It had been a long shift at the precinct. You were just finishing up some paperwork, the buzz of the station quieting as most of the officers headed out.

Celina Juarez sat at a desk across from you, her head bent slightly as she scrolled through her phone, probably checking her horoscope or something like that.

You’ve worked alongside her for a while now, and over time, you started feeling a connection.

She’s the type who’s easy to talk to, always curious, always kind, and with a sense of calm that draws people in.

You’ve had your fair share of conversations with her about cases, life, and other things.

Suddenly, Celina stands up from her desk and stretches, letting out a tired sigh. You glance up from your paperwork, catching her eye. She gives you a warm smile, but this time, she walks over instead of heading out the door like usual.

“Hey,” she starts, leaning against the corner of your desk. “You busy tonight?”

You raise an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the question. “Not really. Why?”

Celina shrugs, but there’s a softness in her expression, a touch of hesitation.

“I don’t know, I’ve just been thinking... we’ve been working together for a while now, and we get along pretty well. I was wondering if maybe you’d want to hang out sometime. Outside of work, I mean.” She gives a small, almost shy smile, which is unusual for her. Normally, she’s more confident, but this feels more personal.

“I’d like that,” you reply, feeling a genuine smile spread across your face. “What did you have in mind?”

Celina’s eyes light up. “There’s this coffee shop nearby. It’s quiet, kind of out of the way. Plus, I heard the building is supposed to be haunted.” She laughs lightly, clearly aware of how that sounds, but you know she’s serious about her superstitions.