A Day Together

The morning sun was gentle, casting a warm glow over the city as Mahiru and Sam walked side by side through the shopping district. The streets bustled with people, yet for some reason, it felt like they were in their own little world.

"Are you sure you don't mind coming shopping with me?" Mahiru asked, glancing at Sam with a small smile.

Sam shoved his hands into his pockets, his cheeks slightly pink. "Well… I wasn't exactly given a choice, was I?"

Mahiru giggled. "That's because you hesitated when I asked. A real man would have agreed immediately."

Sam sighed dramatically. "I don't remember signing up for a shopping trip where I'd be judged for my hesitation."

Mahiru nudged him playfully. "Oh, don't be so grumpy. It's just one day."

Despite his teasing complaints, Sam found himself enjoying their time together. Mahiru was radiant today, dressed in a soft white frock with blue designs, looking almost ethereal. She had even worn a delicate hat that made her look like a snow princess, and Sam was trying his hardest not to stare.

But the moment she turned to inspect a display of accessories, he couldn't help himself. Subtly, he pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of her.

Unfortunately for him, Mahiru's senses were sharp.

"Sam," she said without looking at him, "Did you just take a picture of me?"

Sam froze. His mind raced for an excuse. "Uh—no? Why would I do that?"

Mahiru turned to him, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Liar."

Sam coughed into his fist. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Mahiru crossed her arms and held out her hand. "Phone. Now."

Sam took a step back. "I have no idea what you mean. Besides, even if I did take a picture, wouldn't that just mean I thought you looked nice?"

Mahiru blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, a slow, mischievous smile spread across her lips. "Ohhh? So you did take a picture?"

Sam groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I walked right into that one, didn't I?"

Mahiru giggled. "Yep. But I'll let it slide… if you send me the picture."

Sam sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine."

As he sent the picture to her, Mahiru looked at it and smiled. "You're not that bad at photography."

Sam muttered something under his breath but couldn't hide the way his lips curled into a small grin.

They continued browsing the shops, stopping at various stores, trying on hats, and laughing at some ridiculous fashion choices. It was easy. Natural. And despite the occasional teasing, Sam found himself relaxing in a way he hadn't in a long time.

But their peaceful day took an unexpected turn when Mahiru suddenly tugged on his sleeve.

"Sam," she whispered.

He turned to look at her, but her eyes weren't on him. She was looking over her shoulder, her expression slightly wary.

"I think we're being watched."

Sam's eyebrows furrowed. "What? By who?"

Mahiru hesitated. "I… I don't know. I just have this weird feeling, like someone's been following us for a while now."

Sam glanced around subtly. At first, he didn't notice anything unusual—just the usual weekend crowd. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar face peeking from behind a store shelf.

His expression deadpanned. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me."

Mahiru looked at him in confusion. "You see them?"

Sam sighed and rubbed his temples. "Yeah. And I should have known. It's Anna."

Mahiru blinked. "Anna? Again?"

Sam turned fully toward where Anna was "hiding." The moment she realized she had been caught, she quickly ducked behind a rack of scarves, but it was too late.

"Alright," Sam muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Time to deal with my wonderful little sister."

Mahiru stifled a giggle. "Should we run?"

Sam looked at her seriously. "You think that will stop her?"

Mahiru laughed. "Good point."

With a sigh, Sam grabbed Mahiru's hand. "Come on, let's go see what she's up to this time."

Mahiru's face turned pink at the sudden hand-holding, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she let herself be pulled along, already bracing for whatever chaos Anna was about to bring into their day.

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