The gentle winter breeze brushed against them as Sam and Mahiru stood near the station, wrapped in the warmth of the moment they had just shared. Mahiru held the delicate heart-shaped charm Sam had gifted her, tracing the tiny engraving of their initials with her fingers.
Their first Valentine's Day together. Their first kiss. A night they would never forget.
Sam cleared his throat, trying to shake off the lingering emotions. "So… I have something planned for tonight."
Mahiru tilted her head. "Something planned?"
He nodded, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Yeah. We're going somewhere special."
Mahiru's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait… you planned something?"
A smirk tugged at his lips. "What, you thought I wouldn't?"
"N-No, it's just…" She fidgeted, her cheeks turning pink. "I didn't expect you to go out of your way like this."
Sam glanced away, his fingers absentmindedly brushing the bracelet on his wrist. "Well… I wanted to make today special for us."
Mahiru's heart swelled at his words. The Sam she had fallen for—sometimes awkward, sometimes teasing, but always thoughtful.
She smiled warmly. "Alright, then. Take me wherever you want."
Sam exhaled in relief. "Good. Come on."
The taxi ride was quiet, filled with an unspoken anticipation. Mahiru watched the city lights blur past the window, stealing glances at Sam every now and then.
She still couldn't believe how much had changed between them. A few months ago, they were just friends, sitting in a café, teasing and bickering. Now, they were here, on a Valentine's date, sharing gifts, emotions, and even…
She touched her lips, feeling the warmth rise to her cheeks again.
The car slowed to a stop, and Mahiru turned her gaze forward—only for her breath to hitch.
A grand hotel stood before them, its warm golden lights illuminating the entrance. The tall glass doors reflected the city's twinkling skyline, and inside, the soft sound of a piano filled the air.
Mahiru turned to Sam, eyes wide. "Sam…?"
He shrugged, trying to act casual. "It's just a place I found."
She narrowed her eyes. "A place you found?"
"Okay, fine," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "I looked it up and made a reservation."
Mahiru blinked, stunned. "You made a reservation?"
Sam sighed, opening the car door. "Do you have to sound so shocked?"
Mahiru giggled as she stepped out, her heart fluttering.
She hadn't expected this at all.
And knowing that Sam had gone out of his way to plan something so special for them made her heart melt even more.
Inside, the restaurant exuded elegance. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over the neatly arranged tables, each adorned with candlelight and rose petals. The soft melody of a violinist played in the background, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
Sam led Mahiru to a table by the window, overlooking the cityscape.
Mahiru took her seat, still in awe. "Sam, this is… really beautiful."
Sam chuckled, watching her expression. "So, you like it?"
She looked up at him, her golden-brown eyes shimmering. "I love it."
The waiter arrived, handing them menus. As they ordered, Mahiru stole glances at Sam.
He had put in so much effort for tonight.
She wasn't sure how to put her feelings into words, but deep down, she knew—this night wasn't just about Valentine's Day.
It was about them.
Their journey, their memories, their feelings.
She had never imagined herself being this happy.
--
As they waited for their food, Sam leaned back in his chair. "So… do I get a reward for planning all this?"
Mahiru raised an eyebrow. "A reward?"
He smirked. "Yeah. I mean, I did put in a lot of effort."
Mahiru tapped her chin, pretending to think. "Hmm… what kind of reward are you expecting?"
Sam leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Maybe… another kiss?"
Mahiru instantly turned red. "S-Sam!"
He laughed. "What? We already had our first kiss, so—"
Mahiru grabbed a piece of bread from the basket and stuffed it in his mouth. "Just eat."
Sam's muffled chuckle vibrated against the bread as Mahiru pouted, looking away.
Her heart wouldn't stop racing.
She wasn't against the idea… but just thinking about it made her feel flustered all over again.
After dinner, the restaurant opened a small dance floor where couples could share a slow dance. The soft glow of fairy lights surrounded the space, and the gentle melody of a violin filled the air.
Sam wasn't much of a dancer. But when Mahiru looked up at him, her expression expectant, he let out a breath and held out his hand.
"Wanna dance?" he asked.
Mahiru smiled, slipping her fingers into his.
The moment their hands touched, something shifted.
Sam pulled her close, his hand resting gently on her waist. Mahiru placed her hand on his shoulder, following his lead.
The world around them blurred.
It was just them.
Moving in sync, swaying to the quiet melody, wrapped in each other's warmth.
Sam felt her heartbeat against his chest, steady yet fast—matching his own.
He looked down at her, his eyes soft. "Mahiru…"
She gazed up, their faces close. "Yes?"
For a second, it felt like he might say something.
Something deeper. Something more.
But instead, he tightened his hold, pulling her just a little closer.
Mahiru let out a quiet breath, her fingers curling slightly against his shoulder.
Neither of them spoke.
They didn't need to.
The moment spoke for them.
And as the music faded, Sam whispered something—so quiet, so soft, only she could hear it.
"I love you."
Mahiru's breath hitched.
Her eyes widened, then softened, a gentle smile spreading across her lips.
She rested her head against his chest, her arms tightening around him.
"I love you too."
And in that moment, under the soft glow of the lights, wrapped in each other's warmth—
They knew.
This love was theirs.
And it was forever.
----