As the day neared its end, Mahiru's eyes lit up with excitement. She tugged on Sam's sleeve, pointing towards the giant Ferris wheel at the corner of the amusement park.
"Let's go on that next!" she said eagerly.
Sam followed her gaze, taking in the slowly rotating wheel, the way it lifted passengers high above the park, offering a view of the entire city.
"You sure?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mahiru nodded. "Of course! The best way to end the day is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view."
Sam chuckled. "Alright, let's do it."
A few minutes later, they stepped into one of the private gondolas, and the door closed behind them with a soft click. As the ride began its slow ascent, Mahiru pressed her hands against the glass, watching as the world below grew smaller.
"Wow…" she whispered. "It's beautiful from up here."
Sam leaned back, resting his hands on his lap, watching her instead of the view. "Yeah… it really is."
The sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in hues of gold, pink, and soft purple. The lights of the amusement park flickered on, twinkling like fireflies in the distance. From this height, everything felt… peaceful.
For a while, neither of them spoke. They simply sat there, taking in the quiet beauty of the moment.
Mahiru exhaled softly. "You know… I think this is the first time I've felt this calm in a while."
Sam glanced at her. "Yeah?"
She nodded, still gazing at the sunset. "Lately, I've been worrying a lot… about you."
Sam's breath hitched slightly, but before he could respond, she turned to him, her eyes warm yet searching.
"I just wanted to see you smile again. I… didn't like seeing you in pain, Sam."
His fingers curled slightly on his lap. "Mahiru…"
She gave him a small smile. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that… I'm always here, okay?"
Sam's chest tightened. The sincerity in her voice, the quiet yet unwavering presence she always had—it was overwhelming.
He didn't know how long they sat there, just looking at each other, but as the sun dipped further into the horizon, something shifted between them.
Mahiru's eyes flickered down for just a moment—toward his lips.
Sam's heartbeat quickened. His gaze unconsciously moved to hers.
The air inside the gondola grew still.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, they leaned closer.
The warmth of Mahiru's breath ghosted against his skin. Her hand barely brushed against his. The moment felt fragile, delicate—like the world had shrunk down to just the two of them.
But just before their lips could meet—
The Ferris wheel jolted to a stop.
A voice crackled through the intercom. "The ride has ended. Please exit your cabins safely."
Both of them froze.
Then, realization hit.
Mahiru's eyes widened, and in a split second, her face turned deep red. She immediately pulled back, covering her cheeks with her hands.
"A-Ah—" She couldn't even form words.
Sam blinked rapidly, his brain short-circuiting. His face was burning, his heart pounding in his chest.
Mahiru avoided his gaze entirely, looking anywhere but at him. "I-It's getting late! W-We should go!"
Without waiting, she practically jumped out of the gondola the moment the door opened, nearly stumbling in the process.
Sam sat there for a second longer, still processing what just happened.
Then, slowly, a small, embarrassed smile formed on his lips.
Shaking his head, he stood up and followed her.
As they walked side by side towards the park exit, neither of them brought up what almost happened.
But even as they avoided the topic, Sam noticed something.
Mahiru's fingers kept brushing against his, as if debating whether to hold his hand.
And even though she was looking away… her lips were still curved in a tiny, flustered smile.
Maybe they weren't quite ready yet.
But that moment—the warmth, the feeling, the quiet longing—had definitely changed something between them.
And neither of them could deny it.
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