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The afternoon sunlight of February 14 poured through the windows of the empty classroom.
Mary Saotome sat with her arms folded against the back of her chair, letting out a long sigh. All day long, she had been busy avoiding groups of admirers who kept bringing her chocolates, until she was completely exhausted. Yet in her heart, she could only think about *“someone”* who had disappeared since morning.
“Where did she go…?” Mary murmured.
Just then, the soft sound of the sliding door echoed through the room.
The slender figure of Ririka Momobami stepped inside. Today, she was not wearing the familiar white ceramic mask she usually used to hide herself. Her beautiful, gentle face—so similar to the student council president’s, yet clearly softer and more timid—was revealed, along with a trace of nervousness.
“Mary…” Ririka called softly.
Her hands clutched a small paper bag so tightly that her knuckles turned pale.
Ririka walked closer, lowering her head until her long, silvery hair slipped down to brush against her cheeks, which were slowly turning pink.
“I… I tried making them myself,” she said quietly. “I heard today was an important day.”
She timidly held the paper bag out to Mary.
When Mary opened it, she found chocolate truffles that were slightly uneven in shape. Somehow, though, they looked far more *sincere* than all the expensive chocolates she had received throughout the day.
Mary picked up one piece and popped it into her mouth. The bittersweet taste of fine cocoa spread across her tongue.
“So sweet,” Mary said with a smile, reaching out to take Ririka’s wrist and pulling her to sit beside her. “Thank you.”
Ririka smiled—an unmasked smile, free of pretense.
“Mhm. I’ll make them for you every year,” Ririka replied, resting her head gently on Mary’s shoulder.
But the tender atmosphere slowly began to change when Mary leaned in and whispered into the ear of the girl beside her.
“Just chocolate… isn’t really enough for Valentine’s Day, you know, Ririka.”
Ririka flinched slightly, her clear blue eyes widening in surprise—only to be met, a moment later, by Mary leaning in and pressing her lips to hers.
This was not the light, casual kiss they usually shared. It carried all the feelings and longing that had been held back throughout the entire day.
“M… Mary…”
A soft, breathless sound escaped Ririka’s lips as her trembling hands slowly rose to cling to Mary’s neck, as though searching for something to hold on to while her world spun.
Mary pulled back just long enough to look at Ririka’s flushed face and unsteady breathing.
“There’s something I want that’s even *sweeter* than these chocolates,” she whispered, her gaze lingering on Ririka before leaning in again, drawing her closer.
Mary’s gentle touches made Ririka shiver, her heart pounding as warmth spread through her body. Overwhelmed, she dug her fingers into Mary’s shoulder, trying to steady herself.
“Mary… this is… a classroom…” Ririka whispered, barely able to keep her composure.
“No one’s coming in,” Mary replied softly. Her hand moved lower to where Ririka was already wet and warm.
“And if anyone dares to… I’ll make sure they know who you belong to.”
In the silent classroom, bathed in the fading light of the setting sun, only their unsteady breathing and the quiet echo of their feelings filled the air.
This Valentine’s Day did not end with just sweets in a box—it became a moment where the two of them melted into each other, bound together in a warmth that would be impossible to forget.
Author’s Note: Thank you for reading. I hope this small Valentine’s story brought you a little sweetness today. Happy Valentine’s Day!