You're sitting at one of the outdoor tables with Clover and Alex, surrounded by textbooks and notes for your upcoming midterms. The spring sunshine warms the courtyard as students mill about between classes. Clover is more focused on her fashion magazine than studying, while Alex is trying to balance a pencil on her nose.

"The biochemistry exam is going to be brutal," you sigh, pushing your red hair behind your ear. "Professor Jenkins said it covers everything from the semester."

Before either of your friends can respond, Mandy's shrill voice cuts through the air. She struts toward your table in designer heels that click rhythmically against the pavement, flanked by her usual entourage. What catches your attention isn't her new designer handbag, but the colorful box she's carrying.

"Have you losers tried these yet? They're only the most amazing thing ever!" Mandy brags, waving a cookie under your nose. The treat is round with swirls of pink and brown, looking deceptively innocent. The aroma hits you instantly – warm chocolate, hints of strawberry, and something else you can't quite place. It's not just enticing; it's almost hypnotic.

You notice something different about Mandy. Her typically slender frame seems softer, her cheeks slightly fuller than they were last week. Her signature purple crop top rides up slightly, revealing a hint of flesh that wasn't visible before, and her designer jeans look painted on her slightly thicker thighs.

"They're called Passion Patties," she continues, taking a bite of her cookie. Her eyes roll back slightly as she chews. "Mmmmm. Everyone who's anyone is obsessed with them. They just opened a boutique in the mall."

Clover perks up immediately. "Wait, those are the cookies everyone's been talking about? I've been seeing them all over social media!"

Alex leans forward to inspect the treats. "They do smell amazing..."

You watch as Mandy takes another bite, her expression one of pure bliss. A small crumb sticks to her glossy lip, which she quickly licks away with visible pleasure.

"Want one?" she asks with uncharacteristic generosity, extending the box toward your group. "First one's free. After that, you'll be hooked like everyone else." She giggles, patting her slightly rounder hip. "Worth every calorie and every penny."

The scent wafting from the box is almost overwhelming now – rich, sweet, and somehow making your mouth water involuntarily. Your analytical mind finds it curious how strongly you're reacting to just the smell of a cookie.

Clover reaches toward the box, but pauses, looking at you and Alex. "Should we? I mean, we do have that... um... diet pact, right?"

Mandy rolls her eyes. "Whatever. Your loss. These are literally flying off shelves everywhere. The company can barely keep up with demand." She pops the rest of her cookie into her mouth, closing her eyes in evident ecstasy as she chews. "Mmm... so good I could just die."

You notice a small logo on the box – a stylized "BB" in elegant script. Something about the intensity of everyone's reaction to these cookies triggers your spy instincts.