Ash and Iris continue talking at the corner table. ASH: "What brings you all the way up here?" IRIS: "Work. I'm a detective." Ash's expression barely shifts — the mask holds. IRIS: "Moved here with my partner. He's a fox, actually." Ash tilts his head with genuine curiosity breaking through. ASH: "Your partner on the force. A fox?" Close-up on Iris with a warm knowing smile. IRIS: "Yeah... funny enough, we live together too."