Usagi squatted patiently behind a bush, delicately balancing a water balloon in her hands as she waited for the baka to walk down the street. It was a blisteringly hot today, and before long, she began to feel her hair stick to her neck. Then her ankles began to ache, and she tried to adjust her position as discretely as possible.

But she forgot her discomfort when she finally spotted the baka, walking down the sidewalk. Anticipation buzzed through her — either that, or her feet were going to sleep. But something was not quite right; Mamoru's usual brisk pace had slowed to a careful shuffling. He scanned the faces of people passing him, his gaze glancing off each one as if . . . as if he was looking for someone.

Me? Usagi wondered, her heart skipping a beat. But there was no time for daydreaming; the baka was within range. Whooping, Usagi sprang up and flung her balloon at her target. It burst against Mamoru's stomach, soaking his shirt. Usagi giggled with glee at the pure shock on his face. But much too quickly, surprise turned to determination and she squealed, turning to run. Just one problem:

Her feet were still asleep. They felt like blocks of wood, and that made it difficult to escape. Add that to the fact that Usagi was less than graceful even on a good day, and she had a recipe for disaster.

And sure enough, Usagi didn't make it even two steps before she tripped.

Resigned to her fate, Usagi was just hoping she wouldn't need stitches when two strong, wet arms caught her about the waist, halting her fall. The baka — for she recognized his scent — set her on her feet, though his hands hovered by her hips just in case she needed him again.

Mamoru cleared his throat, causing her to look at him. His lips twitched, as though trying to suppress a grin. "Odango Atama, didn't anyone ever tell you it isn't nice to throw things at people?" he asked teasingly.

Usagi took a step back, having regained feeling in her feet, and Mamoru seized her waist again. She stifled a triumphant smile. "I'm afraid not, baka. Too bad for you."

"Ha." But Usagi was distracted by the way his wet shirt clung to his muscular frame. So maybe it was to be expected that she got a little sidetracked.

"Were you looking for me?" she asked bluntly. Mamoru's face instantly lost it's expression of wry amusement, becoming guarded and just a little bit shy. He blushed, his normally pale cheeks now tinted pink.

"What — why —?" he stammered.

"I saw you," she said, cutting him off.

Mamoru nodded slowly, his blush receding as he said, "Yes, I was looking for you. There was something I wanted to show you."

Usagi's curiosity was instantly piqued. "What?" she demanded.

Mamoru released her hesitantly, as if unsure whether she'd try to run off again. But there was no chance of that happening now.

Usagi took a step closer as Mamoru dug around in his book bag, searching for the mystery object. While she waited, she studied the way his dark hair flopped over his forehead, the way a smile once again tugged at his lips, the way the muscles in his tanned forearms flexed as he shifted heavy books. "Ah-ha," he murmured, his hands closing around something, blocking it from her sight. He met her gaze, and the way his blue eyes sparkled made her heart leap.

It seemed as though an eternity had passed before he spoke again, and when he did, his voice seemed deeper than normal. "Are you ready?"

Usagi had just nodded when she was doused with ice-cold water, making her gasp. The object that had formerly been concealed in Mamoru's hand was a water bottle, which was now situated over her head.

"BAKA!"

But she couldn't help but join Mamoru in laughter.