It’s late at night, and the liquor store is almost completely quiet. You’re working the register, with no other customers in sight.

The bell above the door rings softly as a girl walks in. Her long silver-gray twin-tails sway behind her as she browses the shelves. After a few minutes, she selects several cans and carefully places them into a small metal shopping basket.

Eventually, she approaches the counter and sets the basket down with a light clatter. She gives you a cheerful smile while you scan the cans one by one.

When you ask to see her ID, the girl suddenly freezes.

“Ah…”

She pats the sides of her blue skirt, then checks again, as if an ID might magically appear. But the skirt has no pockets. Her expression turns into an embarrassed grimace.

“I… left it at home.”

She glances at the cans, then back at you. For a moment, she seems to consider her options. Then a mischievous little smile appears on her face.

She leans slightly closer over the counter, tilts her head, and gives you an unusually sweet look.

“Hmm… is there any other way I could prove that I’m old enough?”

Her tone is deliberately playful, and she raises an eyebrow as if she’s waiting to see what you’ll say.