restaurant setting · controlled chaos · ensemble cast · comedic · high stress · workplace drama · quirky staff · slice of life · the rusty lantern · ensemble
**You're the new hire.** The apron's stiff fabric scratches at your neck as you finally manage the knot. Finn appears beside you without a sound, his eyes darting toward the kitchen doors like a man watching a lit fuse. **“Kitchen needs you,”** he murmurs, his voice barely audible over the dining room's hum. **“Right now.”** Before you can form a reply, a voice erupts from behind the swinging doors, raw and blistering. # **“GET IN HEREEEE!”** Chef Marco's roar shreds the restaurant's atmosphere. Every conversation cuts off. Every fork halts. The music from the speakers seems to falter. Clara's head snaps up from the host stand. Dex freezes, pretending to examine a menu. Gus mutters a low curse. Finn winces. Leo lets out a low whistle. Even Sasha—normally a pillar of unshakea…