The warmth of the café enveloped Usagi as she sat at a small table near the window. She sipped her tea and took in the relaxed atmosphere. Outside, pedestrians passed as they went about their business.

  What a cozy place.

  The café was brightly lit and decorated with warm colors. The baristas, all male and all handsome, served both tea and coffee. It was the all-you-can-eat cookie bar, however, that was the café’s real claim to fame.

  Usagi looked down at the spread of cookies in front of her. Married life had done nothing to curb her sweet tooth, it seemed. She wiped some crumbs from the corner of her mouth.

  “Usagi!”

  She looked up and saw Naru Osaka walk toward her table. Naru had been one of Usagi’s best friends since middle school. They had seen little of each other over the past year, so when Naru had reached out to catch up, Usagi had been glad to accept the invitation.

  Naru had added some waves into her brown, shoulder-length hair, but she still parted it the same way. Her eyes were still as big and intense, her smile still as inviting and infectious.

  “Naru!”

  Usagi leapt to her feet and rushed toward her friend, a huge grin on her face.

  “It’s so nice to see you! I love what you’ve done with your hair! It’s gorgeous!”

  One of the nearby baristas cleared his throat. Usagi looked around. Every single café guest was staring at her in disbelief.

  “Have you…have you seen…the cookies?”

  Her voice trailed off, embarrassed.

  Naru laughed, grabbed her by the arm and led her back to their table.

  “Same old Usagi.”

  Naru’s voice was light and full of warmth.

  “I’ve been dying to hear all about your married life.”

  Usagi offered a soft smile as they each took a seat.

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  “Yeah… It’s wonderful.”

  Naru arched an eyebrow.

  “You don’t sound so sure about that. What’s going on, Usagi? Come on, spill it.”

  Usagi’s fa?ade cracked. Her shoulders slumped.

  “Okay, you caught me. It’s hard, Naru.”

  Naru’s expression softened, and she leaned forward.

  “I thought Mamoru was the love of your life. Well, multiple lives.”

  A pang of guilt flashed across Usagi’s face.

  “It’s not him. He’s been so sweet and supportive. It’s me.”

  She groaned and buried her face in her hands.

  “I’m a terrible housewife. I can’t cook without setting off the smoke alarm. Cleaning is dreadful, and our finances are confusing.”

  Naru blinked, then let out a laugh.

  “Usagi, you saved the world. How can married life be harder than that?”

  Usagi lifted her head.

  “I knew how to be Sailor Moon. It was like an instinct. I don’t know how to be…this.”

  She gestured at herself, then tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Naru’s eyes lingered on her friend’s hair, tied back in a simple ponytail.

  “You’re not wearing your hair in odango.”

  Usagi shrugged.

  “I’m not a kid anymore. I’m trying to be a grown-up.”

  Naru’s eyes narrowed.

  “Where is this coming from? Mamoru? Is he pushing you to change?”

  Usagi shook her head.

  “Not at all. I just… I’m pretending to be a grownup, but it’s just not working. Sometimes I feel like he’s leaping ahead of me. He’s been talking about starting a family.”

  Naru’s eyes widened in shock.

  “That seems… fast.”

  Usagi nodded.

  “I’m just not sure how I feel about it. I can barely take care of myself! What if I’m not cut out to be a mom?”

  Naru reached across the table and gave Usagi’s hand a squeeze.

  “You’ve always overcome impossible odds. You’re stronger than you think.”

  Usagi gave her a small, grateful smile. Naru studied her friend for a moment longer, then grinned.

  “You know, I didn’t ask you to meet me just to catch up. You’re not the only one feeling stuck.”

  Usagi looked at her friend, surprise written all over her face.

  “Oh?”

  Naru’s voice took on a darker tone.

  “After high school, I started working with my mom designing jewelry. I’m not half bad at it, either, but…well, mom’s a control freak with her business. She runs everything, and I don’t have any room to breathe, let alone grow. That’s where you come in.”

  Usagi tilted her head in confusion.

  “What do you mean?”

  Naru grew more animated, excited to relay her idea.

  “I want to start my own business, but I can’t do it alone. I need someone with heart and energy, someone who’s great with people. That someone is you, Usagi.”

  Usagi’s eyes widened in shock. Her teacup slipped from her hand. She caught it before it hit the table. A barista shot her a look of reprimand.

  “Me? Naru, I’m not… I mean, I wasn’t even a good student. What could I possibly bring to a business?”

  Naru grinned.

  “You’ve got more to offer than you realize. Your kindness attracts people. You have this infectious, upbeat energy. When I show you what I have in mind, you’ll understand.”

  Here it was at last, a life preserver for a drowning woman. Maybe she wasn’t a great housewife. Fine. She still had something to offer. This could be exactly what she needed right now.

  “Tell me everything.”

  Naru leaned forward. Her eyes twinkled.

  “I thought you’d never ask.”