Pulled Minako out, intent on covering for her...whether she liked it or not.

(chapter originally by Misayaka on writing.com)

"W, what are you doing!? Let goooooo!"

Ken ignored the wailing redhead's protests and began pulling on her wrists to spurn her into movement.

"Come on, you look fine, I'll cover for you until we're away from here!"

"HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO THAT?!"

It had been too late to wonder that. Seconds later Minako was pulled out from under the table. She was standing behind Ken for all of two seconds before she gave a stifled shriek and hurried into the booth, hands desperately folded over her bare lap.

"Ken, you get here NOW!" The boy gulped and slid into the spot next to Minako, trying awkwardly not to look towards her or even sit too close. "I can't believe you ruined my hiding spot!..."

"It'll be fine, Minako-chan!" The taller girl blushed. She hated when Ken addressed her that way.

Hated that she liked it, especially.

"I, I told you not to call me that..." In public, but she kept that much to herself.

Ken blushed, and looked away, rubbing at his neck.

"Look, uh, Minako... I... I just wanted to tell you... er..."

"This is a REALLY bad time, Ken...!"

"Well, it's just that... um..." Ken swallowed hard, mustered up all his courage, then turned to Minako and...