The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the city as Sam and Mahiru walked toward the station. The air was cool, with a gentle breeze that played with Mahiru's hair, making her tuck loose strands behind her ear.
Neither of them spoke for a while, the atmosphere calm yet filled with unspoken words.
Sam stole a glance at her. She looked… content. The way the sunset reflected in her eyes made his chest feel strangely warm.
"You looked like you had fun back there," he finally said.
Mahiru smiled, turning to him. "I did. Your friends are really nice."
Sam scoffed. "They're annoying."
She giggled. "They care about you, though."
He sighed. "Yeah… I guess."
A comfortable silence settled between them again.
Mahiru suddenly slowed her steps, her hands gently holding onto her bag's strap. "You know…" she hesitated. "I was really nervous about coming to your college today."
Sam blinked. "Why?"
"I thought… maybe it would be weird for you," she admitted, her voice softer. "I didn't want to make things awkward or put you in a tough spot."
Sam stopped walking. Mahiru took a few more steps before realizing and turned to face him.
He stared at her for a moment before sighing and rubbing the back of his head. "You idiot…"
Mahiru's eyes widened. "H-Huh?"
"You think I wouldn't want to see you?" he asked, looking away. "You showing up like that… it was actually kind of nice."
Her cheeks flushed. "Really?"
"Yeah." He glanced at her briefly. "So… don't overthink stuff like that, okay?"
Mahiru's lips curved into a gentle smile, warmth spreading in her chest.
"Okay," she whispered.
They continued walking, the station coming into view.
Sam noticed Mahiru looking hesitant. "What is it?"
She stopped just a few steps away from the entrance, clutching the strap of her bag.
"Sam," she murmured.
He turned fully to her. "Yeah?"
For a moment, she didn't say anything. Her fingers fidgeted slightly, her eyes flickering between him and the ground. Then, before he could say anything else—
She took a small step forward and wrapped her arms around him.
Sam's breath hitched.
The hug was soft—gentle yet firm, as if she wanted to say something without words.
He could feel her warmth, hear the quiet beat of her heart against him.
"...Thank you for today," she murmured against his shoulder.
Sam hesitated for only a second before his arms slowly wrapped around her as well.
He closed his eyes.
"...Yeah," he whispered back.
They stayed like that for a while, neither wanting to move, as the sounds of the city faded into the background.
Then, just as Sam felt himself getting too comfortable—
A familiar voice broke the moment.
"WOAH, WOAH! AM I INTERRUPTING SOMETHING?!"
Both of them jerked apart immediately, turning to find…
Anna.
Standing a few feet away, hands on her hips, a devilish smirk on her face.
Sam groaned. "You have GOT to be kidding me."
Mahiru, completely flustered, tried to say something, but Anna beat her to it.
"I just came here to check if you were still alive after all that teasing, but—" she grinned, crossing her arms. "Looks like you had an even better day than I thought!"
Mahiru hid her face in her hands.
Sam glared. "Anna, I swear—"
Anna laughed, holding up her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! I'll stop."
She winked at Mahiru. "Take care of my boring brother, okay?"
Mahiru, still blushing, nodded shyly.
Sam sighed deeply, running a hand down his face. "I really regret introducing you two."
Anna just grinned wider.
As Mahiru waved goodbye and entered the station, Sam watched her until she was out of sight.
Then, he turned to Anna. "You are the worst."
Anna smirked. "Nah, I'm the best."
Sam shook his head, exhaling.
But despite everything…
He couldn't help but smile just a little.
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