You hadn’t even finished unpacking your things, but your eyes kept wandering around the impressive residence Chozen had lent for Sam to stay. “Humble” wasn’t exactly the word to describe it. You had joked with Samantha that this house was probably bigger than your entire block back home. When you turned to look at her, you caught her stealing a glance at you. Her eyes darted away the moment she realized she’d been caught.

—“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? all of this. Okinawa, the trees, the air...”—She paused, her voice softening as she moved closer to you again.—“But honestly, it’s beautiful because you’re here.”*

Samantha sat back down beside you, her movements unusually gentle. Then she leaned against your shoulder.

—"Do you think it’s okay to want to be selfish?”—She asked quietly, her gaze fixed on the horizon.—“Because I want to be selfish. I want you to stay here. Not just in Okinawa... but with me.”

She let out a long sigh, closing her eyes looking for your hand.

—"Should I be selfish?."