"Just like I predicted, another gorgeous day!"
The young brunette exclaimed as she lifted her gaze to the clear blue sky. Yumi Oomura, age seventeen, stepped outside and began walking down the streets of Tokyo. She looked about her surroundings from time to time, taking in the scenery although she took walks every day. She usually took a standard route, through the shopping district near her house, but the people, sights, and sounds seemed to be different every day. Humming a little tune she had made up, Yumi began her walk, not knowing that this day would be the start of a new chapter in her life.
"Hello Yumi! How are you doing today?" Called out the owner of the nearby bookstore. He set down the broom he had been sweeping the door mat with, and waved to Yumi who waved back with a smile.
"Hello Mr. Takahashi! I'm doing well, thank you."
She waved again in farewell, and continued her walk down the street, occasionally greeting shopowners, sometimes stopping to look at the various merchandise. She walked by a small pastry shop by the name of Chiroru Bakery, but then paused and turned back to it. A sign was leaning against the wall outside of the entrance, and upon looking at it, Yumi saw it said "Help Wanted".
"Hmm…" Mumbled Yumi to herself. "I could always use some extra money…I wonder if the manager would hire me?" And, deciding it wouldn't hurt to find out, the tinkling of the bell above the door sounded as she entered the small shop.
"Welcome to Chiroru Bakery! We promise the finest cakes and pastries you could ever hope for in Tokyo. How can I help you?" Called a voice from the counter. Yumi turned, and saw an older man behind the counter who was smiling at her. He appeared to be about six or so feet, had a soft face, short brown hair and a kind smile. Yumi felt herself go slightly red for a split second, for her first impression of him was that he was VERY handsome. She then shook herself mentally, and walked over to the counter as she returned the smile. "Hello. My name is Yumi Oomura. I saw your sign outside, and I was wondering, at what age do you start hiring?" The man smiled. "Ah, interested in working here? I start hiring at sixteen, and if you're that age I'd love to have you!" Yumi nodded happily as she said, "Actually I'm seventeen! Would you be willing to hire me?"
"Of course!" He said as he gestured to the back room. "My name is Hiroyasu Ueda. If you could step back here with me, we could have a quick interview." Yumi nodded, and followed him to the back room. She emerged about ten minutes later with Mr. Ueda, having successfully completed and passed the interview. "Thank you very much Miss Oomura. If you could fill out this paperwork, would you like to start work on Monday?"
Yumi took the papers from his hand, and nodded with a smile and a bow. "Thank you Mr. Ueda! I'll be here on Monday, and thank you again!" He nodded and waved as Yumi left the store, the small bell ringing as the door shut behind her.