Mahiru watched as Sam examined the chocolate box in his hands. A nervous flutter filled her chest.
Would he like them?
Would they taste okay?
She had spent hours the night before, making sure everything was perfect. She wanted them to be special—because they were for Sam.
But now that he was actually holding them… she felt really, really shy.
Sam looked up at her, smirking. "Can I open it now?"
Mahiru stiffened. "H-Here?"
"Yeah. Why not?"
She hesitated, gripping her bag tightly. "U-Um… maybe later—"
But Sam was already unwrapping the box.
Mahiru held her breath.
The lid came off, revealing a neatly arranged row of chocolates—each one shaped like a tiny heart.
Sam blinked.
"...Did you shape these yourself?" he asked, surprised.
Mahiru's fingers fidgeted with her sleeves. "...Y-Yeah."
Sam picked one up, inspecting it.
His lips twitched. "They look kinda cute."
Mahiru turned away, her face red. "D-Don't say that."
He chuckled. "What? They do."
She huffed, but inside, her heart warmed.
Then—Sam popped one into his mouth.
Mahiru froze, her eyes locked onto him.
She watched as he chewed. Slowly. Thoughtfully.
Then he swallowed.
"...Well?" she asked, gripping her sleeves tighter.
Sam stayed quiet for a moment.
Then—he let out a low hum.
"...They're really good," he said simply.
Mahiru stared at him. "...Really?"
He nodded, picking up another one. "Yeah. They're sweet but not too sweet. And the texture's nice."
She felt her chest tighten. "...You're not just saying that?"
Sam glanced at her, then smirked. "Why? Did you put something weird in them?"
Mahiru puffed her cheeks. "Of course not!"
He laughed. "Then don't worry. I mean it. They're good."
Mahiru looked down, a soft smile forming on her lips. "...I'm glad."
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
It was a quiet, warm moment.
Then, Sam sighed, closing the box. "I should probably eat these slowly. If Anna sees them, she'll steal half."
Mahiru giggled. "That's true."
Sam looked at her, his expression shifting into something softer. "...Thanks, Mahiru."
Her heart skipped a beat. "...For what?"
He held up the chocolates. "For this."
Mahiru felt her face grow warm. She looked away, tucking her hair behind her ear. "...You're welcome."
Sam watched her for a moment, then smiled.
He didn't say anything more.
He didn't need to.
Because in that moment—they both understood.
---
Later that evening, as Mahiru lay in bed, she stared at her phone, re-reading their messages.
She had sent him a simple text.
Mahiru: Did you eat more chocolates?
He had replied a few minutes later.
Sam: Yeah. They're still good.
Mahiru felt butterflies in her stomach.
She hesitated, then typed another message.
Mahiru: Then I'll make them for you again next time.
A moment passed before Sam replied.
Sam: …I'd like that.
Mahiru smiled, hugging her pillow.
Her heart felt light.
Valentine's wasn't over yet.
And somehow, she was already looking forward to next time.
----