The end of summer break had arrived, and with it, Sam's time in Mahiru's hometown was coming to an end. He had to return home and prepare for his upcoming classes, while Mahiru still had another week before she would return.
Even though it was just a short separation, it felt heavier than it should.
They spent the morning together, making the most of their remaining time. Mahiru took him to her favorite café one last time, where they shared a quiet meal, neither wanting to bring up the inevitable goodbye. They strolled through the familiar streets, hand in hand, fingers intertwined as if holding on tightly could somehow slow down time.
But time never stops.
And now, they stood at the train station, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow around them.
The train was already waiting, its doors open, the announcement echoing through the platform, reminding Sam that he had to leave soon.
Mahiru's fingers curled around his hand, squeezing it gently as she looked up at him.
"You'll be leaving now, huh?" she murmured, her voice soft, yet laced with unspoken emotions.
Sam sighed, his thumb running over the back of her hand. "Yeah… I have to get ready for classes."
She nodded, but she didn't let go.
"I'll be coming back next week, but…" she hesitated, her grip tightening, "it'll still feel lonely without you."
Sam understood that feeling all too well. The days without her had already been difficult before, but now—after spending so much time by her side—he knew it would be even harder.
"I'll be waiting for you," he assured her, offering a small smile. "One week will pass before we know it."
Mahiru tried to smile back, but there was a glimmer of sadness in her eyes.
"You better not get too used to being alone again," she mumbled.
"Never," he whispered.
The final boarding call rang through the station.
Mahiru's grip on his hand tightened instinctively.
She bit her lip, hesitating, her eyes searching his as if trying to memorize every detail of his face before finally stepping closer.
"Sam."
Before he could respond, Mahiru reached up, cupped his cheeks, and pulled him into a deep, lingering kiss.
It wasn't hurried or desperate—it was a kiss filled with love, with longing, with a silent promise that no matter how far apart they were for a few days, their hearts would always be close.
Sam's hands found her waist, pulling her just a little closer, savoring the warmth of her lips against his. It was the kind of kiss that made time feel like it had stopped—just for them.
When they finally pulled apart, Mahiru's cheeks were flushed, her eyes shimmering under the golden light.
"I'll be back soon," she whispered.
Sam smiled, pressing a soft peck to her forehead before finally stepping back.
"I'll be waiting for you," he replied.
Mahiru nodded, watching as he took a step onto the train. Even as the doors closed, and the train slowly began to move, their eyes never left each other's—not until the very last moment.
And just like that, summer ended with a kiss—
A promise that soon, they would be together again.
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