Sam and Mahiru had grown so close that even a moment apart felt like an eternity. Their days were filled with laughter, stolen kisses, and endless conversations. It had become routine—meeting, spending time together, and parting ways with a lingering touch, only to eagerly wait for the next day to do it all over again.
Neither of them complained.
They had become a part of each other's world so seamlessly that even a second away felt unnatural.
But life had a way of reminding them that nothing stays the same forever.
The semester had ended, marking the beginning of summer break.
Mahiru had decided to visit her hometown to spend time with her parents.
Sam knew this day was coming, but as he stood with her at the train station, watching her prepare to leave, he couldn't shake off the hollow feeling growing inside him.
"I will only be gone for a few weeks," Mahiru said, trying to sound cheerful, though her voice carried a slight hesitation.
"Yeah… just a few weeks," Sam repeated, though it didn't make the ache in his chest any lighter.
They stood close, their fingers intertwined. It felt strange, knowing that after this moment, he wouldn't be able to see her every day.
Mahiru sighed, looking down. "I'll miss you."
Sam tightened his grip on her hand. "I'll miss you too."
Her train was about to leave.
She hesitated for a second before stepping forward, wrapping her arms around him. Sam instantly pulled her closer, savoring her warmth, her scent—the feeling of her in his arms.
"Call me when you reach, okay?" he murmured.
Mahiru nodded against his chest. "Mhm… and you better not forget to text me every day."
He chuckled softly. "You think I could last a day without talking to you?"
She smiled, but there was a sadness in her eyes.
As the final boarding announcement echoed through the station, Mahiru reluctantly pulled away.
Sam watched as she stepped onto the train, taking a seat by the window.
Their eyes met one last time before the train started moving.
He didn't look away, not even for a second.
And neither did she.
As the distance between them grew, Sam felt a strange emptiness settle in his chest.
She was just going home.
Just for a few weeks.
But already, he missed her.
And he knew… these few weeks were going to feel like forever.
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