𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 | 𝑫𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒖𝒌𝒆 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

₊· ͟͟͞͞ ➳The Inspector

The day had arrived, and it was clear from the moment you stepped into Pony Express that the stakes were higher than ever.
Everyone had arrived two hours early, groggy but determined to get the place in order before the inspector arrived.

The air inside the facility was heavy with nervous tension, and Curly was already in full-on drill sergeant mode, barking orders left and right with an intensity that made even the unshakable Swansea flinch.

"Jimmy! Stop leaning on the counter and go check the loading dock! Anya, I said mop the break room twice! Not once, twice!"
Curly's voice echoed through the building, sharp as a whip.

He stood near the main office, clipboard in hand, his blonde hair disheveled as if he hadn't even thought to brush it this morning.

His eyes twitched slightly, darting from one end of the facility to the other like a man possessed.
He was clearly under more stress than any of you had ever seen.

"Boss is tweaking out,"
Daisuke leaned in and whispered to you, trying to stifle a laugh.

He nudged you playfully with his elbow as you both stood near the mailroom, sorting through a pile of misplaced envelopes.
His grin, despite everything, was still infectious, but you barely managed a smirk in return.

You glanced over at Curly again, watching as he flailed his arms, pointing frantically at Swansea, who was halfheartedly sweeping near the customer service desk.

"Swansea, put some muscle into it! That inspector's going to be here any minute, and I don't want a single speck of dust on that floor!"

Swansea groaned under his breath, gripping the broom tighter but not moving any faster.
"I am putting muscle into it,"
he muttered, scoffing.

Curly ignored him completely, spinning on his heel to face Jimmy, who was currently stacking packages onto a dolly.

"Jimmy, make sure the labels on those boxes are perfect. If there's even one package out of place, I swear—"

"I got it, I got it,"
Jimmy cut him off, his voice dripping with irritation. He slammed another box onto the dolly with more force than necessary, muttering something about micromanagement under his breath.

Curly's eye twitched again as he turned to Anya, who was vigorously wiping down the windows near the front door. "Anya, don't forget the corners! The inspector's going to see everything, and I mean everything!"

Anya paused mid-swipe, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the cleaning cloth.

"I'm doing my best, Curly,"
she said, her voice softer than usual. "But maybe take a breath before you blow a gasket?"

Curly didn't even acknowledge her, instead moving toward you and Daisuke, his clipboard clutched so tightly in his hands that his knuckles were turning white.

"You two! Are those envelopes in order yet? And what about the supply closet? Is it restocked? I swear, if that inspector—"

"Curly, relax!"
you interrupted, holding up your hands in defense.
"We're on it, okay? The envelopes are fine, and the supply closet is next. Just... chill for a second."