𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 | 𝑫𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒖𝒌𝒆 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

₊· ͟͟͞͞➳ Whispers Of Jealousy

The bustling energy in the venue was palpable as everyone worked to prepare for Pony Express's big anniversary celebration.

The company was far bigger than you had imagined when you first joined—boasting hundreds of thousands of workers worldwide, from truck drivers to packagers, office staff to logistics teams.

This event wasn't just about celebrating local achievements; it was a tribute to every single person who helped keep the machine running smoothly, from the warehouse floors to the open highways.

Curly, standing front and center with his ever-present clipboard in one hand and a megaphone in the other, commanded the room like a seasoned general.

His typically cheerful demeanor was tinged with focus as he surveyed the room, blue eyes scanning the crowd of employees and volunteers setting up tables, stages, and decorations.

"Alright, everyone!"
Curly's voice boomed through the megaphone, instantly silencing the chatter and clatter of activity.

"I need team one to focus on the table arrangements—don't forget the centerpieces!

"Team two, you're on the stage setup. Make sure the podium is secured, and triple-check the sound system. I don't want a repeat of last year when we nearly blew out everyone's eardrums, got it?"

You and the usual crew—Daisuke, Anya, Jimmy, and Swansea—had become veterans at assisting with these events.

Somehow, these "surprise duties" had become part of the job despite being absent from the job application details. You shot a look at Daisuke, who seemed just as bemused as you were about how involved you all had become in these massive undertakings.

"Seriously, why wasn't 'professional event planner' on the job listing?"
you muttered under your breath as you adjusted a stack of folding chairs.

"Probably thought it'd scare people off," he quipped, his tone light despite the lingering tension from earlier.
"But hey, at least it's something different, right?"

"Yeah, something different every week,"
you replied with a mock sigh, though you couldn't help but grin.

As much as it could be exhausting, there was something satisfying about seeing these events come together.
This anniversary party, however, was different. It wasn't just another casual celebration—it was important to Curly.

You could tell by the way he moved through the venue, megaphone in hand, barking out orders with uncharacteristic precision.

Every detail mattered to him, from the banners being hung to the catering tables being perfectly aligned.

"Then! I want those balloons spaced evenly!"
Curly shouted.
"And someone check on the catering setup! We can't have the food arriving late. People gotta eat tomorrow!"

Anya, always one to take charge, joined you and Daisuke at the folding chairs, her arms full of event programs.

"You two better not slack off,"
she teased, though her sharp gaze made it clear she was half-serious. "Curly's got eyes everywhere today."

"Trust me, we're working,"
Daisuke replied, holding up his hands in mock surrender before grabbing another chair.

You watched as he easily carried a stack of three, his usual demeanor masking the strength he rarely flaunted.