View source for 1804/This Dinner is Momo Approved

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/05
|Location=The AM/PM Mini Market
|Synopsis=A college student named Setsuna stops by Kyouko's conbenie to buy dinner, and the two end up having a brief chat at the register.
|Cast of Characters=78,177
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:78|Kyouko Sakura| (78)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The AM/PM Minimart is a small convinience store in the downtown area of Tokyo. It's a great location for such a store, although it isn't located on one of the large, main roads- those locations are all dominated by the big chain stores, and the AM/PM (or the PM Mart as its called for short) is a little mom and pop operation. It's tucked away down one of those small side-streets Tokyo is rife with; close enough to the main street to see steady business, but hardly ever packed, even at rush hour. Which is just as well, because it's quite small. Just a few aisles, a row of fridges in the back, and the counter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most days there'll be one of two people behind the counter- either the old lady who owns the store, Tachibana-san, or Kyouko. Since she started working here almost a year ago, Kyouko has gradually taken on more and more hours- having to support a legitimate lifestyle for not only herself but her sister as well, these days, it seems like when she isn't sleeping, she's working.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't mind though, not really. She likes being productive, and the store feels like it's just as much hers as it is Tachibana-san's these days, at least in her mind. She's currently behind the counter, wearing the white-and-orange apron which is the store's uniform, the logo splashed across the front of it. She's fiddling with one of the displays next to the register, checking to make sure it's still full of whatever dumb impulse-item is the fad this week. The store is otherwise empty.

:'''{{#var:177|Setsuna Meioh| (177)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The doors slid open, their digital chime announcing Setsuna's entrance into the store. She brushed some of her dark green hair back over the purple blazer of her suit, glancing around in a preliminary inspection of what would be her dinner for the evening. The Minimart was small, but had exactly what she needed: a quick meal. She'd had a long day of running complex equations, and at this point, even the brain power it would take to cook her own dinner would do her in. Before heading off to her target, Setsuna noted the lone employee, busy organizing a display. She'd offer a polite nod for a greeting if the girl happened to notice her.<br /><br />Having finally settled on a simple, cold bento Setsuna grabbed an accompanying bottled drink and made her way back to the register area to pay for her modest meal.

:'''{{#var:78|Kyouko Sakura| (78)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conbenie-employee training 101: greet customers. It's an almost Pavlovian response as the automatic glass door slides open before the young woman. "Welcome to the AM/PM Minimart~" Kyouko calls out in a rote sing-song greeting, without even looking up from what she's doing. If you asked her later she might not even remember doing it, the response is so ingrained by this point.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When she does finally glance up, it's not hard to spot the green-haired customer wandering around the aisles. The store isn't really big enough to hide in. Kyouko examines Setsuna curiously for a moment or two- she doesn't recognize her. Then again, Tokyo is a big city so it's not like that's unusual.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Setsuna approaches the counter after only a few minutes, Kyouko flashes her best friendly smile, though from her that is distinctly lopsided and shows a bit of fang. "Good evenin', miss. Didja find everythin' alright?" She asks conversationally, as she reaches out to accept the bento. "Ooh, I brought this one home the other day. My sister really seemed to like it. Good choice."

:'''{{#var:177|Setsuna Meioh| (177)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Setsuna hands the box over to the young employee, still somewhat contemplating spacetime symmetries when the girl addresses her. She pulls herself back into reality and returns a soft but still friendly smile.<br /><br />"Yes, I found everything just fine. I'm not sure that I've had this exact one one before."<br /><br />She looks down into the container.<br /><br />"Just as long as there's no eggplant in it..."

:'''{{#var:78|Kyouko Sakura| (78)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouko quirks a brow at the older girl as she takes the box and uses the scanner wand thing to ring it out with a little beep. "You been in here before?" She pauses, then chuckles. "Ah, sorry, that probably came out ruder than I meant it to. I just mean, I'm here like, practically all the time and I don't remember seein' you before, so. We might not have as big a selection as some o' them big chain stores out on the main road, but everythin' we carry is top quality. You can take my word on that."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances down at the bento. "Dun think there's any eggplant in this one. Momo- that's my lil' sis- woulda been up in arms and I don't recall that." She smirks as she places the box into a plastic bag before returning it to the counter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she waits for the money to be handed over, she eyes Setsuna again. "You from Infinity? You look like a student. We get a lot of 'em in here since we're so close." She leans an elbow on the counter- store's been slow today, so she's happy for an opportunity to chat.

:'''{{#var:177|Setsuna Meioh| (177)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Ah, no. A friend recommended this place. I don't usually walk by, but they said it would be worth the trip.<br /><br />Setsuna eyes the register screen and begins to dig for money. She continues talking as she searches for an exact amount -- this was a chance to get rid of the smallest coins, troublesome as they were.<br /><br />"Yes, I am from Infinity. From the phsyics department, actually. I'm a graduate student there studying theoretical phsyics. Right now, we're looking in to symmetries of phsyical systems. I've spent the day compiling solvable models..."<br /><br />Setsuna sets the exact change in the counter dish.

:'''{{#var:78|Kyouko Sakura| (78)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh! Well, welcome." Kyouko says, grinning a little bit wider, upon hearing that a friend had recommended the store to this new customer. "My name is Kyouko." She points to the nametag pinned to her orange apron. "S'usually me here 'round this time, so. Lemme know if ya ever need help or whatever when you come back in." Not if. When.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She eyes the older girl as she digs around for many small coins. Well.. it's true that businesses do need all those small denominations for making change. Hell, Kyouko isn't one to complain. She'll pick those 1 yen coins up off the street. Habits you learn when you live in literal ruins for a few years.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Setsuna begins to describe her studies, Kyouko's eyes visibly glaze over. "Uh huh.. I see." She says after a moment, trying to sound like she knew more than fifty percent of the words just spoken to her. "That um.. sounds intense."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes the money out of the little dish and has to spend a few moments counting and sorting it before she can toss it into the register and present the receipt.

:'''{{#var:177|Setsuna Meioh| (177)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Confusion or flat out disinterest were common reactions whenever Setsuna begins to explain her work. Well, in this case, she even managed to keep herself restrained to the high level overview. If Kyouko had not thrown in the tell-tale tone of disinterest, Setsuna would have probably begun to reference variables of most interest.<br /><br />"Well, Kyouko I'm sure this will be a good dinner, especially if you sister approves. My name is Setsuna."<br /><br />She doesn't recall having ever had an employee give their name outright, so she feels obligated to return the favor as she takes the receipt.

:'''{{#var:78|Kyouko Sakura| (78)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouko seems to sense that Setsuna in turn sensed her sudden dismay at the academic talk, and she has the grace to look somewhat embarassed, a hand going to the back of her head as she laughs it off. "Eh heh.. sorry.. sounds interestin' an' all but I ain't exactly one for the higher learnin'. I guess if I was I wouldn't be workin' here, right?" She grins. "But hey, world needs conbenie workers just as much as it needs.. theoretical.. physicists." Maybe more, in her estimation, but she doesn't come right out and say that part.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Setsuna introduces herself while she takes the receipt, Kyouko's grin continues. "Well, Setsuna-san, it was my pleasure to provide you with your dinner tonight. Definitely come back next time you're in the market for somethin'.. I can recommend all the best ones we got. I.. have probably had 'em all at least five times by now."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She clears her throat, and adds in a low tone, "I don't really have a whole lotta time to cook, y'see."

:'''{{#var:177|Setsuna Meioh| (177)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Setsuna puts her hand to her mouth in a polite chuckle as Kyouko appologizes. She appreciates the gesture.<br /><br />"Oh, no no. This isn't something that I should be dumping onto a someone whom I just met. It's just a passion of mine. You shouldn't worry about your job being 'good enough' against any other job...unless you aren't satisfied yourself.<br /><br />Setsuna reaches for the bag of food just as Kyouko clears her throat. Her comment is low, but she still manages to hear it.<br /><br />"Ah...you must put in a lot of hours."<br /><br />She picks up on the shift in mood, though what caused it was something she could only guess at. She figures Kyouko has a lot more responsibilities for her sister, Momo, than most other siblings her age do.

:'''{{#var:78|Kyouko Sakura| (78)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ehhh, well. I think I do alright." Kyouko says, with a self-deprecating smile. For a fifteen year old middle-school dropout who had been homeless just last year, that's probably an understatement, although some of her friends would love to see her get back into school. Kyouko, for her part, isn't interested. She isn't the 'school type' she says.. though maybe in reality she just doesn't want to go back with kids 4 years her junior, which is what she'd have to do to pick up where she left off.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course she doesn't explain any of that to Setsuna. She just says, "I do, but I like it. Tachibana-oba-san, the lady who owns the store, puts a lotta trust in me and I appreciate that, so I kinda view it as my responsibility to make sure the store is run well an' stuff. Plus, y'know, s'not like I gotta whole lot else to be doin' with myself."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other than hunting monsters, of course. Another thing she tactfully does not say to her new acquaintance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She does add, however, "Which is why you should be sure to come back again, alright?" This is when Kyouko gives her best saleswoman smile. She's been practicing.

:'''{{#var:177|Setsuna Meioh| (177)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Setsuna nods thoughtfully, taking in Kyouko's explanation. She looks young, almost too young to be spending her time earning money. What about school? What about life-before-adulthood? Well, Setsuna wouldn't be asking those questions. She didn't wish to sour the mood further.<br /><br />"Tachibana-san has placed her trust in the right person, I think."<br /><br />Setsuna looks around at the well-kept store.<br /><br />"And, I'm sure I will be back."<br /><br />She takes the opportunity to bring the conversation back up into a happier atmosphere. Her smile still matches her softspoken nature, but is there all the same. Then, with her bag and receipt in hand, Setsuna turns to go, but takes the time to stop and look back.<br /><br />"Thank you, Kyouko-chan."

:'''{{#var:78|Kyouko Sakura| (78)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouko positively beams at the compliment. She might be a tough cookie a lot of the time, but there's still something very satisfying about a customer telling you that you're doing a good job. She grins all the more. Definitely approving of this particular new customer.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Setsuna takes her receipt and bag and heads for the door, Kyouko bows her head in a traditional farewell and sing-songs, "Thank you for your business~"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's definitely humming a soft but happy tune as she returns to her previous work of arranging the display next to the register.
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