Texting The Wrong Number

Chapter 4: The First Dare

Emma hadn't planned on checking her phone every ten minutes, but there she was, glancing down at her screen like a teenager with a crush.
She wasn't sure what made this texting buddy so different, but she couldn't shake the feeling that
she'd stumbled upon something-or rather, someone-special. As the minutes ticked by, she wondered if she should just text him first, but that seemed desperate. And she definitely wasn'tdesperate...right?

The moment her phone buzzed, she practically lunged for it, only to feel the thrill of seeing a new message from Captain Marvel.

∆Captain Marvel: Morning, Pepper. Quick question: Are you ready for a challenge? ;)

Emma's eyebrows shot up. A challenge? She smirked, already feeling the excitement.

∆Pepper: Always. What did you have in mind?

∆ Captain Marvel: I think it's time for us to bring a little real-world adventure into this anonymous
friendship. Let's do a "coffee dare."

∆Pepper: Oh, this sounds good already. What's the dare?

∆ Captain Marvel: Next time you're at a coffee shop, you have to order a drink with a ridiculous name. Something like... "The Midnight Unicorn." And send me a selfie with the cup to prove it. ;)

Emma burst out laughing, earning a curious glance from Max, her coworker. The dare was silly,but she loved it. It was the perfect mix of harmless fun and a little public embarrassment-just enough to make her heart race.

∆ Pepper: Challenge accepted. But I get to pick your coffee name, too.

∆ Captain Marvel: Deal. I'll take it like a champ. Give me your best shot.

Emma thought for a moment, grinning as she typed back.

∆ Pepper: You're ordering the "Captain Extra Foam," complete with two whipped cream dollop and rainbow sprinkles.

∆ Captain Marvel: Rainbow sprinkles? I see you'reaiming to destroy my dignity, Pepper.

∆ Pepper: Obviously. I don't want to make this too easy for you.

Emma couldn't stop smiling as she imagined him trying to explain the ridiculous order to a barista.She pictured a slightly disheveled guy with a playful smirk, maybe a bit awkward but charming enough to pull it off. Her mind wandered,sketching out what "Captain Marvel" might look like based on his witty texts and easy confidence.

Before she could get too carried away, her work phone rang, jolting her back to reality. She quickly closed her messages, knowing that she'd be thinking about this dare all day.

Later that afternoon, Emma found herself at her favorite coffee shop. The familiar scents of coffee and pastries filled the air as she waited in line, her heart racing just a bit faster than usual. Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it out to find another text from Captain Marvel.

∆ Captain Marvel: Remember, "Midnight Unicorn."I expect a selfie for proof!

Emma stifled a laugh as she reached the front of the line. The barista, a young woman with a nose ring and neon-pink hair, greeted her with a
friendly smile.

"Hi there! What can I get you?"

Emma took a breath, trying to hold back her laughter as she spoke. "Hi! Can I get a... 'Midnight unicorn' latte, please?"

The barista blinked, clearly stifling a smile. "A... 'Midnight Unicorn'?"

"Yep," Emma replied, fighting the urge to break into laughter. "Extra whipped cream, if possible."

The barista grinned, scribbling "Midnight Unicorn"onto the cup with a wink. "I like it. Coming right up."

Emma stepped aside, feeling a mix of
embarrassment and exhilaration. Once her drink was ready, she held it up, snapped a selfie, and sent it to Captain Marvel with a triumphant
caption.