The festival had ended, but the warmth of the day still lingered between them. The streets outside Mahiru's college were quieter now, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. The sky was a deep shade of blue, speckled with stars, as Sam and Mahiru walked side by side.
Sam still held the stuffed fox Mahiru had won for him, occasionally glancing at it before looking back at her.
"Are you seriously going to make fun of me for keeping this?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mahiru giggled. "No, I think it's cute. It suits you."
He sighed. "I'm never going to live this down, am I?"
"Probably not," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Sam shook his head but smiled. He didn't mind. Not when it was her teasing him.
They took their time walking, passing by stalls that were packing up for the night. The lingering aroma of grilled food and sweet treats still filled the air.
Mahiru suddenly stopped in front of a small bridge that overlooked a river. The water reflected the city lights, shimmering like a thousand tiny fireflies.
She leaned on the railing, sighing. "Today was really fun. I'm glad you came."
Sam stepped beside her. "Like I'd miss seeing you perform."
She glanced at him. "Even though you got jealous?"
Sam looked away, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I wasn't jealous…"
Mahiru laughed softly. "Liar."
He sighed in defeat. "Fine. Maybe a little."
She smiled, turning her gaze back to the river. "I didn't like it either, you know."
Sam blinked. "Huh?"
Mahiru's fingers traced patterns on the railing. "That scene with the male lead… even though it was just acting, I didn't like it. I didn't like holding hands with someone who wasn't you."
Sam's heart skipped a beat.
"I kept thinking… 'I wish this was Sam instead.'" Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant, but the sincerity in it made Sam's chest tighten.
He stared at her, his mind blank for a moment.
Then, without thinking, he reached out and gently intertwined their fingers.
Mahiru looked up, surprised, but she didn't pull away.
Instead, she smiled.
"You're really something, you know that?" Sam murmured.
Mahiru tilted her head. "Something good?"
He chuckled. "Something perfect."
Her cheeks turned pink.
They stood there for a while, hands entwined, watching the river flow beneath them.
Finally, Sam glanced at the time. "Your train will be here soon. Let's go?"
Mahiru nodded, and they continued walking toward the station, their hands never separating.
--
The train platform was mostly empty, the occasional announcement echoing in the quiet air.
Mahiru turned to face Sam, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Of course," he said without hesitation.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The train's arrival was minutes away, but neither of them seemed in a hurry to say goodbye.
Mahiru hesitated for a moment before taking a step closer. She glanced around, then up at Sam.
"...Can I?" she whispered.
Sam's breath caught.
She didn't need to say it.
He already knew.
Without waiting, he cupped her face gently and leaned in.
Their lips met, slow and tender, melting into each other like they had all the time in the world.
Mahiru's hands rested lightly on his chest, her fingers clutching his shirt as if she didn't want to let go.
Sam's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against his.
It wasn't just a kiss.
It was a feeling.
A promise.
A moment that belonged only to them.
When they finally pulled away, Mahiru was breathless, her face glowing under the station lights.
Sam smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're getting bolder."
Mahiru let out a shy giggle. "It's your fault."
He smirked. "I don't mind."
The train's whistle echoed through the air, signaling its arrival.
Mahiru sighed. "I should go."
Sam nodded, though he didn't let go of her hand until the last possible second.
As she stepped onto the train, she turned back one last time.
"Goodnight, Sam."
"Goodnight, Mahiru."
And as the doors closed, he watched her until the train disappeared down the tracks, a lingering warmth still on his lips.
----