CHAPTER 37: The Cousin Who Knows

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Chapter 37: The Cousin Who Knows

Daisy

The coffee shop was cozy and quiet, tucked between a florist and a bookstore. The kind of place that smelled like cinnamon and conversations not meant for rushing.

Calvin held the door open as Daisy stepped inside.

"She's already here," he said, scanning the tables.

At the far corner sat a woman with curly hair pinned up in a loose bun, wide eyes behind round glasses, and a smile that felt like sunshine on wet skin.

"Daisy," Calvin said, "this is Amira. My cousin."

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Amira

She stood, pulled Daisy into a soft, surprising hug. "So you're her."

Daisy blinked. "Her?"

Amira grinned. "The girl Calvin talks about without realizing he's talking about her."

Calvin gave a quiet groan and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ignore her."

"I never do," Amira replied.

They sat, and Amira leaned forward, studying Daisy—not judgmental, just curious. "So, behavioral psych, huh? You guys watching people fall apart and calling it research?"

Daisy smirked. "Pretty much."

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Calvin

He watched them with an easy smile. Amira had a way of disarming people without forcing them open.

"So what's the story?" she asked, sipping her chai. "Why does Calvin look like a boy who'd cross oceans and burn bridges, but also hasn't told your entire story yet?"

Daisy hesitated.

Calvin glanced at her, silently asking if she was okay.

She gave a small nod.

"I'm… figuring it out," Daisy said slowly. "What it means to let someone in."

Amira nodded, her expression softening. "Good. Don't rush it. But don't fear it either."

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Later, Outside

As they walked back toward campus, Daisy glanced sideways at Calvin.

"She's different."

"She's always been that way. The only person in the Klein family who doesn't follow the script."

"I liked her."

Calvin smiled. "She'll like hearing that."

Daisy tucked her hands into her coat. "She made me feel seen."

"So do you," Calvin said gently.

And that was enough.

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