They spent the morning wandering through the park, talking, laughing, and occasionally teasing each other.
Mahiru bought ice cream, insisting Sam try her favorite flavor. He did—and made a face.
"You really like this?" he asked, grimacing.
Mahiru pouted. "It's good!"
Sam handed it back. "You can keep it."
She huffed. "Fine, more for me."
Later, they sat by the lake, watching the ducks float lazily across the water.
Mahiru rested her head on Sam's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "This feels nice."
Sam smiled, shifting slightly so she'd be more comfortable. "Yeah… it does."
She hummed. "You know… yesterday felt like a dream."
Sam turned his head slightly to look at her. "And today?"
She smiled, closing her eyes. "Today feels like a dream too."
Sam exhaled, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Then let's make every day feel like this."
Mahiru opened her eyes, gazing up at him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then—
Mahiru giggled softly. "You're getting really good at saying romantic things, you know."
Sam smirked. "Well, I have a good reason to."
Mahiru raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Sam lifted their intertwined hands. "Because I'm in love with you."
Mahiru's breath hitched.
She stared at him, her lips parting slightly, her heart pounding.
Then, slowly, she smiled.
"I love you too, Sam."
Sam's heart swelled.
Mahiru's fingers brushed against his, soft and warm.
And in that moment—
Everything felt perfect.
--
EveningFarewell
As the sun began to set, they found themselves back at the train station.
Mahiru turned to Sam, a soft smile on her lips. "Today was amazing."
Sam nodded. "Yeah… it was."
They stood in comfortable silence, the cool evening air wrapping around them.
Mahiru hesitated, then stepped forward and hugged him.
Sam immediately wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
She was warm. Soft. Familiar.
"I don't want to go yet," she murmured against his chest.
Sam exhaled, resting his chin against her head. "Me neither."
She pulled back slightly, looking up at him.
Sam gazed down at her, and just like the night before—
The air between them shifted.
Her eyes flickered to his lips.
His heart pounded.
Without thinking, he leaned in.
Mahiru met him halfway.
Their lips met, soft and slow.
It wasn't rushed. It wasn't hesitant.
It was filled with everything they felt for each other.
Love. Warmth. Certainty.
Mahiru sighed against his lips, her fingers curling against his coat.
Sam deepened the kiss slightly, his hand resting gently on her waist.
When they finally pulled apart, Mahiru's cheeks were flushed, her breaths uneven.
Sam smiled. "You're getting used to this, huh?"
Mahiru giggled, still breathless. "Maybe…"
The train arrived, and Mahiru reluctantly stepped back.
She looked at him one last time, her eyes soft. "Goodnight, Sam."
Sam reached out, gently squeezing her hand before letting go. "Goodnight, Mahiru."
And as she disappeared into the train, Sam exhaled, his lips still tingling.
----