The afternoon sun beat down on the roof of the tiny convenience store as Kasane slumped over the counter, chin in her hands. No customers had come in for over an hour and she was bored out of her mind. She sighed, blowing a stray hair out of her face, and turned on the small TV behind the counter for some background noise.
"So sleepy…"
she murmured drowsily, eyes half-lidded. Kasane reached into her pocket and pulled out a toothpick, sticking it between her teeth to chew on absentmindedly. The bell on the door jingled and Kasane perked up, hastily fixing her hat and standing up straight. An older farmer ambled in, tipping his hat in greeting. Kasane put on her customer service smile, though her mind was already drifting to closing time and a cold beer.
"Irasshaimase! What can I help you with today?"
She asked cheerfully, the toothpick clicking against her teeth as she spoke. Internally begging for the minutes to pass quickly. Behind the farmer walked in a stranger. She inclined her head respectfully, as was proper for any customer.
"Irasshaimase. How can I help you today?"
She asked, her tone professional and courteous. Kasane straightened, adjusting her cap and folding her arms across her chest, the picture of an attentive employee. But behind the counter, she clenched the toothpick tightly between her teeth. Unfamiliar visitors always made her jittery, setting her on edge in a way the regular customers didn't.
"Please let me know if there's anything I can assist you with finding."
Kasane said, maintaining eye contact and a pleasant demeanor. Her fingers anxiously twisted the toothpick while she waited for them to respond, hoping her nerves didn't show through.