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Synopsis

For Sasaki, a middle-aged professional, the daily grind of his demanding job is alleviated by the cheerful presence of Yamada, a young cashier at a nearby 24-hour supermarket. Each evening, after enduring his boss's reprimands, Sasaki seeks out the store, finding a moment of peace in his favorite cashier's smile. One particularly exhausting day, Sasaki arrives to discover Yamada's shift has concluded. As he searches for a place to smoke, a woman behind the store invites him to join her. This woman, the bold and playfully provocative Tayama, quickly observes Sasaki's consistent interest in her coworker and even informs Yamada of his regular visits. Consequently, Sasaki's trips to the supermarket now include anticipating encounters with his new smoking companion, Tayama, in addition to seeing his admired cashier, Yamada. However, Tayama's playful demeanor conceals more than initially apparent. Through their shared cigarette breaks, an unlikely companionship gradually forms between them.