The moment Jake and Kat stepped into the little hot cocoa shop tucked between a row of holiday-lit stores, it felt like stepping straight into a Christmas movie. The warmth hit them instantly — the cozy kind that smelled like cinnamon, melting chocolate, and peppermint. Soft jazz versions of Christmas songs played overhead, and every table had a tiny wreath centerpiece with flickering candles inside mason jars.

Snowflake-shaped lights hung from the ceiling. A glowing sign behind the counter read “Cocoa & Cheer.”

Kat’s eyes widened. “This is so cute.”

Jake glanced around, impressed. “Okay, yeah… this might be the most festive place on Earth.”

They approached the counter, where a barista in a red sweater with a Santa hat greeted them cheerfully. “Welcome! We’ve got peppermint, gingerbread, toasted marshmallow, cinnamon swirl, and white chocolate cocoa today.”

Kat leaned into Jake, whispering, “I want all of them.”

Jake grinned. “Let’s go big. It’s Christmas.”

They ordered two large hot cocoas — Kat went with peppermint and marshmallow, while Jake chose cinnamon swirl with whipped cream so tall it looked like a snowdrift. They found a table near the front window, which fogged slightly from the warmth inside. Outside, they could see shoppers bustling along the decorated sidewalk, arms full of gifts, street performers playing holiday music, and kids laughing in scarves and boots.

Jake blew on his cocoa before taking a sip. “Mmm… Okay this is insane.”

Kat had already taken a sip of hers and closed her eyes dramatically. “Jake. I am emotionally attached to this hot chocolate.”

He laughed. “I’m emotionally attached to you, so I guess I’m in competition.”

She smiled, resting her chin on her hand. “You win.”

Just then, a couple of carolers in Victorian costumes appeared outside the shop’s window and began singing “Let It Snow.” Jake and Kat both turned to watch, smiling like kids.

“Everything’s perfect,” Kat whispered, sipping her cocoa again.

Jake reached for her hand across the table. “You’re perfect.”

Kat squeezed his hand gently. “And Oliver’s probably at home right now… chewing on a sock and terrorizing the couch.”