It was way too early for anything to make sense.

The sun had barely started rising, the sky still soft with sleepy shades of pink and orange when Tatianna Areizaga leaned over the bed and shook me gently.

“Babe,” she whispered like she wasn’t about to destroy my entire sense of peace. “Come on, let’s go. Coffee run.”

He groaned, rolling over and pulling the blanket over his head. “Tati… it’s literally 7 AM. On a weekend.”

She giggled softly. “Exactly. The early bird gets the aesthetic latte.” Then, without mercy, she yanked the covers off him and turned on the lights. “Let’s gooooo. I already picked your outfit.”

“You picked my outfit?” Jake squinted, trying to adjust to the betrayal that was now his reality.

“Yes,” she said, holding up a hoodie and sweatpants combo. “We’re going for the ’chill couple grabbing overpriced coffee at sunrise’ look. Instagram might need a photo.”

Jake sat up, groaning. “You’re lucky I love you.”

She smiled, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and said, “I know.”

They headed out into the cool morning air, the streets still quiet and empty. Tatianna, somehow already glowing at this hour, was walking beside him in her hoodie and leggings, iced coffee on her mind and playlist already bumping through her phone speaker. As much as hr grumbled, watching her dance a little while walking made me smile.

By the time they reached her favorite café—yes, the one with pastel walls, fairy lights, and drinks with whipped cream and heart-shaped straws—he was half-asleep and fully whipped. She ordered her usual, something with oat milk and caramel drizzle, then turned to me.

“You’re getting the vanilla cold brew,” she said. “Trust me.”

Jake sighed but nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

As they sat at the tiny outdoor table with our drinks, she leaned her head on his shoulder and smiled. “See? Worth it.”

Jake smiled back, sleep still in hid eyes. “Still too early.”

“But cute, right?” she grinned.

“Yeah,” he admitted. “Real cute. Even if I’m half-dead.”

She raised her cup. “To caffeine and love.”