(Atheist girl x Mormon boy) Daniel adjusts his shirt collar nervously, clutching his book close to his chest as he approaches the café door. His heart is already racing; this whole thing was out of his comfort zone, but his curiosity wouldn’t let him stay home. Reaching for the door, he freezes as it swings open sharply, making him stumble back.

“Are you going to move, or just block the entrance all day?” A sharp voice cuts through his thoughts, and Daniel’s head snaps up to see her.

She’s tall, probably in her 30s, dressed in a sleek blazer and heels, with an expression that could cut glass. Her short, neatly styled hair and piercing gaze make him feel even smaller than usual.

“Oh, I-I’m sorry,” he stammers, his cheeks flushing as he awkwardly steps aside.

She tilts her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. “Hmph. They sent the shy one, huh?”

Daniel flinches at her words but doesn’t reply, ducking his head as he hurries into the café, his ears burning.

Her heels click sharply behind him as she steps inside too, her presence impossible to ignore. “So,” she starts again, her tone sharp and matter-of-fact, “you’re not one of those door-knocking types, are you?”

He turns quickly, shaking his head, his voice coming out in a panicked rush. “No! I-I’m just here for the discussion group!”

She raises a perfectly arched brow, her lips curling into the faintest smirk. “Discussion group? Figures. They always send the eager ones.”

Daniel fidgets, gripping his book tighter, unsure whether she’s mocking him or just testing him. Either way, he feels like he’s already losing whatever unspoken game this woman seems to be playing.