As soon as they were in the guest room, Sam collapsed onto the bed with a groan.
"Well," he muttered, staring at the ceiling, "I'm alive."
Mahiru crossed her arms, amusement dancing in her golden-brown eyes. "I told you my dad's protective."
"Protective? Mahiru, I thought he was going to physically remove me from existence."
Mahiru huffed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Well, he didn't. So you passed."
Sam let out a breathless chuckle. "Barely."
Mahiru smirked. "You should've seen your face. You looked like you were going to pass out."
"I felt like I was going to," he admitted, rubbing his forehead. "I was mentally preparing myself to be thrown out the door like some kind of intruder."
Mahiru giggled before suddenly leaning close.
"Well… you survived," she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.
Sam blinked. "…Does this mean I get a reward?"
Mahiru rolled her eyes but kissed him again—this time, on the lips.
"Don't push your luck," she murmured, cheeks pink.
Sam grinned. Totally worth it.
After barely surviving his encounter with Mahiru's father, Sam was ready for some fresh air.
Luckily, Mahiru had a plan.
"Let's go out!" she said excitedly.
"Huh? Now?" Sam blinked.
"Of course! I want to show you my town!" She grabbed his hand, eyes sparkling. "You didn't come all this way just to sit inside, did you?"
Sam chuckled. "Fair point."
And so, hand in hand, they stepped out into the golden summer evening.
Mahiru led him through familiar streets, pointing at places with a bright, nostalgic smile.
"That's my old school! I used to sit by the window on the second floor!"
Sam looked up at the large building. "Did you ever get caught staring out during class?"
Mahiru pouted. "…Maybe."
Sam laughed. "Knew it."
Mahiru huffed but continued.
"That bookstore? I spent way too much time there after school!"
Sam tilted his head. "Lemme guess—reading novels?"
Mahiru nudged him playfully. "Shut up. They were good."
Sam smirked but followed as she led him further.
"And this park!" Mahiru's voice softened. "I used to play here all the time when I was little."
She walked over to a swing, running her fingers over the chains.
Sam watched her, feeling something warm settle in his chest.
"It's nice seeing this side of you," he said.
Mahiru turned to him, tilting her head. "What do you mean?"
"You always take care of me," Sam explained. "But here, in your hometown… it feels like I'm seeing the you before we met. The places that made you who you are."
Mahiru's eyes widened slightly. Then, a gentle smile formed on her lips.
"I never thought about it that way… But I'm really happy you're here, Sam."
She squeezed his hand softly.
Sam squeezed back.
Just as they were about to leave the park, a loud voice called out—
"Maa-chan~!"
Before Sam could react, a blur of movement came rushing toward them.
"Wha—Sana?! Let me go!" Mahiru yelped as a girl with short, light brown hair put her in a playful headlock.
Sam blinked in confusion.
The girl—who had bright hazel eyes and a mischievous grin—ignored Mahiru's protests and turned to Sam.
Her gaze sparkled with curiosity.
"Well, well…" She smirked. "Who's this? Your secret boyfriend?"
Mahiru huffed, straightening her dress. "He's not a secret. This is Sam."
Sana's eyes widened dramatically.
"Wait. You mean the Sam? The one you were all blushy over the phone about?!"
Mahiru froze.
Sam froze.
The air went silent.
Then—
Mahiru turned bright red. "I-I never—!"
Sana ignored her and stepped closer to Sam, eyeing him like a detective.
"Hmm…" She circled him slowly. "Not bad. Pretty decent-looking. Seems polite. But the real question is—" She suddenly leaned in closer.
"Is he good enough for my Maa-chan?"
Sam tensed. "U-Uh—"
Mahiru, completely mortified, quickly kicked Sana's shin.
"Stop interrogating him!"
Sana yelped, laughing. "Fine, fine! You win. He seems alright." She turned to Sam, grinning. "But you better take care of her, city boy."
Sam chuckled, nodding. "I will."
Mahiru covered her face in embarrassment.
"I regret introducing you two already."
As the day slowly faded into night, Mahiru and Sam found themselves by the riverside.
The water reflected the warm hues of the sunset, making everything glow in gold and orange.
Mahiru leaned against Sam's shoulder, sighing softly.
"I wish this summer could last forever," she murmured.
Sam kissed the top of her head. "Me too."
Fireflies danced around them, flickering like tiny stars.
And as the world around them faded into the gentle hum of summer—
They shared a kiss.
A kiss filled with all the love, longing, and happiness they had felt in their hearts.
This was their summer.
Their love.
And they would cherish it forever.
----