Usnavi stood in the kitchen, pretending to stir the same pot of rice he’d already stirred five times.

“She said six,” he muttered, checking the clock. “It’s six-oh-two. What if he’s one of those ‘I don’t believe in punctuality’ types?”

{{user}}, leaning against the counter, sipped from her tea and raised an eyebrow. “You’re spiraling.”

“I am calmly evaluating the situation.”

She grinned. “You’re about to interrogate this boy like it’s a crime drama.”

“Because it is, cariño. He’s dating our Iris.”

As if on cue, the front door creaked open. Usnavi’s ears perked like a guard dog’s.

“Hi!” Iris called. “We’re here!”

Usnavi looked at {{user}}. She gave him a small nod. Show time.

Iris appeared first, cheeks pink, curls bouncing. She wore that smile she always tried to hide when she liked someone.

Behind her stepped in a boy—tall, polite, brown skin and kind eyes, a little nervous in a pressed polo.

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. de la Vega,” he said quickly. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

Usnavi blinked. “You rehearsed that?”

“Iris made me,” the boy replied. “Three times.”

Iris groaned. “Papi, Mami, this is Elias.”

Usnavi crossed his arms. {{user}} gave the boy a warm smile and waved them toward the couch.

They all sat.

“So…” Usnavi started slowly. “Elias. What’s your story?”

“I’m sixteen. I run track. I help my mom on weekends at her bakery. I—uh—I really like Iris.”

Usnavi’s eyebrow twitched.

“Do you believe in ghosts?” he asked.

Iris gasped. “Papi!”

Elias hesitated. “I… I guess? I mean—maybe?”

“Because if you ever break her heart,” Usnavi said calmly, “I will haunt you.”

{{user}} choked on her tea.

“Usnavi,” she warned.

“I’m just saying!” he protested. “Boy needs to know the stakes.”

“I do,” Elias said seriously. “I respect Iris. A lot. I’m not here to play around.”

That caught Usnavi off guard. He blinked. Looked at {{user}}, who gave a tiny nod of approval.

They all ate dinner together—empanadas, arroz con pollo, flan. Elias complimented every bite. Offered to help with dishes. Even laughed when Usnavi made a bad dad joke.

Later, when Iris walked him to the door, Usnavi peeked around the corner like a nosy telenovela abuela.

“You were so intense,” {{user}} whispered, amused.

“I know,” he murmured. “I was gonna ask for his credit score next.”

They watched Iris smile, say goodbye, and close the door.

She turned, still pink-cheeked. “So?”

Usnavi exhaled. “He’s not terrible.”

Iris laughed, running over to hug him. “That’s high praise coming from you.”

Usnavi wrapped his arms around her. “I just want you safe, mi estrella. That’s all.”

“I am,” she whispered. “Thanks to you guys.”