Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY8G6EJ71CEPDV7JAFRW0T6

The bell above the door jingled as the morning chill slipped inside, carrying the scent of cinnamon and buttery pastry. A loaf of fresh sourdough sat between them on the counter, its crust still warm. "You always order the same thing. Boring." "Boring keeps me alive. Unlike some people who take risks with their breakfast." A chuckle, low and amused. "Says the woman who puts extra hot sauce on her eggs." "Self-defense. You never know when someone’s going to try to poison you." The other leaned in, voice dropping. "Speaking of which… heard you found something in the old mill last week. You going to tell me what it was, or am I supposed to guess?" A slow exhale, fingers tightening around the coffee cup. "Let’s just say it wasn’t a love letter." "Ah. So *that’s* why you’ve been acting jumpy." "Who says I’m jumpy?" "Your left eyebrow. It’s been doing the *worried dance* since Tuesday." A beat of silence, then a smirk. "Fine. But if this gets out, I’m blaming you." "Deal. Now, are you buying me a muffin or what?"