The next morning, Sam found himself staring at his phone, his fingers hovering over the screen. He had already typed and deleted a message to Mahiru at least three times.
What do I even say?
Last night had been... something. Holding hands, the teasing, and that look she gave him before leaving—it was different from before. More daring.
Was she messing with him? Or was she actually serious?
Before he could overthink any further, his phone buzzed.
Mahiru: Good morning, sleepyhead. Still grinning like an idiot?
Sam nearly choked on air.
Sam: Wha—No! Who grins like an idiot?
Mahiru: You.
Sam sighed, rubbing his temples, but he couldn't deny the smile forming on his lips.
Sam: You were pretty smug last night. What happened to the shy Mahiru?
Mahiru: She evolved. You should be scared.
Sam chuckled, shaking his head. He could practically hear the playful tone in her message.
Just as he was about to reply, another text came through.
Mahiru: Meet me at the café later?
Sam's eyebrows rose. Usually, he was the one asking.
Sam: Sure. Any special reason?
Mahiru: Maybe.
He sighed. She's enjoying this way too much.
—---
Later that afternoon, Sam arrived at the café, already feeling slightly on edge.
What is she up to?
As he stepped inside, he immediately spotted Mahiru sitting by the window. Wearing a yellow frock , paired with a white hat, which gave her a cute look, and she was like a sun princess who had just stepped out of a fairy tale.
Sam blinked. Is it even legal to look that good?
Taking a deep breath, he approached the table and sat across from her. "Alright, what's the big mystery?"
Mahiru took a sip of her drink before flashing him a knowing smile. "No mystery. Just wanted to see you."
Sam narrowed his eyes. "Somehow, I don't believe that."
Mahiru tilted her head. "Oh? Do I need a reason to meet my boyfriend?"
Sam nearly choked on air again. "B-Boyfriend?"
Mahiru blinked innocently. "Well, aren't you?"
His brain shut down for a second. She had never outright called him that before.
Mahiru giggled at his reaction. "Relax, I'm just messing with you... for now."
Sam groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You're really enjoying this, huh?"
She hummed. "A little."
Before Sam could retaliate with his own teasing, the café door opened, and he felt a chill run down his spine.
Anna had just walked in.
And she was looking directly at them.
Sam froze. "Oh no."
Mahiru followed his gaze, then smirked. "Oh yes."
Before he could react, Mahiru casually waved at Anna, who blinked in surprise before marching over.
"Oh," Anna said, crossing her arms. "It's you again."
Mahiru smiled sweetly. "Nice to see you too, Anna."
Anna narrowed her eyes before shifting her gaze to Sam. "And you... You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend!"
Sam sputtered. "I-I—"
Mahiru, enjoying every second of this, rested her chin on her hand. "He's shy about it."
Anna stared at Sam, then back at Mahiru. "I knew something was up. You guys are dating!"
Sam groaned. "Anna, not so loud!"
But it was too late. A few café patrons were already glancing their way.
Anna smirked. "You tried to hide it, but I'm too smart."
Mahiru chuckled. "I won't argue with that."
Anna looked proud for a second before turning serious. "Alright, Mahiru. I have questions. Many, many questions."
Mahiru raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Like what?"
Anna leaned in dramatically. "What are your true intentions with my brother?"
Sam groaned louder. "Anna, please."
Mahiru, however, just laughed. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of him."
Sam's face turned red.
Anna squinted. "Hmm... I'll be watching you."
Mahiru smiled. "Looking forward to it."
As Anna sat down and continued her interrogation, Sam realized something—his peaceful days were officially over.
And somehow, he didn't mind one bit.
Sam had barely recovered from Anna's interrogation at the café when he realized something troubling—she wasn't done.
In fact, she seemed more interested in his relationship with Mahiru than ever before.
"So," Anna said, walking beside him as they headed home. "You're really dating her, huh?"
Sam sighed. "Anna, you literally saw us together. Why are you asking again?"
Anna grinned. "I just like hearing you admit it."
Sam groaned. "You're insufferable."
Anna ignored him. "I gotta say, I didn't expect my loner brother to get a girlfriend before I did." She smirked. "Is this why you always ignored my teasing? You were too busy falling in love?"
Sam glanced away. "It's not like that…"
Anna gasped. "Oh my God, you totally were!"
Sam rubbed his temples. "Can you stop?"
Anna patted his shoulder. "Relax, big bro. I'm just making sure she's good for you."
Sam sighed, but deep down, he knew Anna meant well.
----