you keep robbing my heart like a bank ~camren~

5.

They decide to have Zayn pick them up one by one along the way to save time and gas. Since Camila lives closest to him, she gets picked up first, claiming the passenger seat. Tori, Lauren, and Ally are next, cramming into the middle row, while Dinah and Normani take up the back seats. Once everyone is ready, they begin the half hour drive to the fairgrounds.

The carnival had already been in town for nearly two months and was wrapping up its final week. This meant that most people had already visited, so when they arrived at the location, they found it to be fairly empty.

"This is awesome. We're going to be able to go on so many rides today," Dinah chimes in from the back seat.

"Especially the rollercoasters. They're the best," Tori comments.

"Yes girl, you know where it's at." Dinah reaches forward, fist bumping with Tori in agreement.

"Alright, children. Get your little butts out of the car. And I want you holding each other's hands; we don't want to lose anyone," Zayn jokes as they exit his vehicle.

"Okay, papi," Lauren says as she jokingly nudges him, not sure where that bout of confidence came from. The goofy smile he sends her makes her feel proud of herself for stepping out of her comfort zone. She gets momentarily distracted when Camila pushes past her to walk ahead of the group, but Lauren chalks it up to the girl being excited to ride some attractions.

As they make their way through the parking lot, Normani strikes up a conversation with Lauren about one of their shared classes. She forgets briefly that they're in a parking lot and she should watch where she's going until a strong arm wraps around her waist and tugs her backwards and the sound of a car horn blares from her right. Lauren feels her cheeks heat up in embarrassment at being stupid enough not to look both ways before walking. It's then that she realizes someone is still holding her, so she glances up and back to see Zayn smirking slightly at her.

"I don't need to actually hold your hand just to keep you safe, do I?"

The car wasn't really going that fast and would have easily been able to stop had Lauren actually walked in front of it, but she still feels some appreciation for Zayn looking out for her.

"Thanks," she mumbles sheepishly.

Even though Zayn has unwound his arm from around Lauren's waist, his hand is still placed on her lower back as they make their way through the rest of the parking lot to the admission booths where Camila is waiting for them with her arms crossed and a strange look on her face. The fact that Zayn's hand is still on her makes Lauren smile, whether he meant to leave it there or not, because she's never received this kind of attention before. She doesn't question Camila's expression, too busy enjoying the warmth of Zayn's touch.

"Come on come on let's go," Dinah whines as she tugs Tori forward, taking the first place in line for the ticket booth. Camila lines up next with Ally and Normani right behind her while Zayn and Lauren take the rear.

When it gets to their turn to buy their tickets, Zayn lays down enough money for two admission passes.

"Two tickets, please."

Lauren shakes her head, attempting to shove her money towards the cashier. "No, Zayn, please, y– you don't have to pay for me."

Zayn blocks the booth from Lauren using his body, turning to her with a warm smile on his face. "Seriously, Lauren. Let me."

She opens her mouth to argue but he speaks first. "Please?" Reaching forward, he gently pushes her hand holding the money away from himself. He arranges his features into something almost resembling a puppy dog expression and it has Lauren crumbling at the sight.