Alison Harold

Chapter 23

They stepped into the Photo Booth, both panting from their little run earlier with anticipation feeling the air. The booth was cozy and dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere that added to the excitement.

"I've seen one of these before," Alison announced as she looked around the booth in awe.

"In the movies?" Flynn asked.

"And in real life. But I've never been in one."

"I figured," he murmured and Alison glared at him. "I meant that in a good way." He laughed and then brought his hand up to her face. His fingers lightly caressed her cheekbone as they brushed a flock of hair away from her sweaty face and behind her ears.

Alison shivered at his sudden action. "It's your fault I'm sweating like this," she whispered.

"I'll take the blame. Wanna wait a bit until we're fully dried up?"

She shook her head.

"Let's buy some face towels then."

She giggled. "It's not necessary. We're not sweating badly."

She stood beside him, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. They focused on the screen in front of them and prepared to make their poses. The countdown began and they stood awkwardly next to each other when the camera clicked, taking their first photo.

"Try to be less awkward challenge!" Flynn said as he stuck out his tongue for the next shot.

Alison followed his lead and copied his pose. They both laughed. They tried out different goofy poses and Alison's smile became more genuine with each click of the camera as she realized that she was actually having fun in that moment. Her earlier nervousness started to fade away, replaced by a growing sense of comfort and joy. She stole a glance at Flynn, noticing the way his eyes lit up with each silly face he made.

His head turned to look at her and their eyes locked. The chemistry between them was undeniable and it was obvious that they'd both let their guard down by being themselves in that booth.

The camera clicked just as their eyes were on each other.

They decided to take more photos with some props too and Flynn picked out a cat ears headband and placed it gently over her head.

"Because you're a curious cat, Al," he told her.

She hid a smile. She couldn't even be mad at him for that. She picked out the Groucho glasses and gave it to him.

Flynn stared down at it with a small pout which she found cute.

"You're mean."

"And you're annoying, so wear it."

He didn't bother arguing so he took it and wore it. She snorted at how ridiculous he looked and they both burst into laughter.

"You look good with that mustache," she said between giggles.

"I look good with anything."

They posed for their final photos and Flynn smoothly placed his hand around Alison's shoulders, making butterflies to twirl around in her stomach.

By the time they were done, it was nearly completely dark outside. They studied the photos they'd each printed out to keep for themselves as they walked down the street. 

"This one's hilarious," Flynn said and she leaned closer to take a look. Laughter filled the air around them as they walked side by side. "Let's get some ice cream. I'm getting hungry."

They walked into an ice cream parlor and bought some cups of ice cream. She got cookies and cream and he got coffee and chocolate chips. They strolled towards the bus stop as they ate their ice cream.