The walk continued in comfortable silence, the distant hum of the city blending with the soft sound of their footsteps. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of flowers from a nearby park. Mahiru glanced up at the sky, where a few stars managed to shine through the city lights.
Sam, on the other hand, kept stealing glances at Mahiru. The way her eyes shimmered under the moonlight, the way she hugged her arms slightly when a breeze passed by—every little detail about her felt mesmerizing.
"…Sam," Mahiru suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.
"Yeah?"
She hesitated for a second before smiling gently. "Thank you for today."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Huh? I should be thanking you. You and Anna planned all this for me."
Mahiru shook her head. "That's not what I mean. I just… I'm really happy that I got to spend today with you."
A warmth spread through Sam's chest. "…Me too."
Mahiru slowed her steps. "…Sam?"
"Yeah?"
She turned to face him, her expression softer than ever. "…Promise me something?"
Sam tilted his head. "What kind of promise?"
Mahiru bit her lip slightly before speaking. "That no matter what happens, we'll always be there for each other. Even if things get tough or if we ever argue, we'll talk it out… and never leave each other's side."
Sam's eyes widened.
It wasn't just words. He could hear the quiet plea in her voice, the deep sincerity behind it.
He knew why she was saying this.
Maybe she had been thinking about the past—about what happened with Caroline, about how he had once shut himself away from everything. Maybe she was afraid that something like that could happen again.
Sam took a deep breath and smiled.
"I promise."
Mahiru's eyes flickered with relief, and before he could react, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
Sam stiffened for a moment before slowly relaxing. His hands hovered for a second before gently resting on her back.
Mahiru's voice was barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Sam…"
He held her a little closer. "You don't have to thank me."
They stood there for a few seconds, neither wanting to move away.
Then—
"Oi, oi, oi!"
A loud, exaggerated voice interrupted them, making them jump apart.
Anna stood a few steps away, arms crossed, a smug grin on her face. "What is this? A heartfelt confession scene? You guys are so dramatic."
Sam groaned. "Anna—"
"No, no, don't mind me," she said, waving her hand. "Please, continue. Maybe add some romantic music in the background?"
Mahiru hid her face behind her hands, her ears turning red. "Anna…"
Anna chuckled and walked up to them. "Come on, Mahiru, time for your train."
Mahiru nodded shyly, still flustered.
Sam sighed, shaking his head as they made their way to the station.
Anna leaned in and whispered to him, "I let you two have your moment. But next time, don't expect me to stay quiet for that long."
Sam sighed again. "You're impossible."
Anna grinned. "And proud of it."
They reached the station just as Mahiru's train was arriving.
She turned to Sam one last time, her eyes filled with warmth.
"…Goodnight, Sam."
Sam smiled. "Goodnight, Mahiru."
She hesitated for a second before whispering, "I love you."
His heart skipped a beat. But before he could reply, Anna dramatically stepped between them.
"Okay, that's enough romance for one night!" she announced, making Mahiru jump in embarrassment.
Sam gave Mahiru a reassuring look. "I love you too."
Mahiru blushed, smiling softly as she stepped onto the train.
As it pulled away, Sam stood there, watching her disappear into the distance.
Anna crossed her arms. "Whew. That was a whole romantic drama episode right there."
Sam shook his head. "Let's just go home."
Anna snickered. "Aww, are you shy?"
Sam ignored her and started walking.
Anna skipped beside him, grinning. "I bet you're thinking about her right now."
"…Shut up."
Anna laughed. "You so are!"
And as their bickering continued, the night stretched on—filled with laughter, warmth, and the lingering promise of love.
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