A Sailor Moon Fanfiction: The Pledge of the Sun.

Chapter 71

It was another bright, sunny, and hot day in Juuban Park. Many couples were spending their time in each other's company on dates. However, one person was sitting on a bench all by her lonesome. That person was Minako.

"Geez, all this sun is starting to annoy me," Minako complained as she looked up at the sky while shielding her eyes. "Isn't there some way to beat this heat?"

"Hey! Minako!" called out a voice. "How's it going?"

Minako looked up and saw Harusuke walking up to her.

"Hey there, Harusuke," greeted Minako. "Showing up right on time on the dot, as usual."

"Well, I had to take care of an errand at the last minute, so I thought I was going to be late," Harsuke said. "But I'm glad I was able to make it," He then glanced over at the couples hanging out by the water fountain. "Wow. There sure are a lot of couples around here today."

Minako scowled. "I know. How can they all be so clingy when it's so hot? Couple flirting should be outlawed."

Harusuke could only smile wryly. "Well, I wouldn't go that far, Minako. They're probably just enjoying themselves in the park. That's all."

Minako then stretched her arms as he let out a satisfying yawn. "I hope everybody shows up pretty soon," she said. "I'm tired of waiting already."

"I'm sure everyone else will show soon," said Harusuke. "We just have to be patient, is all."

The two then heard a familiar voice call out to them.

"Minako! Harusuke!"

The two blondes looked, and in the distance from a few feet away, they could see Makoto running towards them. Makoto soon came up to them; her cheeks flushed from running as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

"I'm so, so sorry, you guys," apologized Makoto, as she caught her breath.

"You're late, Mako," Minako spoke grumpily.

"Now, Now, Minako," soothed Harusuke. "There's no need to get upset. At least Mako managed to get here."

"Yeah, you could be a little less uptight and chill out," Makoto added as she sat down next to her friends. "I was only a little late."

"It's too hot to chill out!" Minako complained. "And I'm not uptight!"

Makoto then looked at the many couples around and gave Minako a teasing grin. "Then, are you jealous of all those couples getting cozy with each other?" she asked, raising a brow.

Minako turned her head away. "I am not," she huffed.

"Come on, Minako. She's just teasing you," Harusuke chuckled. "By the way, do either of you two know where the others would happen to be?"

"Well, as usual, Ami said she couldn't make it," said Makoto. "She's too busy with summer courses again."

"And Rei's busy doing shrine maiden work," added Minako.

"Well, that's a bit of a letdown," said Harusuke. "Here, I was hoping we could spend a little time together, even go shopping."

"What about Usagi, Harusuke?" asked Makoto. "Isn't she coming?"

"Mako, have you ever known Usagi to show up on time?" asked Minako.

There was a brief silence, then the three of them burst into laughter.

"As much as I hate to say it, that will never happen," chuckled Makoto. "Sorry, Harusuke. I know she's your sister, but..."

"No worries. I've learned to come and accept it," Harusuke laughed. "Besides, Usagi wouldn't be Usagi if she was always late."