The summer heat buzzed through the air, thick and unrelenting, but for Sam, the real weight wasn't the temperature—it was the emptiness in his chest.
Ever since Mahiru left for her hometown, his days had felt strangely hollow. Their small, simple routines—the morning texts, the café dates, the evening walks—had become such an important part of his life that their absence was unbearable.
No more "Don't be late, sleepyhead" texts.
No more spontaneous meet-ups at the café.
No more goodnight kisses at the station.
He sighed, flipping through his phone for the hundredth time that day. Mahiru's messages were still there, her voice notes full of warmth and laughter, but it wasn't enough.
His fingers hovered over their last conversation.
"I miss you."
Mahiru had replied instantly.
"I miss you too… so much."
Sam read those words over and over again, wishing he could close the distance between them.
Enough.
He sat up, running a hand through his hair as an idea formed in his mind. It was crazy, impulsive, and completely unlike him.
He was going to see her.
But first—he had to convince his mom.
--
AWhite Lie for Love
Standing in the living room, Sam cleared his throat. "Mom, can I go visit a friend's hometown for a few days?"
His mother looked up from her book, raising an eyebrow. "A friend's hometown?"
"Yeah," Sam said as casually as possible. "We've been planning it for a while. Just thought I'd go check out a new place, you know?"
His mother studied him with sharp eyes. "Which friend?"
Sam hesitated. His mother was too perceptive. If he said "Mahiru," she'd immediately ask a hundred questions.
"...Just a friend from college," he said quickly. "You wouldn't know him."
His mother gave him a long, knowing look. Then—
"Is this about Mahiru?"
Sam froze.
"W-What? No! I mean—why would you think that?" He laughed nervously.
His mother sighed. "Sam. You've been moping around the house like a lovesick puppy ever since she left. You don't have to lie to me, you know."
Sam groaned, rubbing his face. "Okay, fine. Yes, I'm going to Mahiru's hometown."
His mother chuckled. "Why didn't you just say so? It's cute that you miss her this much."
Sam's face burned. "I—I just didn't want you to tease me!"
She smirked. "Too late."
He sighed. "So… is it okay if I go?"
His mother smiled warmly. "Of course, sweetheart. Just make sure to be polite to her parents, okay?"
Sam nodded. "Got it. Thanks, Mom."
As he turned to leave, his mother added with a sly grin—
"And tell Mahiru I said hi~"
Sam groaned again. "Not happening."
With his suitcase in hand, Sam stood in front of the train station.
Was this a crazy idea? Maybe.
Was he nervous? Absolutely.
But did he care? Not even a little.
He wasn't going to spend another day apart from her.
The train ride was long, but anticipation kept his heart racing. He imagined Mahiru's reaction—the way her eyes would light up in shock, the way she might throw her arms around him in excitement.
Just the thought of it made his lips curl into a soft smile.
The hours passed, and finally, the train pulled into the station near Mahiru's hometown. The air here was different—calmer, quieter, with a nostalgic warmth to it.
As he stepped off the train, his heart pounded in his chest.
He was finally here.
But as he neared Mahiru's house, another realization hit him.
Meeting Mahiru's parents.
Sam gulped.
"What if her dad doesn't like me? What if they think I'm some weirdo for coming all this way?"
His legs felt heavier with every step, but there was no turning back now.
Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand—
And knocked on the door.
----