The customers loved her and she really saw the arcade through their eyes, she felt them, she still

does. So, one day she approached me after we closed up, it was already dark outside, and she wanted to talk... - Motoki paused to

open his car they reached while talking, and Mamoru was so grateful for it, because he suddenly was nauseous.

And he definitely didn't want to hear what transpired between Motoki and Usagi in the darkened arcade.

He hurried to put his suitcases into the back and buckled in the passenger seat while Motoki started the car,

thinking of what question to ask to prevent Motoki from continuing his story.

But his friend was the first to speak:

- Are you ok if we drop in to the Arcade - our original one? You'll have a cup of decent of coffee, we totally improved

what we used to have, and I'll check some figures with Usagi. Her office is here, and she loves to work at this place,

sometimes she gets nostalgic and even hoes to the counter herself, to inspire staff and see the details that may be

obscured to the director's eye. She'll be excited to see you.

At that moment, Mamoru felt like his anger was boiling and he could barely control himself.

A kind of intense emotion he never felt abroad, because there were no certain odangos concerned to push on his buttons.

He clenched his jaws and his fists so much they cracked.

Motoki looked at him anxiously.

- Mamoru-kun? What is it?

He snapped at this moment.

- Are you really telling me, Motoki - he paused to swallow an angry lump in his throat - that not only you're

married to my first love, but also you're making her WORK when VERY PREGNANT with your child? - his voice rose

towards the end, and Motoki waved his hands, his expression absolutely puzzled.

- What are you talking about, man? My wife was your first love? I'm not making her w... - he paused, realization

dawning on his face, and he laughed out, his face relaxing - what, did you think I married Usagi?

My wife is Reika, of course! Usagi is my business partner!

He looked at Mamoru's face and barely contained his amusement:

- Did I make it sound like we were together? I told you she came up to me with the ideas for the arcade business improvement,

and I saw they were great. Eventually, we became co-owners. I can't make her do anything and I don't think she

may be pregnant right now. But I'm sure - his green eyes twinkled mischievously - she'll be interested to hear about

this "first love" thing.

Mamoru turned to the window, choosing not to comment, and Motoki chuckled and turned the music on.