After enjoying the cake together, Sam licked a bit of frosting off his fingers and looked at Mahiru and Anna with a soft smile. "Thanks, you two. I really appreciate this."
Anna stretched her arms and grinned. "Well, don't thank us yet! This wasn't the only surprise we planned."
Sam blinked in confusion. "Huh? There's more?"
Mahiru giggled, her eyes glimmering with excitement. "Come with us."
The two girls grabbed Sam by the arms and led him away from the riverside. They walked for a while, the air cool and refreshing, until they reached a quiet hilltop that overlooked the city. The moment Sam laid eyes on the view, his breath hitched.
Tiny lights from houses and buildings stretched as far as the eye could see, twinkling like stars against the night sky. The streets below glowed warmly, with moving cars and dimly lit alleyways adding to the beauty. It was peaceful—so serene that it made the world feel like it had slowed down just for them.
"Whoa…" Sam whispered, staring in awe.
Mahiru smiled, watching his expression. "I thought you'd like this place."
Anna nudged Sam playfully. "See, big bro? We know you better than you think."
For a moment, Sam simply stood there, soaking in the view, feeling something deep inside his chest—a warmth, a gratitude he couldn't quite put into words.
Anna then clapped her hands together. "Alright, alright, enough staring! Time for your second surprise."
She pulled something out of her bag and shoved it into Sam's hands. "Tada! Your first gift!"
Sam raised an eyebrow and unwrapped it, revealing… a phone case. But not just any case—one with his favorite character on it, designed perfectly in a sleek yet stylish way.
He let out a small laugh. "Anna, you—"
"I KNOW, I KNOW. I'm the best little sister ever." Anna flipped her hair dramatically. "No need to get emotional. Just use it, okay?"
Sam chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah… I will."
Mahiru, who had been standing quietly, finally stepped forward, holding out a small box. Her voice was softer than usual. "And… this is from me."
Sam hesitated for a second before carefully taking the box and opening it. Inside lay a delicate silver chain, and attached to it was a small pendant that opened like a locket. When he flicked it open, he froze.
Inside was a tiny photograph of him and Mahiru sitting side by side, smiling at each other. It wasn't a posed photo—it was natural, warm, and full of emotion.
Sam's fingers trembled slightly as he traced the edges of the locket. His heart felt full. "Mahiru… this…" He couldn't find the right words.
Mahiru lowered her head slightly, her cheeks dusted pink. "I thought… you might like to have something that reminds you that you're not alone." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried more weight than anything she had said before.
Sam swallowed, his chest tightening. "I… I love it." His voice came out quieter than usual, thick with emotion.
The three of them stood there for a little while longer, the city lights flickering below them, the night wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. For the first time in a long while, Sam felt truly… happy.
Finally, it was time to leave. The three of them walked together toward the station, chatting and teasing each other along the way. Anna kept poking Sam's side, making exaggerated remarks about how lucky he was to have such an amazing sister and girlfriend. Mahiru, as usual, blushed but smiled softly at their playful bickering.
When they reached the station, Mahiru turned to Sam, her expression gentle. "I hope you had a good birthday."
Sam looked at her, his heart swelling with warmth. "I did. Thanks to you two."
Mahiru hesitated for a second before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around Sam.
Sam's breath caught in his throat as he felt her warmth against him. Slowly, he lifted his arms and hugged her back. It wasn't just a casual hug—it was tight, full of emotions neither of them could put into words.
Mahiru buried her face against his shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love you, Sam."
Sam's chest tightened as he held her closer. A warmth spread through him, something deep and undeniable. He closed his eyes for a second before replying, "I love you too, Mahiru."
The world around them felt still, like nothing else mattered in that moment. But then—
"AHEM!"
Anna's loud voice shattered the moment as she dramatically pulled them apart, placing her hands on her hips. "Okay, okay! I get it, you two are in love, very sweet, very romantic, BUT let's not turn this into a movie scene in the middle of a station."
Mahiru, completely flustered, turned bright red and took a step back. "I-It's not like that!"
Sam, still slightly dazed, just sighed and shook his head. "Anna…"
Anna wiggled her eyebrows at them, clearly enjoying herself. "Ohhh, I see how it is. You guys completely forgot I was here, huh? Maybe I should just walk away dramatically now?"
Mahiru groaned, covering her face, while Sam just laughed. "You're impossible."
Anna grinned. "That's what makes me fun."
Mahiru stepped onto the train, still blushing, and waved at Sam. "Good night, Sam."
He smiled softly. "Good night, Mahiru."
As the train disappeared into the distance, Anna nudged Sam. "Sooo, lovebirds, huh?"
Sam sighed, already knowing she wouldn't let this go. "Let's just go home, Anna."
Anna chuckled, skipping beside him. "Fine, fine. But you're gonna hear about this for the rest of your life, big bro."
Sam just shook his head, smiling.
For the first time in a long time, he felt like his birthday wasn't just another day.
It was special. Because of them.
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