Saito Shizuko's Story

A gentle breeze shook sakura petals from their flourishing blossoms, showering the kyudo club's (archery) practice area in a tranquil veil of pink. The curt piercing force of a rushing arrowhead shattered the silent calmness, as it striked the center of a target in the distance with a short thump. "Okay, that's enough practice for today. Good job everyone." Cheery, upbeat voices filled the air and subtly ebbed into silence, as each club member filed out of shajo (shooting hall).

"Bye, sempai (upper classman)! See you tomorrow!" "Bye!" Saito Shizuko, the kyudo club's president, waved to her dedicated members, before jogging past the high school's enterance gates and down the sloping sidewalk. Though the cooling air slightly numbed her cheeks, Shizuko's alertness heightened by the refreshing breeze. Each energetic spring in her step sent her chestnut hair bouncing behind her in voluminous waves. Shafts of orange light from the setting sun shined through the small openings in the leafy trees above. The beautiful blanket of translucent gold evoked a sincere smile onto Shizuko's face. "Another great day," she exclaimed to herself, her tone melodic and light.

Upon arriving at the local convenience store where she worked, Shizuko was curtly greeted by a sudden blast of frigid air, as she passed through the sliding doors. She shivered, hugging herself for warmth. The pacing store manager ceased his concentration at the sight of Shizuko and marched towards her. Glancing at the clock above the checkout counter, Shizuko groaned. "Sorry I'm lat-" "That's the sixth time Saito! If you're late one more time, I'm afraid I'll have to fire you. Do I make myself clear?" Shizuko flinched at each bitter word. "Y-yes sir." Although her head was hung with dread, Shizuko could feel the manager's cold glare boring through her, as she walked into the locker room. After she hastily changed into her uniform, she swept the linoleum flooring and rearranged items on shelves. "Jeez. It's not like I'm doing it on purpose. I'm a hard worker and don't cause any trouble. What's his deal?" Distracted by her thoughts, Shizuko's attention failed to notice an equally distracted customer. The two collided, falling to the ground. Shizuko held a hand to her head, quickly drawing in air through her teeth. "Oww..." she mumbled.

((OOC: I wasn't sure if it was night or what season we were in. XD ))

After apologizing to both the customer and her manager, Shizuko's attention shifted to Shie---the local shrine maiden. She stared impolitely at the young woman, tranced by her alluring red eyes. The young woman's remark, however, snapped Shizuko back into focus. "Ah, you probably don't recognize me, because I haven't visited the shrine since a festival, when I was little. I'm Saito Shizuko, by the way. Nice to meet you!" Shizuko gave a polite bow and smiled energetically at the shrine maiden. Her attention divided by her work, she continued stacking the packaged snacks she spilled, while conversing with the young woman. "You look familiar though. I think I've seen you delivering pastries or something for my high school's snack kiosk. I love their chocolate croissants..." Shizuko's voice trailed off. She began to drool, due to her delirious infatuation with pastries and sweets. However, the young woman's presence brought her back to reality. "Ah, sorry," she smiled meekly, face flustered with innocent embaressment.

With the additional presence entering the small convenience store, Shizuko warmly greeted the female, trying to redeem herself from her string of apparent bad luck. "Welcome! Please don't hesitate to ask me for any assistance you may need today." Her warm, beaming smile faded to confusion, however, as the unknown female approached the two in a familiar manner. Shizuko exchanged looks with Shie. "Are you two friends?" At the female's remark regarding the kiosk's crossiants, Shizuko nodded with delight, unware of the female's strange emphasis on their color.

(OOC: Shizuko is her first name. Saito is her surname/family name. ))