Scene: Amane's living room. Snow is falling gently outside. A calm silence surrounds the room. Mahiru and Amane are sitting on the sofa, side by side. A quiet warmth lingers between them.
Amane:"So… this is what it feels like… having a girlfriend."
Mahiru:chuckles softly"You say that like it's a science experiment."
Amane:"Well… I mean… It kinda feels unreal, y'know?"
Mahiru:blushes and looks down at her cup of cocoa"It's real. I'm right here."
Amane:smiling awkwardly"Yeah… you are. But I still feel like I might wake up and find out it's a dream."
Mahiru:"You're not dreaming. If you were, I wouldn't be this nervous."
Amane:"You? Nervous? Miss Perfect?"
Mahiru:"Hey!" lightly punches his arm "I'm not perfect. I've just… gotten good at hiding it."
Amane:"I liked you even before all of this. Even with the messiness."
Mahiru:"…You've always seen me more clearly than anyone else."
They fall into silence for a moment. The clock ticks quietly. The snowfall continues outside, adding a dreamy background hum.
Amane:"So, uh… Should we set any rules? Now that we're dating?"
Mahiru:raises an eyebrow"Rules?"
Amane:"Yeah, like… No PDA at school? Or… daily good morning texts?"
Mahiru:giggles "You sound like Itsuki."
Amane:"Hey! That's uncalled for."
Mahiru:"I'm just teasing. I don't think we need strict rules. But…"
Amane:"But?"
Mahiru:"…Let's promise to be honest. Even if it's awkward. No hiding feelings."
Amane:nods"Honesty pact. Got it."
Mahiru:"And… can I say something selfish?"
Amane:"Anything."
Mahiru:"…When we're together like this… I want to be the only girl you look at."
Amane:surprised, then smiles warmly"I already do. Haven't you noticed?"
Mahiru blushes, looking away shyly.
Mahiru:"…Dummy."
There's a knock at the door. Amane sighs.
Amane:"That better not be Itsuki barging in again…"
He walks to the door, opens it—and sure enough—
Itsuki:"Yo, Amane! Did the lovebirds finish their cocoa already?"
Chitose:pops her head from behind"I told him not to come today! Sorry, Mahiru!"
Mahiru:smiles politely"It's fine. Would you like to come in?"
Amane:"Do we have a choice?"
Itsuki and Chitose enter and settle down like they own the place.
Chitose:"So~! How does it feel being official now?"
Amane:"…Embarrassing."
Mahiru:soft laugh"Warm."
Chitose:"Awwww~ that's so cute! I'm gonna cry!"
Itsuki:grinning"Just don't break up, alright? I bet money on you two."
Amane:"…What?"
Itsuki:"Kidding. Sort of."
Mahiru:to Chitose"Are they always like this?"
Chitose:"Unfortunately, yes."
The room fills with laughter. For a moment, it feels like they're all just normal teenagers enjoying a winter evening.
Itsuki:"Anyway, rumor is there's gonna be a school ski trip next month. We should all go."
Chitose:"Double date on the slopes?"
Amane:"Sounds dangerous. I can't even ski."
Mahiru:smiling"I'll teach you."
Amane:"Oh no. I'm doomed."
Later, as the guests leave and night falls deeper, Mahiru and Amane find themselves alone again. The quiet returns.
Mahiru:"…Today was fun."
Amane:"Yeah. A little chaotic. But nice."
Mahiru:"Thank you… for accepting me. For waiting for me."
Amane:"You were worth waiting for."
She slowly leans her head on his shoulder.
Mahiru:"…Let's walk this road slowly. Together."
Amane:smiling, his hand gently brushing against hers"Together."
[End of Episode 1]