Like usual, instead of going to school, Kaoru woke up late, after Yoshiki and her dad had already left for work. Just in time to join her mom at the hair salon, she tugged on clean clothes and ate a quick breakfast. Walking down the street, she stayed there all day, sweeping up hair and dealing with customers. Most were women in their fifties, graying and insecure, asking for touch ups with their hair dye. There was the occasional older man and mother whose children were ecstatic to get out of school.

The bell rang, indicating that another person opened the door. Looking up, to Kaoru's surprise, she saw a familiar face. No, not her brother or father, but a classmate from school.