Chuckling to himself, Mamoru made his way to the restroom, leaving a young girl huddled over her chocolate milkshake surrounded by a buzz of his taunts and insults, as though a swarm of angry wasps flew about her head.

Motoki looked upon her pathetic figure in sadness. He often wondered if Mamoru was doing all this to just cover up his own feelings of endearment for the young blonde, or if in reality, he was just cruel and harsh. He shook his head at this. No. No Mamoru had a complex, sure, but he also had a heart.

Still…

Seeing Usagi like this was none the less heartbreaking, she indeed was becoming like a younger sister to him. And no matter how many excuses he made for Mamoru's behaviour, no matter how many times he reprimanded his best friend for treating her in such a way, he never seemed to be able to explain Mamoru's actions without revealing things he was sworn to secrecy never to tell.

There were only so many chocolate milkshakes and smiles and hollow comforts he could offer.

In his peripheral vision he saw Mamoru returning to the bar. Before he realised what he was doing, he had gently taken hold of Usagi's chin and placed the gentlest of kisses on her lips. He felt her stiffen in shock but resisted the temptation to break away until he knew Mamoru had seen. Pulling away from her, he chanced a glance towards the restroom. Mamoru stood, frozen to the spot, his face unreadable. Without a word, he swept out of the arcade and into the cold air outside.

Glancing back towards Usagi, her face was a similar picture. With a trembling hand, she lifted it to her lips, slowly raising her head to look into his eyes.

"Usagi-chan," he begun.

"You did that when he came out of the restroom…" she whispered.

He felt his shoulders sag in relief. This could have gone a whole other way.

"Do you think that's why he left?"

"I… yes. Yes I do. He…" Ah to hell with it, she deserved to know. "He likes you a lot more than he lets on, you know."

There was a long pause as they both digested the previous moments and in Usagi's case, newly disclosed information.

"I'm sorry I took your first kiss Usagi-chan."

She smiled at him, the first sunny smile he'd had from her all day.

"You know what? I'm fine with that. And if it makes that Baka likes me a little more, then all the more positive right?"

Thank heavens for that. Then a look of horror passed across her features.

"Motoki-Onii-san, what about Reika-san?"

Ahh. That would be awkward.

"How about we just keep this between us Usagi-chan. I think that's best. And in all honesty, I think dealing with Mamoru-kun will be a little more challenging."

She seemed happy with this. Smiling at him again, she picked up her school bag and walked out of Crown happier and lighter. The wasps were gone.