Chapter 2: Caution: Wet Floor

I really didn't see what the problem was. We hadn't done anything wrong. I hadn't done anything wrong. Mr Sakurazuka, our relaxed but ominous boss just suddenly burst into the kitchen ordering all of us into his office after the shift. We had all taken a few moments to stare blankly at each other, a certain "few moments" that even piqued the interest of Kurogane from off at the side, who previously hadn't looked round for anything. Of course, the silence was broken by that damn Doumeki and his monotonous recital of: "next customer please." The rest of the afternoon had been strangely quiet, even in exchanges between the members of our team.

And now the only exchange that was going on was between each of us and the glare of Seishiro-san's glasses. I was stood closest to the door, enabling me to make a quick escape if necessary, next to the youngest of us, Syaoran, who still had his right hand packed in ice. I was still in disbelief that he was old enough to work legally, even in a place like this. Occasionally he glanced at me, and my peripheral vision showed me a look begging for help. I didn't once stray my eyes from our boss. I swear I saw steam rising from his body, which seemed curiously taller in this situation.

"Right. To my various accusations then." I was glad someone finally broke the awkward silence, even if it was the bespectacled man facing us with a fierce glare.

"First up. You, Mr Fai D. Flowrite, head of catering, I do not tolerate singing on the job."

Fai shot him a shocked and innocent look in reply.

"Nextly, Watanuki Kimihiro, Doumeki Shizuka, sales assistants. I believe that both of you were engaging in ludicrous light conversation with a customer. Unacceptable, to say the least."

Doumeki's eyes narrowed. I simply retreated even further into myself at the comment.

"And most ridiculous of all is you, Syaoran, assistant caterer. I'm actually almost rather impressed that you managed to get more of that simmering lard on yourself than on the chips. The next time an accident happens in the kitchen, I'll know it's you. Perhaps we should consider hiring a first aid team. You're lucky that young Sakura came to your aid. Which brings me to my next point. Miss Sakura, please don't waste your valuable working time cleaning up their mess and get your own job done."

A few mouths fell open when the boss finally finished his short lecture. Exactly how many contradictions were included in that section of speech?

"What about me? If you've got nothing to say, I'm leaving." I had almost forgot Kurogane was there, much less the fact that he was standing on the other side of me.

There was a brief silence while Seishiro-san put together his thoughts and as it seemed, also for the first time acknowledged the tallest man's presence, before simply stating, to everyone's surprise: "Good job."

I looked up at him. He smirked before gesturing himself out. The door closed loudly and awkwardly behind him. I glanced over at Doumeki questioningly. He shrugged. Fai and Sakura simultaneously squeaked at the awkwardness (on the same wavelength?). Syaoran looked at his feet and played with his hair. Once again, the boss interrupted.

"Well then, it's getting on a bit. I'll see you all next week. Goodnight!"

None of us were mentally prepared to challenge Mr Sakurazuka's sudden change of heart. We all filed out of his office in a painfully slow motion and bolted as soon as his door shut behind us. Upon reading something the next shift's cleaner had put up, we all slowed before speeding up a few seconds later. Fai called back to the one furthest behind: "By the way Syaoran, you'd better watch out for that-" Crash.

Inevitably, Syaoran fell face flat into the floor. He looked up, confused, while Doumeki read out the big yellow sign next to him. "Caution: wet floor." I sighed in frustration and headed for the door. Himawari was standing outside waiting for us.

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Okay, so it was another short chapter and not much happened, I just liked the way it ended and just had to leave it there. Hopefully the next few chapters won't be as short! Please review! I like knowing what needs to be improved, I know it's not perfect! And once again, more ideas would be appreciated! Don't expect updates until weekends, thanks!