Matsuda's New Job
When Matsuda completed high school, his parents insisted that he get a job. It was either that or homelessness, so Matsuda applied for a job at the local bike shop.
Matsuda loved bikes. Actually, he loved anything that had wheels: bicycles, motorcycles, cars, skateboards. He felt that they were the ultimate symbol of manliness, and just to work with them conferred upon him the coveted status of Man's Man.
But as much as he loved wheels, he had no head for them – his very first day on the job, he managed to upend an entire row of shiny new bicycles. To his eternal shame and humiliation, he was fired on the spot.
So Matsuda found himself looking for work elsewhere. Unfortunately, not many places were hiring. Driven to desperation, Matsuda at last dropped off an application at Divin' Donuts, arguably the girliest shop in the city.
He was immediately hired. On Saturdays he would be doling out donuts to customers, dressed in an ill-fitting polo shirt and beige khaki pants, the lone male among a giggling gaggle of girls. His only consolation was that none of his friends would see him.
When police chief Yagami heard the news, he smiled and clapped a hand on Matsuda's shoulder, trying to be reassuring. "Next time me and the boys go out for a bite, I'll personally ask for you," he said.
Matsuda sighed and nodded miserably.