The morning sun filtered through Sam's window, casting soft golden light across his room. He stirred slightly, groaning as he turned over, still half-buried in his blankets. His mind was foggy from sleep, but as soon as he shifted, he felt the locket resting against his chest.
His eyes blinked open.
For a moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling, feeling the cool metal of the locket against his skin. The memories of last night rushed back—the cake, the breathtaking view, the gifts, Mahiru's warm embrace, and the words they had exchanged.
"I love you, Sam."
His cheeks burned as he replayed it in his mind. He reached for the locket, opening it to see their photo inside. A small, stupid smile tugged at his lips.
He had thought that waking up the day after his birthday wouldn't feel any different, but it did. There was something lighter in his chest, something that made him feel… happy.
His phone buzzed on his nightstand.
Mahiru: Morning, sleepyhead. Did you sleep well?
Sam rubbed his eyes, his smile lingering as he quickly typed back.
Sam: Morning. Yeah, I did. What about you?
She replied almost instantly.
Mahiru: I did! But… I couldn't stop thinking about last night. I was so embarrassed that I barely fell asleep!
Sam chuckled to himself.
Sam: Embarrassed? Why?
Mahiru: Because I just straight up said 'I love you'! I was so nervous!
His fingers hovered over the keyboard. A playful smirk formed on his lips.
Sam: It was cute, though.
There was a long pause. Then—
Mahiru: ...You're mean.
He laughed, stretching lazily before rolling out of bed.
—---
Meanwhile, at Mahiru's apartment…
Mahiru held her phone to her chest, her entire face flushed.
"It was cute, though."
She buried her face in her pillow, groaning.
Why did he have to say that?!
Her heart was already fragile enough after last night, and now he was teasing her first thing in the morning.
He's getting way too comfortable with this!
Still… she smiled.
She traced her fingers over the necklace she wore, feeling the cool silver chain against her skin. She hadn't taken it off since last night.
Last night, she had been so nervous. But now, waking up, the nervousness had melted away, replaced by something softer. Something warmer.
She hugged her pillow tighter, whispering under her breath.
"I love you, Sam."
Even if she had been flustered, she didn't regret saying it.
—---
Later that day…
Sam had just finished running some errands when his phone buzzed again.
Anna: Oi, lover boy. Are you free today?
Sam frowned, immediately suspicious.
Sam: …Why?
Anna: Just answer the question!
Sam: I guess?
Anna: Great. Meet me at the usual café in 20 minutes.
Sam sighed. Whenever Anna was this direct, it usually meant she was up to something.
Still, he grabbed his jacket and headed out.
Little did he know, Mahiru was on her way there too.
And whatever Anna had planned… it was going to be interesting.
----