The movie had ended, leaving Sam and Mahiru lingering in the dimly lit theater, their hands brushing against each other as they gathered their things. The air between them felt thick with anticipation, like the silence before a storm, both of them unsure of what to do next but knowing they didn't want the night to end just yet.
"So, uh, how about dinner?" Sam asked, his voice a little shaky, his nerves still not fully under control after the movie. He tried to act cool, but his heart was racing, and he knew Mahiru could probably hear it in his voice.
"Dinner sounds great," Mahiru replied, her smile shy, but there was a warmth in her eyes that made Sam feel like the whole world had melted away.
As they walked out of the theater and into the cool night air, Sam noticed Mahiru had her arms crossed, probably to keep warm. He felt a sudden urge to be protective, to do something that would make her feel comfortable.
"Are you cold?" he asked, glancing at her, his voice soft.
"I'm fine," Mahiru replied quickly, but Sam could see the slight shiver run through her. He didn't hesitate.
"Here," he said, shrugging off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders. "You'll be warmer this way."
Mahiru looked up at him, surprised. Her cheeks flushed as she smiled, taking the jacket from him. "Thanks, Sam. You're so sweet."
They made their way to a nearby restaurant, the quiet hum of the city fading as they walked into the cozy, intimate space. The smell of delicious food and the soft glow of candles set the perfect romantic atmosphere.
The waiter showed them to a small corner booth, and Sam pulled out the chair for Mahiru before sitting down across from her. He was nervous, but he tried to mask it with a grin.
"So, what are you in the mood for?" he asked, scanning the menu.
"I don't know," Mahiru replied, glancing at the options. "Maybe something comforting, like pasta?"
"Pasta sounds good," Sam agreed, looking up at her. "You know, you look really cute tonight."
The words slipped out before he could stop them, his cheeks immediately turning red. Mahiru looked up at him in surprise, her eyes wide.
"You think so?" she asked, her voice soft but playful.
Sam nodded, feeling his heart race again. "I mean, you always look great, but tonight… you're just—" He cut himself off, realizing he was rambling. "Never mind. I just wanted to say you look really nice."
Mahiru's eyes softened, and she smiled, a little blush on her cheeks. "Thank you, Sam. You're not so bad yourself."
They shared a brief moment of eye contact, both of them feeling a little shy but also incredibly happy. The tension from earlier had melted into something more comfortable, but there was still that fluttering in Sam's chest, that undeniable connection between them.
As they ordered their food, they continued to talk about everything and nothing. Their conversation flowed easily, with the occasional nervous laugh and stolen glance. The nervousness they both felt was still there, but now it felt like a soft, gentle thing—a warmth that made everything feel more intimate.
When the food arrived, Sam's nervousness didn't fade. He watched as Mahiru carefully twirled her pasta on her fork, her eyes bright and focused. He was struck by how beautiful she looked in the soft candlelight, and how lucky he felt to be sharing this moment with her.
"So, uh," Sam began, his voice a little unsure, "how's the pasta?"
Mahiru paused mid-bite and gave him a playful look. "It's good, but not as good as your company."
Sam's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a goofy grin spread across his face. "You're just saying that," he said, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.
"I'm serious," she said, leaning forward slightly, her eyes sparkling. "I've never had a dinner like this before."
Sam's chest swelled with happiness at her words. "Me neither."
As they ate, the conversation turned to more personal topics—memories from childhood, their favorite places to visit, and the little things that made them happy. It felt natural to talk with Mahiru, like they had known each other for a lot longer than they actually had.
By the time they were finishing their meal, both of them felt a quiet contentment in the air. Sam couldn't remember the last time he had felt so at ease with someone, and Mahiru seemed to be just as comfortable.
"I don't want this night to end," Sam admitted, his voice quieter than usual.
Mahiru looked up at him, her gaze soft and warm. "Me neither."
For a moment, neither of them said anything. They just sat there, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment, the glow of the candle flickering between them. Sam knew, without a doubt, that this was just the beginning of something special.
----