After finishing breakfast, Sam helped Mahiru clean up, though the occasional awkward glances between them hadn't completely disappeared. Every time their hands brushed while passing dishes, Mahiru felt her heartbeat quicken slightly.
Why am I acting like this? she thought, frustrated with herself.
Meanwhile, Sam wasn't doing much better. Every time he looked at Mahiru, memories of last night flashed in his mind—how she had clung to him in fear, how peaceful she looked while sleeping next to him, how warm she felt in his arms.
Get it together, Sam! he scolded himself.
Once the kitchen was clean, Mahiru sighed. "I guess you should get going now."
Sam nodded. "Yeah… I probably should."
But neither of them moved.
An odd silence filled the air as they stood there, neither wanting to be the first to say goodbye.
Finally, Sam scratched the back of his head. "Uh… well, thanks for letting me stay over. Sorry for, you know… taking up your bed."
Mahiru waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine… I mean, it wasn't that bad."
Sam raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "Oh? So you're saying you liked sleeping next to me?"
Mahiru's face turned bright red. "T-That's not what I meant!"
Sam laughed. "Relax, I'm just messing with you."
Mahiru pouted. "Not funny."
Still grinning, Sam grabbed his bag and walked toward the door, Mahiru following behind him. As he stepped outside, he turned back.
"I'll see you later?" he asked.
Mahiru nodded. "Yeah… see you later."
Just as Sam was about to leave, Mahiru hesitated before calling out.
"Sam."
He turned. "Hm?"
For a moment, Mahiru looked unsure, but then she smiled softly.
"...Take care."
Sam stared at her for a second before a warm smile spread across his face.
"You too, Mahiru."
And with that, he walked away.
Mahiru stood in the doorway, watching him go.
Her heart felt strangely full.
And as she closed the door behind her, she realized something—
She missed him already.
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