Dispensing Pharmacy Story Vol. 5-1: The Tonkatsu Shop is Busy - Part 1 (1378 characters)

Episode 5: The Tonkatsu Shop is Busy (Part 1)

As the end of the morning shift approached, Shiraishi was dispensing medication to a man.

"You have an inhaler prescribed. Are you familiar with how to use it?"

His name was Mr. Kiyomoto. This was his first time visiting this pharmacy.

He had short-cropped hair, wore a white polo shirt, and a black apron that looked very professional.
Also, I could see small, dotted burn-like scars on the back of his hands.

"I've had it before. I know how to use it, so it's fine."

Mr. Kiyomoto answered Shiraishi's confirmation bluntly.

While checking the prescription details, Shiraishi gathered the medications.

"Inhalers can be a bit tricky to use, so... if you have any concerns..."

"No need, no need. I'm in a hurry. I have prep work to do."

"Prep work...? Are you in the food business?"

"Yeah. I run a tonkatsu shop called Daikokuan. I'm heading out now, sorry."

After Shiraishi hurriedly finished his explanation, Mr. Kiyomoto left the pharmacy in a rush.

After recording the medication history, Shiraishi became curious and searched for "Daikokuan."
Tonkatsu is one of Shiraishi's favorite foods.

...There were no photos of the shop. They didn't use social media either.
What came up was a very simple website and a few review articles.

"A hardcore tonkatsu shop that is particular about its breadcrumbs"
"A hidden gem known to those in the know, where they spare no effort on the sauce"
"The owner is quiet. But you'll understand once you eat there"

Such words were lined up.

In the review photos, the tonkatsu, coated in a thin, golden-colored breading, was beautifully sliced.

(...I kind of want to go there now.)

...

Thursday.

The pharmacy closes at noon.
How to spend the afternoon is a little pleasure for Shiraishi.

Recently, visiting nearby restaurants has become a hobby.
Since it was a good opportunity, he decided to visit "Daikoku-an" on this day.

He passed through the noren curtain just after the lunch rush.
There was only one other group of customers in the shop, and a calm atmosphere flowed through the air.

When he sat down at the counter, Kiyomoto-san appeared from the back.

"Hello. I'm the one who gave you your medicine at the pharmacy the other day. I came to eat tonkatsu today."

"Ah, the pharmacist from that time. ...It's empty right now, so sit wherever you like."

His tone was blunt, but there was something slightly warm about it.

Shiraishi ordered the loin cutlet set meal.
While waiting, the sound of oil popping came from the kitchen.
And occasionally, it was mixed with... the sound of a dry cough.

That sound caught Shiraishi's ear a little.

(...Is that really the cough of someone used to using an inhaler?)

Before long, what appeared before him was exactly the dish described in the reviews.

The meat, covered in a thin batter, was tender, and every time he chewed, the flavor spread juicily in his mouth.
The sauce was slightly sweet and had a deep aftertaste.

As Shiraishi quietly continued to eat, he thought about another thing that had been on his mind.

(If it's now... maybe I can talk to him...)
Just as he was thinking that,

"How is it? Is it good?"

A voice suddenly flew from the back.

"Yes, it's truly delicious. This is... a bit moving."

"Haha, you're exaggerating."

With those short words, Mr. Kiyomoto coughed once more.

Shiraishi thought to himself.

(...I wonder if he was really able to use that medicine properly.)

Shiraishi no longer felt like just heading home as he had planned.

(To be continued in the second part)