"I didn't choose writing," I said, staring into his eyes. "I fell in love with it."
"Okay."
"My mom was friends with a woman who wrote books for kids. Mom would always buy books for me. Raymond and I would spend every day reading them," I said, smiling. "As children, me and Ray would write our own stories, so I guess I grew up with a creative and vivid imagination."
"Wow, Aubrey Everhart. So very touching. Now my turn to ask a question too. I thought you write fancy books—why don't you talk in that manner?" he asked.
I couldn't stop myself. I burst into loud laughter, my brownish red hair falling slightly into my face as I grabbed a handful of popcorn and threw it in the air like a crazy person.
"You really cracked me open there. What a stupid question that is. Now let me ask you one—do you prefer me to talk to you like this: 'Sir, I would implore you to cease making such unnecessary inquiries, hmm?'"
"Please don't!!!" he cried.
"What I was trying to say is, for someone like you who writes big words and serious stories, I expected you to be overly serious," he explained.
"So I wasn't the only one judging, huh? You literally judged a book by its cover—or in my case, an author by her book," I said.
"I'm sorry, but that's the feeling your book gives," he said.
"You know my stories get edited, right? So most of those fancy words aren't entirely mine. I don't blame you though—that's one thing about being a public figure. People assume they know you just by reading your bio or your work," I said softly, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"I'm sorry I judged you based on your writing. You know what? I think that's enough getting to know each other for one day. Let's just enjoy the ride before it ends," he said.
I nodded.
"I like that you thought that way about me. But if you want to know me, I want you to know casual Aubrey—not the one that creates worlds, okay?"
I looked outside, but I could still feel his eyes on me through my side glance.
The Ferris wheel started to slow down. The city below came closer, lights stretching across the ground like glowing threads.
The cabin dipped lower until we finally reached the ground with a soft stop.
The operator opened the door.
I waited for Daven to step out before getting up. It was then I saw his hand stretched out toward me.
I took it as he helped me back onto solid ground.
The night air felt different—heavier, louder, like reality had caught up with us again.
I held my popcorn as we walked off, then quickly pressed it into his hands and pulled out my phone.
6:00 PM.
"Wanna go home?" Daven asked.
"Yeah, it's getting late and—"
I stopped when I spotted a photo booth.
"Hold on… can we take a picture first?" I asked.
He looked a little tired, but there was still that easy half-smile on his face.
"Sure. Perfect souvenir for your vacation. Let's go."
I smiled and led the way to the photo booth.
---
We stepped into the photo booth, and the small space instantly felt quieter than the fair outside.
The curtain fell behind us.
A soft screen lit up in front of us.
For a second, neither of us spoke.
Then—
"3…"
Daven glanced at me, his expression relaxed, almost amused.
"2…"
I quickly straightened my posture, my hair shifting over my shoulder as I tried not to laugh.
"1…"
Flash.
The first picture snapped.
We barely had time to react before the second countdown started.
"3…"
This time I turned slightly toward him, catching the faint curve of his smile. I couldn't help admiring his cute one-cheek dimple.
"2…"
He raised an eyebrow at me like he was silently challenging me.
"1…"
Flash.
Second picture done.
The booth felt smaller now, the air closer, like the space between us had quietly disappeared.
"3…"
I leaned in a little without thinking.
"2…"
Daven noticed and tilted his head slightly, amused, his gaze steady on me.
"1…"
Flash.
Third picture hit.
And just like that, the booth went quiet.
The screen dimmed, then showed all three shots.
I stared at them and laughed under my breath.
"Those actually came out good," I said.
Daven leaned in beside me, his shoulder lightly brushing mine as he looked.
"Of course they did," he said. "I was in them."
I rolled my eyes, smiling anyway.
Then as We walked out of the photo booth, the noise of the fair rushed back into my ears followed by lights, music, laughter.
---
Daven led the way through the crowd, his hand brushing lightly against mine as we moved through people.
Outside, his car was already waiting under the streetlights.
He unlocked it and opened the door for me.
I slipped inside.
He got in after me and closed the door.
The engine started.
And then we were moving.
The city lights blurred softly through the window as he drove, the roads quieter now, the chaos of the fair slowly fading behind us.
I rested my head against the glass, watching the glow of buildings slide past in streaks of light.
The ride back was calm.
After a while, the car slowed.
My hotel came into view — tall, glowing gently against the night sky.
He pulled up at the entrance and parked.
"We're here," he said.
I sat up.
"Yeah."
He got out first, walking around to open my door, damn he really was a gentle man.
I stepped out, smoothing my dress as the cool night air hit my skin.
For a second, neither of us moved.
Just that quiet pause again.
"Thanks for today," I said softly.
He smiled a little. "It was chaotic fun."
I laughed. "Whatever say you, mysterious player. But yeah.... it really was."
I turned toward the entrance, then looked back once more.
He was still standing by the car, watching me.
I gave a small wave.
"Goodnight, Daven."
"Goodnight, Aubrey."
I turned away and walked into the hotel.
The doors slid open automatically, warm light spilling over me.
The lobby was still awake — soft voices, quiet movement, late-night calm.
Then I took the elevator up.
Floor by floor.
The quiet deepened.
My room hallway stretched long and empty as I walked.
Click.
Door opened.
I stepped inside.
Shoes off.
Bag dropped.
Silence finally wrapped around me properly.
I didn't even think twice before falling onto the bed.
And just like that, the day ended.