Mahiru didn't stop walking until they were far enough from Anna's voice. When she finally let go of Sam's hand, she realized how tightly she had been holding it. Her face was still warm from embarrassment.
"…Sorry about that," she muttered.
Sam rubbed the back of his head. "It's fine… Anna just loves to mess with us."
Mahiru sighed. "She really does."
Now that they were alone, the atmosphere between them shifted. The teasing from Anna had made them both overly aware of each other, and neither knew what to say next.
Sam cleared his throat. "So, um… what were you actually doing outside the café?"
Mahiru hesitated. "…I really was going to come inside. But then I saw Anna there, and she looked like she was waiting for me. And knowing her, I had a feeling she was going to tease me…"
Sam let out a small chuckle. "Well, you weren't wrong."
Mahiru pouted. "I walked straight into her trap anyway…"
Sam smiled as he watched her grumble. "She's just excited, I guess."
Mahiru looked at him curiously. "Excited?"
"Yeah. She likes you," Sam said simply. "That's why she's acting like this."
Mahiru blinked. "…You think so?"
"I know so," he replied. "She doesn't just tease anyone. If she didn't care about you, she wouldn't even bother."
Mahiru's lips parted slightly. She hadn't thought of it like that. Despite Anna's mischievous nature, she really was a caring sister.
A small smile grew on Mahiru's face. "She's… kind of cute, in her own way."
Sam gave her a tired look. "You say that now, but just wait. Next time, she'll probably ask something even worse."
Mahiru giggled. "I'll be prepared."
They walked side by side down the quiet street, their pace slow and unhurried. The night air was cool, and the city lights sparkled in the distance.
Sam glanced at Mahiru. She looked beautiful under the streetlights—her white frock with blue designs swayed gently with each step, and her long hair framed her delicate features perfectly. She seemed so peaceful now, as if all her embarrassment from earlier had faded away.
Mahiru caught him staring. "What?"
Sam quickly looked away. "N-Nothing."
Mahiru tilted her head. "You were staring at me, weren't you?"
"No."
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You so were."
Sam sighed in defeat. "Fine. Maybe."
Mahiru smiled. "Well, that's not a bad thing."
Sam blinked. "It's not?"
She shook her head. "I like it when you look at me."
His heart skipped a beat.
Mahiru turned forward again, but there was a light blush dusting her cheeks.
Sam looked at her for a few more seconds before smiling softly to himself.
Maybe Anna was right. Maybe they were too slow.
But for now, just walking beside her like this was enough.
----