The Arts of Tending a Bar: Closing Time
In the city of Azumano, in a little corner bar, a tired tender heaved a sigh. He was wiping down the tables, cleaning up from the crazy night. He never really liked closing time, although he did it every night. As he picked up a glass and set it behind a counter, a figure caught his attention.
"What can I help you with?" The bartender thought that the young girl could use a break just before closing time. Besides, she hadn't ordered all night... and she was pretty cute.
The girl looked up at him with her big brown eyes. She smiled, a bit dazed. "... I like your hair... It's unique."
The young man felt his face heat up, as it always did when people complimented him. He cleared his throat. "Are you alright? You've just looked kind of lonely tonight."
The girl just shrugged. "Eh... I'm used to being lonely." This shocked him, because she really was very attractive. "Sorry I didn't order anything. Next time I'll pay for a beer or two, I promise."
"It's fine," The bartender told her. "Really. Over two hundred people come to this bar every night. I don't think my manager will notice that one person didn't buy."
The girl giggled, sending an enjoyable tingle down his spine. "Thanks. I appreciate that."