Yes they do

The fluorescent lights of the supermarket hummed overhead as Mike pushed the heavy metal cart, strolling alongside Maya through the bustling aisles. Watching her eagerly scan the shelves, picking up items and turning to him with that bright, trusting smile, as they walked down the aisles Mike realised Maya was either naive or just too trusting and kind he could tell, but would go with either option and take advantage of it if he could, she he continued with the compliments and casual flirting, which she ate up.

As Maya reached for a jar of pasta sauce, a well-dressed man in a sharp charcoal suit approached them, flanked by a woman carrying a leather clipboard. The man’s eyes locked onto the pair, a wide, enthusiastic smile spreading across his face. "Excuse me! I’m so sorry to interrupt your shopping," the man said, pulling out a business card and handing it to Mike. "I’m David, the General Manager here, and this is Sarah, a senior director from an advertising agency. We’ve been watching the two of you walk through the store, and I have to ask—are you two a couple?"

Before Mike could answer, Sarah stepped forward, her eyes scanning Maya’s striking ginger hair and vibrant figure, then cutting to Mike’s heavy, rugged frame beside her. "You two have the absolute perfect look for our new upcoming campaign," Sarah explained breathlessly, gesturing between them. "We’re launching a major 'Real Everyday Couples' promotion—TV commercials, city billboards, print ads, the whole lot. You have this incredible, authentic contrast! The beautiful, radiant younger woman and her grounded, protective partner. The camera would absolutely adore you two together."

Maya’s jaw dropped in pure shock, her cheeks instantly burning a deep shade of crimson. "Oh! Oh, no, we’re—" she stammered, her mind racing at the absurd idea of being featured on actual TV and billboards. But before she could clarify that they were just neighbors, Mike smoothly slid a heavy, possessive arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side. "Well, isn't that something?" Mike purred, his voice dripping with easy confidence as he gave the marketers a knowing grin. "We do make a pretty striking pair, don't we?"

Maya froze, the firm press of Mike’s arm against her hip making her heart hammer in her chest. Part of her knew she ought to correct them, but the overwhelming rush of flattery took her breath away. To be called 'radiant,' to be chosen for an advertisement campaign, and to have a man so proudly claim her in public was an intoxicating high she had never imagined in her wildest dreams. Flustered, giggling, and utterly swept up in the whirlwind of the moment, Maya simply leaned into Mike's side and beamed at the agency director.