a/n: this has been in my drafts since 2017 and i have not edited it whatsoever so sorry for the
cringyness i was young back then 😪
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((raura))
The bell chimes as Laura enters into her favourite book shop. She smiles at the sight of the many books that fill the shelves, waiting for a curious passerby to pick it up and enter into the world of imagination. Laura heads straight to her usual spot that is right at the back of shop. She smiles at Mrs. Lynch, the kind women who owns the shop and also the best baker in the world (her cookies are to die for). Laura decides to speak to her, what harm could be done. Only a small laugh and a brighter day, maybe. Besides someone was reading in her usual spot and hopefully they'd leave before she had finished chatting to the lady with the gladsome smile behind the counter.
"Hello Mrs.Lynch. How are you?" Laura smiles, walking up to the counter.
"I'm very well, now that my favourite customer is here. Also I made some cookies." Mrs. Lynch laughs along with Laura, holding a metal tin containing her heavenly cookies.
"Oh, thank you so much. I'll collect them when I leave?" Laura asks.
"Of course. Don't forget them." She reminds.
"I promise I won't." Laura laughs before heading her way towards the small area at the back of the shop.
It's her favourite place to come to. She just enjoys sitting quietly, a book in her hand, in the small but cozy, isolated place. Laura nears the area to see the person still there, sat in the corner on one of the large cushions. The boy is surrounded by tons of books, open and laying on the ground. He flicks through one of the books, looking confused.
His head snaps up as he hears the sound of someone approaching. He sees a short girl, with brunette hair and beautiful, dark brown eyes. Wow, she's beautiful.
"Um, hey." Laura says, distracted by the boy. His blonde hair looks so soft, she wishes she could run her hand through it and his hazel eyes, oh, his- gorgeous - hazel eyes, she could get lost in them forever.
"Hi, you're beautiful." He splutters out.
Laura blushes at the compliment. No one had ever called her beautiful, well anyone besides her parents or relatives.
The blonde quickly regains his composure, "Uh, sorry. I'm, um, Ross Lynch." He nervously says, scratching the back of his neck.
"Laura Marano." Laura replies, putting her hand out.
Ross shakes her outstretched hand, smiling. Laura returns the smile. The pair stare at each other for a few seconds before Laura breaks the silence when she realises something.
"Hey, I just realised you're last name is Lynch. Do you happen to be related to the lady who owns the shop?" Laura asks, curiously. She knew that Mrs. Lynch was married but had no other information about her private life. She had always wondered if she did have any children but never thought of asking.
"Yeah, she's my mum. I never come here but I needed to revise and she told me that she knew the perfect place to do it. I didn't think it'd be here but it is pretty relaxing despite the fact that I hate reading and studying." Ross states.
Laura gasps at his last statement, causing Ross to have a confused look.
"What's wrong?"
"You hate reading. How can you hate reading?" Laura exclaims.
Ross chuckles at her sudden defensiveness, "Cause it's boring." He shrugs.
"Boring? Ross, I dislike you." Laura huffs, turning to walk away.
"Hey, Laura. Leaving so soon?" Mrs. Lynch asks.
"Your son dislikes books."
Mrs. Lynch chuckles as she sees her very own, book disliking, son, running towards them.
"Son, you're an idiot."
Laura smiles, slightly, at the fact he was trying to apologise and also Mrs. Lynch whose probably the best person ever.
"Mum," Ross whines. He turns to face Laura, "I love books?" He tries.
Laura glares at him before turning to the side. She smiles a bit, not really hating him, in fact it's the opposite but still acts as though she does as she's curious to see what he would say to gain her forgiveness. Mrs. Lynch just laughs at her son's failed attempt.
"Okay, that didn't work." He mumbles.
He rakes through his mind, thinking of something to apologise with. Ross smiles, thinking of the perfect thing to say.
"Don't judge a book by its cover."
Ross looks at Laura, hoping it was the right answer. He sees Laura's smile, feeling one appear on his own face.
"Fine, you're forgiven for thinking of something smart to say." Laura turns around to face him, her smile growing.
"Friends?" He puts his arms out, motioning for a hug.
"Sure." Laura smiles as he pulls her into her arms.
They stay wrapped in each others embrace for longer than anticipated. Both Ross and Laura wanted to let go but at they same time they couldn't. It's as if they felt a sort of happiness being so close to each other, hearing one another's heart beat. It felt oddly right.
"See you soon, my new book-loving friend." Ross chuckles, once they release from their hug.
Laura laughs, pushing him playfully, "Read a book." She states, walking out the store, the bell ringing behind her.
"I will, but only for you!" He runs out the store and shouts.
She turns slightly, enough for him to see her smile and know that she definitely heard him. A grin is plastered on Ross's face as he walks back into the shop.
The bell chimes behind him, and he smiles, knowing that it'd be something he'd soon be very accustomed too.
