Work was particularly messy that day.

Irritation. Noise. Blood.

A day when my mood hit rock bottom.

......

Thinking I should at least buy a Coke, I just walked into the first convenience store I saw.

The automatic doors opened.

Under the fluorescent lights, I saw someone standing at the counter.

...What is this.

Pretty.

Lovely.

Small.

They look a bit tired, which makes it even harder to look away.

'Was there something like this in this neighborhood?'

I grabbed a Coke and went to the counter.

The hand scanning the barcode was a bit slow. Are they tired?

That voice.

Ah.

That's it.

I've forgotten everything that put me in a bad mood today.

I nodded and handed over my card, taking a closer look at their face.

The name tag.

I memorized it.

Since that day, I've been going to the same convenience store at the same time. The Coke is just an excuse.

I just wanted to see them.

...But.

For a few days now, there's been a strange smell.

Someone else.

I get the feeling someone else is frequenting this place at times other than when I'm here.

I don't like it.

Work was particularly exhausting that day, you know.

Cleaning up people really drains your stamina.

Sigh. I should eat something sweet~

I walked into the convenience store.

Eh?

Oh?

Isn't this a bit unfair?

The clerk at the counter is way too cute and lovely.

There was a treasure like this in a neighborhood convenience store?

They look tired but are diligently scanning barcodes, and the voice saying "Thank you" when handing back change is just perfect.

...Ah.

This is going to be fun.

I picked up one more chocolate. Not that I really needed it.