Episode 57: Mood-Enhancing Coffee — Liquid Confidence or Overkill?

The shop door jingled, and in stumbled a man who looked like he'd lost an argument with his alarm clock. His tie was crooked, his hair defied gravity, and his eyes screamed "three hours of sleep and regrets."

"I need coffee," he groaned, leaning on the counter. "But not just any coffee. I need… confidence. Like, 'I'm-giving-a-presentation-and-forgot-my-pants-but-I-still-own-the-room' kind of confidence."

Felix blinked. "That's… oddly specific."

"Don't judge me. Just make it happen."

---

The Brew: Liquid Courage, Barista-Style

Felix, always up for a challenge, disappeared to the back room.

"Let's see… bit of espresso, touch of optimism, sprinkle of ego boost…" He muttered as Zira leaned on the doorway.

"Don't overdo it," she warned. "Last time you tried mood magic, that bard wouldn't stop singing about how hot he was — to his own reflection."

Felix waved her off. "It's fine. This guy looks like he needs a win."

The cauldron bubbled ominously.

---

The Result: A Confidence Overload

Felix returned with a steaming cup of dark, rich coffee. The man sniffed it cautiously.

"Smells like ambition," he murmured, then downed the whole thing in one gulp.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then his eyes widened. He stood straighter. His tie straightened itself. His hair slicked back on its own.

He grinned. "I'm unstoppable."

Felix smiled. "See? Perfect."

The man marched out, shoulders squared, radiating charisma.

Zira nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Maybe you didn't overdo it this time."

---

The Fallout: Maybe He's Too Confident?

An hour later, the door burst open again. The man strutted back in — shirt untucked, jacket missing, and a wildly victorious grin on his face.

"Alright, Felix," he declared loudly, "this coffee is dangerous."

"What happened?" Felix asked warily.

"Well, I gave the presentation…"

"And?"

"I fired my boss halfway through and declared myself 'Supreme Director of Office Morale.'"

Felix's face went pale. "Oh no."

"And then I proposed to the receptionist — she said yes! We've never spoken before today, but I was really convincing."

Zira was choking back laughter. "Anything else, Romeo?"

"Yeah. On the way back, I challenged a guard to a duel because he looked at me funny." He paused. "I might be banned from the town square."

Felix pinched the bridge of his nose. "Right. I'll… dial down the confidence booster next time."

The man clapped him on the shoulder. "No need. Best coffee I've ever had." He winked. "See you tomorrow."

He left, whistling a victory tune.

Zira smirked. "So… next batch of mood coffee — maybe less 'king of the world' and more 'functional human being'?"

Felix groaned. "Yeah. Or maybe I'll start offering decaf."