The first morning after Mahiru's return felt… strange.
Not because anything was wrong, but because something was missing.
Sam sat at the breakfast table, absentmindedly stirring his coffee as Anna chattered away about her latest drama at school. His parents were busy discussing something about the weekend, but Sam wasn't really listening.
It was too quiet.
For the past few days, he had woken up in Mahiru's hometown, where her presence was constant—where he could see her first thing in the morning, hear her voice without a phone screen separating them.
Now, even though she was back in the city, she wasn't here.
"Big bro, are you even listening?" Anna's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Huh?" Sam blinked.
Anna squinted at him suspiciously. "You've been zoning out all morning. Don't tell me you're already love-sick?"
Sam groaned. "Can you not get started with it already!"
His mom chuckled. "It's cute. You two just reunited, and you already miss her?"
"I just saw her last night," Sam muttered, rubbing his temples. "I'm fine."
Anna smirked. "Suuuure."
His dad, who had been silently reading the newspaper, finally spoke. "So, when are we meeting her properly?"
Sam choked on his coffee.
"Wh-What?"
His dad shrugged. "We've only seen her a few times in passing. If she's this important to you, we should invite her over for dinner."
His mom nodded in agreement. "Oh, that's a lovely idea! Mahiru's such a sweet girl."
Sam sighed, knowing there was no escape. "I'll… ask her."
Anna grinned. "Can't wait. This is gonna be fun."
--
Later that afternoon, Sam found himself back at the café—the one where he and Mahiru always met.
And sure enough, there she was.
Sitting by the window, sipping her usual iced latte, Mahiru looked up as soon as he walked in. A bright smile spread across her face.
"You're late," she teased.
Sam rolled his eyes as he slid into the seat across from her. "You're early."
Mahiru giggled. "I guess I was excited."
Sam smirked. "Missed me already?"
She stuck her tongue out playfully. "Maybe."
The warmth in his chest returned. This was what he had missed—their natural, easy banter.
"So, how was your day?" Mahiru asked.
Sam sighed. "Anna's being annoying. My parents are planning to invite you for dinner. And I still feel like I should be on vacation."
Mahiru chuckled. "Sounds like you had an eventful morning."
"You?"
Mahiru took a sip of her drink. "Unpacked, cleaned a bit… realized my apartment is way too quiet without you around."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "What, you miss hearing my voice all the time?"
Mahiru rolled her eyes, but her cheeks turned pink. "Shut up."
Sam laughed. "Admit it. You're just as bad as me."
She huffed, but her expression softened. "Maybe I am."
They shared a quiet moment, just enjoying each other's presence.
And for the first time since returning, everything felt right again.
Later that night as Sam lay in bed, his phone buzzed.
Mahiru: Are you asleep?
Sam: Nope. You?
Mahiru: Obviously not.
Sam smirked.
Sam: What, can't sleep without my goodnight call?
Mahiru: ...Maybe.
His heart melted a little.
Without hesitation, he pressed the call button.
The moment she answered, her voice was soft and drowsy.
"...I really did get used to having you around," she admitted.
Sam smiled. "Me too."
They didn't say much after that. Just soft breathing, a few quiet words, and the comfort of knowing the other was there.
And as Sam finally drifted off to sleep, he realized—
Even though they weren't under the same roof, they were never really apart.
----