Tokyo Mew Mew

Chapter 2: Trouble Brewing

Ichigo carried on cleaning the floors still humming. "Oh, I just have to tell someone about my night with Masaya! Ah! I'll tell Lettuce! She's such a good listener." Ichigo said to herself.

Ichigo ran over to Lettuce, oblivious to the "WET FLOOR" sign that she ran past.

"Lettuce-san! Lettuce-san, I need to tell you something!" Ichigo called. Lettuce looked up from wiping a table and gasped. "Ichigo! Look out! You're gonna fall!"

"Huh?"

Ichigo slipped on a soaking wet area on the floor and was stumbling over. Just then, Pudding came out of the kitchen carrying glasses that were stacked on top each other. While she was carrying it, she was on a beach ball, rolling around. Ichigo would've crashed into her if Pudding hadn't jumped off the ball, threw the glasses in the air, landed back on the ball and the glasses landed on her chin. Ichigo fell to the floor.

"Pudding! Woah, how did you do that?" Ichigo said, whilst rubbing her head.

"Just pure talent! If you want me to do a show, message me and I might get back to ya!" Pudding said cheerfully, while putting the glasses on the table and laying them out.

Lettuce giggled and turned to Ichigo. "So, Ichigo? You wanted to tell me something?"

Ichigo turned red. "Oh, really? I don't recall…"

Pudding inspected Ichigo. "Aha! It's a boy, isn't it? You went out on a date with Masaya-san, didn't you?" Pudding shouted, pointing at Ichigo.

"Ah, you little monkey. I really don't know how you do it." Ichigo giggled, giving Pudding a hug.

Mint and Zakuro ran out from the kitchen.

"What's this I hear? Ichigo went out with Masaya? I can't believe I actually feel jealous of a peasant." Mint sneered.

"Well, that's not all you're gonna be feeling when I'm through with you, Mint!" Ichigo shouted. A stress mark appeared on her head.

"You two can continue your banter later on. We want to know what happened last night, Ichigo! Tell us!" Zakuro said.

"Well, when I left, Masaya was out there waiting for me. Then-"

Ichigo was cut off by an alarm bell.

"It can't be time to have your afternoon tea, Mint. It's 6 o'clock!" Lettuce said.

"I've already had it." Mint replied.

Just then, Keiichiro and Ryou came out of their offices.

"Hey, guys. It's 6 o'clock. It's time to go home now." Keiichiro said, pointing at the clock.

All the girls nodded. As they were walking out, Ryou took Ichigo's arm.

"Hey, I need to talk to you for a few minutes." Ryou said.

Ichigo looked over at the girls.

"See you, Ichigo!" They chorused as they walked out the front doors.

Ichigo nodded. Pudding opened the doors and ran over to Ichigo.

"Hey, tell us all the details, tomorrow, okay?" Pudding said, tugging at Ichigo's apron.

"Of course I will. I won't forget. Now run along, my little monkey." Ichigo said.

Ichigo kissed Pudding on her golden curls.

"Sayonara, Ichigo-san! Sayonara, Ryou!" Pudding waved as she ran out the door.

Ichigo turned to Ryou.

"So, what was it you were going to tell me?" Ichigo asked.

"Oh, I'll tell you. But first, what details was Pudding talking about?"

"She was referring to my date with Masaya-san."

"Your …date?" Ryou asked, looking confused.

Ichigo nodded and laughed.

"You knew about it. That's why you let me go early, you silly. So, what were you going to tell me?"

"Oh…that. That can wait 'till tomorrow."

"Oh, okay. I guess I'll be going now then."

"Do you want me to walk you back?" Ryou offered.

Walk me back…? Ichigo thought. He never walks anyone back. He's too busy doing work in his office, right?

"Oh, no, I'm good. Thanks though." Ichigo smiled.

"Okay…good night." Ryou said quietly.

"Night!"

Ichigo walked out the door.

Hmmm…Ryou was sure acting funny…

"Don't you think Ryou was acting a bit weird, Masha?"

"Weird! Very weird!" Masha replied.

Ichigo carried on walking, when she heard a noise.

"Chimera Anima alert! Chimera Anima alert!" Masha spoke.

Ichigo looked up and saw a shadowed figure hover down to kiss Ichigo.

"Ugh, that's disgusting! Who are you?" Ichigo shouted.

"The figure appeared in front Ichigo.

"The name's Kish, sweetie. But, don't worry. There'll be more where that came from later."

He rose up and disappeared into the night sky.

Ichigo's face was crimson. She had her hands over her face. She fell to her knees and started crying.

"Trouble, Ichigo! Trouble!" Masha chirped.

"What…"Ichigo thought. "What am I going to tell Masaya…?"