The train had disappeared from sight, but Mahiru remained standing at the platform, staring at the tracks as if hoping Sam would come back.
She sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just one week," she whispered to herself. "I can handle one week."
But even as she told herself that, she already missed him.
The walk back home felt lonelier than before. Sam's presence had become such a natural part of her days that without him beside her, everything felt… quieter.
Her mother greeted her at the door with a knowing smile. "Already missing him?"
Mahiru pouted. "Obviously."
Her father scoffed from the living room. "Hmph. It was too peaceful while he was here. Maybe I can enjoy a week of silence before you start acting all lovestruck again."
"Daaad," Mahiru groaned, puffing her cheeks.
Her mother giggled, patting her daughter's shoulder. "It's alright, dear. You'll be seeing him soon. Why don't you use this week to relax? Spend time with your old friends?"
That wasn't a bad idea. Mahiru knew she had been too focused on Sam to catch up much with her friends.
"Yeah… I guess I could do that."
But even as she said it, her mind was already counting down the days until she could see Sam again.
Meanwhile, in Sam's City
Sam tossed his bag onto his bed and collapsed onto his mattress with a loud sigh.
His room felt empty.
He had been looking forward to returning home, but now that he was here… he realized just how much he had gotten used to Mahiru's presence.
The soft scent of her perfume.
The warmth of her hand in his.
The way she'd look at him with that gentle smile that always made his heart race.
"Just one week," he muttered to himself.
But it already felt too long.
His phone buzzed, and he instantly grabbed it.
Mahiru: "Did you reach home safely?"
Sam smiled, his fingers quickly tapping a reply.
Sam: "Yeah. But I think I forgot something important."
Mahiru: "Huh? What??"
Sam: "You."
There was a pause before Mahiru sent back an angry emoji, followed by:
Mahiru: "That's not fair, idiot. You're making me miss you more."
Sam chuckled, feeling a little better.
Sam: "I miss you too. One week will go by fast."
Mahiru: "It better."
With that, their conversation continued late into the night. Even though they were far apart, their hearts remained close.
One week.
Just one more week.
----