The coach of the Yosen High Boys' Basketball Team sat quietly at her bar stool seat and sipped her drink. It was another birthday as a single women. In a way she really wanted a man by her side during a time like this.

"Would you like a refill on your drink Miss? It looks like you need one." The bartender gave Mis Araki a smile.

"Fill'er up bartender." Masako gave a buzzed glance up at the man behind the counter.

"What's wrong Miss? You look like you need someone to talk to. Let me tell you a little secret, bartenders are really good listeners."

Masako gave the bartender a look of suspicion. Was this just another guy trying to take advantage of a pretty, buzzed, depressed women? Or was he actually just trying to make conversation?

"Well, if you really are interested in hearing my sob story. Today's my birthday and once again I', celebrating it, single, alone and at a bar, drinking the night away. Is that something you're interested in hearing about?"

The bartender just smiled as he fixed an order of drinks for a waitress.

"Only part of your story is true Miss. Yes, you're single and drinking the night away at this bar, but you're not alone."

"What do you mean by that?" Masako gave the bartender a surprised look.

"Well, I'm here aren't I? It's like I said, I'm a good listener. Also...," the handsome bartender looked at his watch. "My shift is up. I'm off the clock, So, may I buy and have a drink with you?"

Masako gave the handsome bartender an amused smile and a small nod. Although he was technically off the clock, he made himself and Masako another drink and too a seat next to her. The two talked for the rest of the night and an hour after the bar closed. Since the bartender had a key to the bar he would be able to close up.

"Well Miss Masako, I hope I was able to keep you company on your birthday, but I really need to close up the bar now."

"I understand and think you for tonight. I really enjoyed tonight."

Maskao and the bartender stood up from their bar stools. Masako grabbed her purse and started to head towards the door, while the bartender cleaned out the glasses they had used and started to put up the stools at the bar. As Masako was about to open the door to leave, she stopped and turned back around.

"You know, it's pretty late and I didn't drive here, I walked."

"Oh?"

"What I'm saying is... if it's not too much trouble..."

"I would love to walk you home Masako. Just give me a minute to finish up." It only took five minutes for the bartender to finish cleaning up. He grabbed his coat and helped Masako with hers before making their way out to the cold winter night.

They continued to talk and make conversation up until they came to Masako's apartment. But even then they continued to talk. With the night getting colder and Masako's birthday coming to an end it was time for the two to go their separate ways.

"Thanks again for tonight Mr. Bartender, of course I would like to put a name to that handsome face of yours."

"Oh, did I not tell you my name? Well, my name is Miyagi... Hidaki Miyagi." Hidaki suddenly caressed Masako's face and slowly moved in to give her on the lips. This sudden action surprised Masako, but she didn't pull away. When they parted Masako was dazed from the kiss.

"May we meet again, Miss Masako."