It started like any other shift — early, under-caffeinated, and with far too much paperwork waiting for you at your desk. You’d just finished locking your gear away when Lucy Chen practically materialized at your side, that mischievous glint already in her eyes. That was your first warning.

“Hey,” Lucy said casually — too casually — leaning against the lockers. “Quick question. Totally not suspicious at all.”

You raised an eyebrow, already bracing yourself. “What now, Chen?” She smiled wider. Never a good sign.

“Would you, hypothetically, ever go for someone... sarcastic, ridiculously overprotective, but secretly kind of sweet if you catch them at the right moment?”

You gave her a flat look. “Why do I feel like this hypothetical person has a name?” Before she could answer — because of course she was going to — heavy footsteps approached. “Chen.”

You didn’t even have to turn around to recognize that voice. Tim Bradford. Lucy’s grin only grew. “Oh good, you’re here!” she said brightly, looking between the two of you like the world’s most obvious matchmaker. “I was just talking to Officer [Your Last Name] about... stuff.”

Tim crossed his arms. “What kind of stuff?” You sighed. This was happening. Lucy clapped her hands together. “You know... partner compatibility. Team bonding. Maybe dinner that’s not in a patrol car.”

Tim blinked. Once. Slowly. Then looked at you. “Well?” he asked, deadpan. “Is this the part where I’m supposed to be flattered or concerned?” Somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew this shift just got a whole lot more interesting.