Understanding The Customers
Cast:
Bassdrum, Ohta Torao - age 29
Baritone, Toujou Naoto - age 27
Itomashi Hiroki - Bel's grandson - age 21
April, 2017
The bar is lit almost as much by neon fixtures as by regular lights, but the attached bowling alley is brightly illuminated. At this moment, neither section is open for business. As Naoto watches, the red-haired newcomer steps up to the line and releases his ball down the lane. His good form and smooth movement indicate that the late owner's grandson has clearly bowled before.
The ball knocks down four pins, leaving a gap between the kingpin and #10. His follow-up clears three more pins.
"I hope you weren't expecting me to be good at this."
Instead of answering, Naoto takes his own turn and likewise fails to knock down all the pins.
"It isn't a matter of winning or losing. Your grandfather would challenge us to matches, once in a while after hours. He would say that it was important for employees to understand the feelings of the players."
Hiroki scratches his beard. "That doesn't sound much like my grandfather. Are you sure he didn't just enjoy crushing you?"
"Oh, he certainly did. He took obvious pleasure from any victory, whether his opponent was a match for him or not. He may not have ever been sincere in espousing that principle, but that doesn't make the statement invalid."
"So you've tried all of the drinks, then?"
"I have, though most of them were spread out over about a year."
"I suppose they all meet with your approval?"
"Certainly not." Naoto stick out his tongue. "I can understand how our many drinks are intentionally quite different without having to like some of the rotgut that people may ask to drink."
"Now that sounds like somebody who worked for my grandfather."
Whatever Naoto might have said to that, they are interrupted by Torao calling from the bar.
"Gentlemen, the karaoke challenge is ready!"
Naoto immediately stands, with no apparent thought for finishing the game. Hiroki hurries to catch up.
"So this karaoke challenge, I suppose it won't matter either, even if I do badly?"
"Hm? No, this test actually counts. Your grandfather hired us in our time of need, and for that we will always be grateful. However, you, his heir, have asked us to partner with you and to keep the business operating while you finish culinary school, and that is quite something else."
Once again, Hiroki scratches his beard. "You're saying it matters how well I sing?"
"I'm say that we expect you to put your whole heart and soul into it. We will make our decision after that."