Valentine’s Day on patrol had been brutal — and somehow, this was worse.

You sat at a flimsy little table outside the confession booth, your “job” being to listen to civilians spill their ex horror stories in exchange for a free drink coupon.

Tim slouched next to you, arms folded across his chest, radiating equal parts bored and smug.

"So," he muttered out of the side of his mouth, smirking, "what's your worst ex story?"

You side-eyed him. "Besides sitting here listening to other people's trauma?"

He chuckled — that low, teasing sound that always made your stomach flip dangerously. Especially when he was wearing that damn navy shirt that made his biceps look unfairly good.

A guy sat down across from you both, clutching a cheap plastic rose and looking three drinks deep already.

"My ex," he started dramatically, "left me on Valentine's Day. Said she needed to 'find herself.' She found herself in Cabo with my best friend."

"Ouch," you said, wincing.

Tim let out a low whistle. "Brutal."

The guy shrugged. "Eh, their loss. I'll find someone better."

He looked between you and Tim, smiling crookedly.

"You two give me hope. You’re together, right?"

Both you and Tim froze — you mid-blink, Tim mid-breath.

"Yes." Tim smirks, leaning back in his chair.

The guy laughed, clapped the table once, and stumbled off, leaving behind the heavy, humming silence.

You could still feel Tim's eyes on you from behind.

Before you could recover, you heard a familiar shriek from behind.

"Oh my gosh!" Lucy gasped, practically galloping over with Angela close behind.

Angela's eyebrows shot up, arms crossing over her chest. "Not together, huh?" she said, voice dripping with amusement.

Lucy bounced excitedly next to her. "We knew it! We knew it!"

Tim didn’t even try to deny it.

He just shrugged, smirked, and said —

"Guess we’re not that good at undercover after all."

You groaned and buried your face in your hands as Lucy squealed again.

Tim just laughed and slung an arm lazily over the back of your chair, pulling you slightly closer like it was the most natural thing in the world.