You were never really one for chocolate.
It melted too fast in your hands, was too sweet on your tongue, and reminded you too much of awkward school days where you sat in the corner pretending not to watch the others receive perfectly wrapped gifts from admirers or hopeful friends. Saint Valentine’s Day at Advanced Nurturing High wasn’t any different. Just more organized. More mechanical. More pressure in the air, hidden behind glittering foil and polite smiles.
You didn’t expect her. Not this time.
“Hey,” Maya Satou said, arms folded behind her back, trying to look casual—failing, adorably.
You blinked. You’d just finished class, slipping your notebook into your bag. The hallway was nearly empty. Everyone had somewhere to be. Or someone.
“Oh. Hey Satou.”
“Don’t play dumb,” she said, stepping closer, a little puff of breath escaping her lips. She smelled like some kind of floral shampoo and determination. “You do know what day it is, right?”
You shrugged. “Thursday.”
She narrowed her eyes. “It’s Valentine’s Day.”
You offered a faint smile. “Right. So?”
She rolled her eyes like it hurt. “So... I’m giving you chocolate, idiot.”
She shoved the box into your hands before you could say anything. Wrapped with a purple ribbon, warm from being in her coat pocket. Your fingers brushed hers. She didn’t pull away.
“I made them myself,” she added, almost defensively. “And if you throw them away or give them to someone else I’ll actually kill you.”
You smirked. “Sounds fair.”
She stood there for a second, suddenly less confident. She was chewing on her bottom lip, nervous. “Also. Um. I booked two tickets to that movie you said you wanted to see. The noir one. With the detective. And there’s this café nearby that makes themed pastries. You’re coming. With me. Today.”
You raised an eyebrow. “You’re...asking me out?”
“I’m telling you we’re going out,” she corrected, a bit of her usual sass seeping through. “Unless you’re a total coward.”
You glanced down at the chocolates again. Still warm.
“Fine,” you said, pretending it wasn’t a big deal. “Lead the way.”
The café was small but cozy, its windows fogged with condensation from the warm drinks and soft murmur of chatter. Maya ordered a latte and something shaped like a cat. You took black coffee and played with the sugar packet until she snatched it away.
“You’re nervous,” she said. “It’s cute.”
“Not nervous,” you lied.
“Sure,” she smiled, stirring her drink. “You’ve been avoiding me since the semester started.”
“I avoid everyone.”
“Yeah, but I chased you.”
You looked at her. Really looked at her. Maya Satou, the girl always laughing in the back row, always finding ways to poke fun, always one step away from breaking every rule if she thought it might get a smile out of you. And today—she was here. For you.
“I didn’t know,” you muttered.
“I know,” she said, quietly. “But I waited.”
The movie wasn’t even that good.
Predictable plot. Weak villain. Bad soundtrack. But she laughed in the right places, leaned her shoulder against yours halfway through, whispered smart remarks during quiet scenes. Her hand, at one point, ended up on yours. Neither of you moved it.
When you walked her back to the dorms, the sky was a soft pink and grey. Valentine’s Day fading. You could hear someone’s music from an open window above. The air was chilly, but not cold.
“So,” you said. “Good date?”
Maya turned, hands behind her back again. That same nervous smile. “Not bad.”
You nodded. “Cool.”
Silence.
Then—
She stepped forward and kissed you.
Just a quick press of her lips against yours. A little hesitant. A little bold. But real. Warm. Sweet. Not too sweet.
She pulled back, looking away. “That’s for next year’s Valentine’s. In advance.”
You stood there, stunned, like an idiot. She laughed, blushing, and turned on her heel.
“Night, dummy.”
And she was gone, just like that, leaving you standing there with warm lips and a cold breeze and a heart that suddenly felt way too loud in your chest.