At the Historical Society fundraiser, Miles works the room, introducing Daphne to local business owners he knows personally. With his gentle nudges, Daphne pitches the Read-a-thon and secures multiple donations: kite-building kits and a miniature-painting class from Lance the Hobby Shop Owner, chocolate-covered cherries, popcorn, ice cream, a charcuterie board, and a sizable cash gift. Daphne is awed by Miles's effortless connections, and he insists the donors care because of her, not him.

Loading up a dessert plate on the dim veranda, Daphne feels the moment turn intimate as Miles feeds her a macaron. Flustered, she suggests going inside, where they immediately collide with Petra and Peter. Petra hugs them both and subtly digs at Daphne's usual 'buttoned up' style; Miles defends her by calling her style 'like a secret' and admits a thing for 'hot librarians.' Peter retaliates with a snide jab about a 'bartender fantasy,' aimed at Miles.

Daphne counters by pulling Miles close and kissing him, claiming a roommate fantasy of her own. The kiss feels different from past performative ones—slow, real, and charged. Miles excuses them to the dance floor, where they sway to 'Harvest Moon.' Daphne apologizes for Peter's barb; Miles reveals Petra's family used to make similar comments suggesting he couldn't provide enough for Petra, and he half-believes them, citing his 'history' of failing under pressure.

When Daphne self-deprecatingly calls herself a downgrade compared to Petra, Miles stops dancing, tells her Peter is watching them from the edge of the floor, and kisses her again—deeper, more urgent, hands roaming. Daphne loses herself in it until older onlookers cheer. Miles tells her to look at Peter, but Daphne, overwhelmed by how real her feelings have become, steps back and runs.