Makoto and Usagi, laden with bulging shopping bags, crossed the street and walked down the sidewalk, trying to avoid bumping into the pedestrians passing them.
Then they caught sight of Mamoru. The "baka," as Usagi referred to him, was wearing his favorite green jacket and carrying a couple of paper bags.
Usagi and Mako's conversation instantly died. Mako braced herself for the yelling match she was sure would ensue and the strength she would need to drag Usagi away.
But when Mamoru passed, he said only, "Two weeks."
To this, Usagi narrowed her eyes and returned, "A bag of carrots."
Mamoru rolled his eyes and continued on his way.
Mako was flabbergasted.
"What was that?" she nearly shrieked, as soon as she'd regained use of her voice.
"Oh," Usagi murmured, suddenly unable to hold eye contact. A blush rose to her cheeks as she said, "Nothing."
"If it's nothing, why are you blushing?" Makoto asked, getting over her shock and proceeding straight to mischief and amusement.
The color in her friend's cheeks only darkened, but Usagi rolled her eyes, her familiar attitude coming back in full strength. She started muttering under her breath, and though most of what she said was too soft to hear, Mako still caught the words "two weeks," "Makoto," and "Mamoru."
Mako smiled.