The Valentine's atmosphere grew stronger with each passing day. Streets were filled with couples, shops displayed heart-shaped decorations, and everything had a soft, romantic glow. But for Sam, it was just another day—at least, that's what he thought.
At Mahiru's College, she sat with her friends during lunch, casually nibbling on her food while the conversation around her took a familiar turn—Valentine's Week.
"So, Mahiru," one of her friends smirked, leaning closer. "You gave him chocolates yesterday, right? What's your plan for today?"
Mahiru's cheeks flushed instantly. "W-What plan?"
"Come on~! Today's 'Promise Day' in the Valentine's Week lineup," another friend grinned. "Not saying you have to propose, but you know… It's the perfect time to get a little closer."
Mahiru's fingers fidgeted with her sleeve. "I-I don't need a reason to spend time with Sam…"
Her friends exchanged knowing glances.
"But you do want to see him today, don't you?" one teased.
Mahiru lowered her gaze, unable to deny it.
After yesterday's events at his college, she wanted to spend time with Sam alone. Away from teasing friends, away from distractions—just the two of them.
Her heart raced at the thought.
Before she could say anything, her phone buzzed with a message from Sam:
"Class is over. I'm heading out with my friends."
Mahiru stared at the message for a moment, contemplating.
Should she… go see him?
Taking a deep breath, she made up her mind.
"I need to go," she suddenly announced, standing up.
Her friends gasped dramatically.
"Oh my god, she's really going!"
"Go get him, girl!"
"Don't forget to make him fall even harder for you!"
Mahiru groaned at their exaggerated reactions and quickly walked away before they could tease her more.
But deep down… she was nervous.
---
At Sam's College Gate
After finishing his last class, Sam walked out of college with his friends, casually chatting about random things.
Just as they stepped outside, one of his friends nudged him and smirked.
"Oi, loverboy," he teased. "Looks like someone special came to pick you up."
Sam frowned in confusion. "What—"
But before he could finish, another friend grabbed his shoulders and turned him around.
And there she was.
Mahiru stood near the entrance, nervously clutching the edge of her coat, her golden-brown hair gently swaying in the breeze.
Sam's breath hitched for a second.
"Woah, dude, she really came to see you!" one of his friends laughed.
"Man, we don't even need to ask why you've been acting different lately!" another one smirked.
"Don't just stand there! Go to her!"
Before Sam could react, his friends pushed him forward, making him stumble slightly toward Mahiru.
"Enjoy your time, loverboy!" they called out, waving as they walked away, snickering to themselves.
Sam sighed, running a hand through his hair in embarrassment before finally turning to Mahiru.
She looked up at him, her cheeks slightly pink.
"You… You came all the way here?" he asked, still a little stunned.
Mahiru nodded softly. "I… I wanted to see you."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The cool evening breeze brushed against them, the noise of the city fading into the background.
Sam smiled, his heart warming up at her words.
"I'm glad you did," he said, his voice gentle.
Mahiru's fingers curled around the edge of her coat tighter, her face turning even redder.
"Sam… Can we go somewhere quiet?" she asked, almost shyly.
Sam raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Sure."
And with that, they walked side by side, heading toward a peaceful spot, as Mahiru tried to gather the courage to say what was on her mind.
----