Riku had just started his part-time job at the neighborhood convenience store. New to the fast-paced city life and unsure of himself, he found comfort in the calm efficiency of his senior coworker, Ai.
Ai had worked there for over three years and was known for her warm smile and dedication. She noticed Riku struggling to restock shelves and fumbling with the register. Rather than scold him, she offered gentle guidance, showing him the ropes with patience and humor.
Over time, the two began to share more than just shifts—they traded stories during lunch breaks, laughed over small mistakes, and occasionally walked home together after late-night closings. One evening, Ai invited Riku to a quiet café to celebrate his first full month on the job.
In the soft glow of the hanging lights, they sipped sparkling juice and spoke about dreams. Riku confessed his anxiety about fitting in and finding direction. Ai admitted that even she sometimes wondered what was next for her.
The story ends with Ai raising her glass, saying, “Maybe we don’t have all the answers yet. But at least, we’re not figuring it out alone.”
