The last note of the violin faded into the air, leaving only the quiet hum of warmth between them. Sam and Mahiru stayed in their embrace for a few seconds longer, their hearts beating in sync, their breaths mingling in the soft glow of the fairy lights.
Then—
The sound of applause broke the silence.
Sam blinked in surprise as he slowly pulled back. Mahiru, still slightly lost in the moment, looked around—only to realize that the other guests in the restaurant had been watching them.
And now, they were clapping.
A mix of embarrassment and warmth flooded Mahiru's face.
"Look at them," someone murmured.
"They're so cute together," another whispered.
"They look so happy… You can just tell how much they love each other."
A few older couples smiled at them, nodding in appreciation. "Ah, young love. It's truly beautiful."
Mahiru's face was now completely red, and she buried it slightly against Sam's chest. "T-They're watching us," she whispered, flustered.
Sam, on the other hand, rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh… thanks, I guess?" he muttered, unsure how to respond to all the attention.
One of the waiters chuckled as he walked past. "That was one of the most heartfelt dances I've seen in a while. You two are made for each other."
Sam felt heat rise to his ears. Made for each other?
His gaze shifted to Mahiru, who was still hiding her face in his chest.
Maybe… they were.
Maybe this moment, this night, this love—
Maybe it was all meant to be.
Sam gently squeezed Mahiru's hand. "Come on. Let's get out of here before they make us perform an encore."
Mahiru peeked up at him, pouting. "That's not funny."
But she still smiled as they made their way out.
The night air was crisp, but not uncomfortably cold. The city was quieter now, the streets glowing under the golden streetlights.
Sam and Mahiru walked side by side, their hands brushing against each other occasionally.
Mahiru, still holding the small charm he had given her, smiled softly. "Tonight was really beautiful."
Sam glanced at her. "You liked it?"
She nodded. "More than liked. You planned everything so perfectly… I never imagined we'd have such a special Valentine's."
Sam exhaled, relieved. "Good. I was worried you'd think it was too much."
Mahiru giggled. "Too much? Sam, this was probably the most romantic night of my life."
Sam rubbed his neck, suddenly feeling shy. "Well… I wanted it to be special. It's our first Valentine's, after all."
Mahiru looked at him, her eyes shining under the streetlights. "It really was special. Because you were with me."
Sam's heart skipped a beat.
God, she really knew how to make him weak.
Before he could say anything, Mahiru spoke again. "Oh, and the dance… I didn't expect that at all."
Sam chuckled. "Yeah, neither did I. I'm not exactly a dancer, you know."
Mahiru smiled. "But you were perfect."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Perfect?"
She nodded. "Mhm. And not just the dance. You were perfect tonight."
Sam looked at her for a long moment before finally looking away, slightly flustered. "You keep saying things like that, and I might get used to hearing them."
Mahiru giggled. "Maybe I want you to get used to it."
Sam shook his head with a soft smile. "You're impossible."
She grinned. "And you love it."
"…Yeah," he admitted quietly. "I do."
Their fingers brushed again, and this time, Mahiru reached out and laced them together.
Sam's grip tightened around hers, his thumb lightly brushing over her knuckles.
No words were needed.
They simply walked like that, together, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence.
--
The station was quiet at this hour, the occasional sound of trains arriving and leaving echoing through the platform.
Mahiru turned to Sam, her expression softer now, more tender.
"Well… I guess this is it for tonight," she said, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Sam nodded, feeling the same thing. He didn't want to say goodbye just yet.
There was still something lingering between them.
Something unfinished.
Mahiru hesitated, then stepped forward and hugged him.
Sam immediately wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
She fit perfectly against him, like she had always belonged there.
The scent of her hair, the warmth of her body—it was intoxicating.
"Thank you for everything tonight, Sam," she whispered.
He exhaled softly, resting his chin against her head. "Anytime, Mahiru."
Mahiru slowly pulled back, just enough to look up at him.
Their eyes met.
And suddenly, neither of them moved.
Neither of them spoke.
It was just like before—just like on the Ferris wheel.
Only this time—
Sam wasn't going to hesitate.
His hand reached up, gently brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Mahiru's breath hitched, her fingers tightening slightly against his coat.
Her lips parted slightly, as if waiting, as if expecting.
Sam leaned in, ever so slowly.
Mahiru's eyes fluttered shut.
And then—
Their lips met.
The world around them melted away.
The station, the trains, the distant hum of the city—none of it existed.
It was just them.
Just the warmth of their lips, the soft press of their hands against each other.
Sam felt his heart race, but not with nervousness this time.
With certainty.
With love.
Mahiru kissed him back, her hands slowly sliding up to rest against his chest.
The kiss was soft at first, delicate.
But then—
Sam deepened it slightly, tilting his head, pulling her closer.
Mahiru responded instantly, her fingers curling against his coat.
It was slow.
It was tender.
It was everything.
When they finally pulled away, Mahiru's face was flushed, her breaths uneven.
Sam, equally breathless, gazed at her, his thumb lightly brushing against her cheek.
Mahiru let out a small, nervous giggle. "That… was our second kiss."
Sam chuckled softly. "Yeah… and definitely not the last."
Mahiru looked down shyly, biting her lip. "You've really gotten bolder, huh?"
Sam smirked. "Maybe it's because you make me want to be."
Mahiru playfully nudged him, but her smile was warm.
As the train arrived, she slowly stepped back, her fingers lingering in his.
"Goodnight, Sam."
Sam squeezed her hand gently before letting go. "Goodnight, Mahiru."
And as she stepped onto the train, as the doors closed and she disappeared into the night—
Sam stood there, his lips still tingling, his heart still racing.
And he knew.
Tonight had been perfect.
And this love—
This love was real.
----