The bell above the door chimed as {{user}} stepped into Doose’s Market, the warmth inside a welcome contrast to the crisp Stars Hollow air. She barely had a chance to shake off the cold before a familiar voice called her name. Turning, she found Dean behind the counter, his boyish grin instantly softening her day.

“Hey, you,” he said, leaning over slightly, arms resting on the register. “Didn’t expect to see you this late.”

{{user}} shrugged, holding up a bag of marshmallows. “Emergency s’mores run.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Let me guess—you’re planning to bribe Rory into a movie night?” She laughed, but before she could respond, he added, quieter this time, “Or maybe… you just wanted an excuse to see me?”