The familiar streets, the scent of the city air, the warmth of the hand intertwined with his—it all felt so right. As Sam walked Mahiru back to her apartment, a comfortable silence settled between them.
He hadn't let go of her hand since they left the station. Not that she minded. If anything, it reassured her.
"So… how does it feel to be back?" Sam asked, glancing at her.
Mahiru sighed happily. "Like I never want to leave again."
Sam chuckled. "You make it sound like you were gone for months."
"It felt like that." Mahiru pouted slightly, squeezing his hand. "Every day without you felt… empty."
Sam's steps slowed, and Mahiru turned to face him. His expression softened, his fingers brushing against hers.
"Yeah… I felt the same."
The way he looked at her, like she was the only thing that mattered, made her heart flutter.
"Good thing I'm back, then." She smiled playfully.
Sam smirked. "Yeah, I guess I won't be able to sleep peacefully anymore."
Mahiru narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, you know…" Sam pretended to think. "Now I'll be up all night texting you again, making sure you're not lonely."
Mahiru's expression softened. "...I wouldn't mind that."
Sam smiled. "Me neither."
They continued walking until they reached Mahiru's apartment.
--
Standing outside her apartment door, Mahiru hesitated.
"Well… this is me," she said softly.
Sam nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah."
Neither of them moved.
A small sigh left Mahiru's lips. "I got so used to having you around… it feels weird knowing I'll be sleeping alone again."
Sam chuckled. "You'll be fine. Besides, we'll call before bed, right?"
Mahiru looked up at him with warm eyes. "You better."
She took a small step closer, reaching for his hand one last time.
Sam squeezed her fingers. "Get some rest, Mahiru."
"You too."
And then, before either of them could hesitate, Mahiru stood on her toes and kissed him softly.
A lingering, sweet farewell.
When she pulled back, her cheeks were tinted pink. "...Goodnight, Sam."
Sam smiled. "Goodnight."
With that, Mahiru stepped inside, and Sam watched as the door slowly closed.
Letting out a deep breath, he turned and made his way home—his heart feeling both full and empty at the same time.
Because no matter how much time they spent together, parting always felt just a little too soon.
----