A Walk to Remember

After the whirlwind that was Anna, Sam and Mahiru found themselves wandering through the quiet streets of the city. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the sidewalks. The air was crisp, yet comfortable, and the usual city bustle had calmed down.

Mahiru walked beside Sam, occasionally stealing glances at him. She could tell he was still a little flustered from Anna's antics, but he also seemed more relaxed than usual.

"You know," Mahiru started, a teasing smile on her lips, "you looked really cute back there, all flustered."

Sam groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Don't remind me."

She giggled. "I mean, Anna practically called us lovebirds, and you didn't even deny it."

Sam turned his head away, his ears turning red. "Well… it's not like she's wrong."

Mahiru's breath hitched. She hadn't expected him to admit it so casually.

Noticing her reaction, Sam smirked slightly, gaining some confidence. "What? You're the one who kissed me last time, remember?"

Mahiru gasped, lightly hitting his arm. "Y-You're bringing that up now?!"

Sam laughed, enjoying the rare moment of Mahiru being flustered. "I mean, it was a surprise attack."

Mahiru pouted. "You looked too cute standing there like an idiot."

Sam placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be wounded. "Ouch."

They both laughed, the teasing making the air between them feel light and natural.

As they continued walking, Mahiru suddenly noticed something—Sam was walking slightly closer to her than usual. Their hands almost brushed a few times, and each time, her heart skipped a beat.

After a few moments of internal debating, Mahiru decided to be bold. She reached out and lightly hooked her pinky around his.

Sam tensed for a moment before slowly looking down at their hands. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but then he simply smiled.

Without a word, he adjusted his hand, gently lacing his fingers with hers.

Mahiru felt her face heat up, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she squeezed his hand slightly, and to her delight, he squeezed back.

For a while, they just walked in silence, the only sound being the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle evening breeze. It was a simple gesture, but to them, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Finally, they reached the train station, the moment of parting creeping up on them once again.

Mahiru turned to Sam, reluctant to let go of his hand. "I had fun today."

Sam nodded, his eyes warm. "Me too."

A small silence settled between them before Mahiru took a step closer. Sam held his breath, suddenly remembering the last time they were at the station.

Mahiru grinned slightly, noticing his reaction. "Expecting something?"

Sam swallowed. "N-No."

She giggled, leaning in just a little closer. "Liar."

Before he could react, she pulled her hand from his, turned on her heels, and quickly hopped onto the train just as the doors were closing.

Sam blinked, staring after her. His heart was racing, and his face was burning.

Then, just as the train started moving, Mahiru appeared by the window, pressing a hand to the glass with a mischievous smile.

Sam could only watch, dumbfounded, as she mouthed something to him—

"Next time, I won't let you off so easy."

And with that, the train pulled away, leaving Sam standing there, stunned, before he eventually let out a deep sigh and leaned against the station wall.

"She's going to be the death of me for real."

Yet, despite his words, he couldn't stop the stupid grin that spread across his face.

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