The sunlight fell through the arcade's windows, dappling the games, countertop, and even it's customers with a shining golden light.
Usagi Tsukino and Mamoru Chiba were co-existing peacefully today, a miracle that Motoki gratefully accepted. All their yelling was starting to drive away his customers.
That afternoon when Usagi had arrived, she had only nodded politely to Mamoru, which he had returned, not looking surprised in the slightest.
Motoki had been shocked.
Maybe it was the prospect of the last golden day of autumn that had the enemies at peace. Maybe they wanted to soak up the sunshine while it lasted. Whatever it is, Motoki thought, surveying the two, sitting side by side. They look like mirror images of the other.
Mamoru, perched on his stool, had his textbook and notes spread out before him, studying diligently. Cradled in his cupped hands was a cup of coffee that was probably cold by now.
Usagi leaned into the counter, chin propped in her hands as her eyes roved over the pages of her latest manga. Her glass, with only dregs of chocolate milkshake left, sat beside her book. The condensation from the cool liquid had run down the glass and created a wet spot on the countertop.
As Mamoru shuffled his notes and Usagi flipped the page in her manga, their elbows brushed. They both tensed, waiting for the other to say something, disrupt the companionable silence, but after a few seconds devoid of any snarky comments, they relaxed, keeping their eyes firmly fixed on their respective book. Because, to be perfectly honest, Usagi and Mamoru enjoyed the very rare peace that was now between them.
Neither moved their elbow.