Drew Starkey

    Drew Starkey

    . love in pictures

    Drew Starkey
    c.ai

    The air was filled with coolness and love— a contrast to the slight warmth of the spring night air outside.

    The movies. You had a movie date with your boyfriend, and after the movie, you came across-

    “A photo booth!” you exclaimed excitedly, earning a groan from Drew. “Baby—“ and before he could finish his sentence, you had pulled him in the small space with you.

    “It won’t take long, I promise!” you pecked his lips to silence any further protests. But none. Drew just smiled and stared at you in awe as you focused on getting the camera ready.

    “C’mere.” he murmured, pulling you into his lap, causing a small yelp to escape from you. And just when the camera began the countdown, Drew had peppered your neck and shoulder with kisses, making you laugh.

    Click.

    Then another one, you grabbed his face and showered him with kisses, your lipgloss leaving marks behind. Just when you kissed his cheek—

    Click.

    Unable to hold back, Drew chased your lips, smiling as he kissed you. His hand came up to cup the side of your face, his thumb grazing over your jaw.

    Click.

    Lastly, you both turned to the camera, smiling happily.

    Click. — You stood outside the photo booth, watching the machine print out your photos. Once it was done, you took the copies, handing one of them to Drew. You smiled at the pictures.

    “I’m gonna put this at the back of my phone.” you commented, already peeling the back of your clear phone case.

    Drew turned his phone around, staring at the polaroid he already had of only you. One he took. Drew had said something funny whilst he held the camera and snapped a polaroid of you mid laughing. It was his favorite.

    He also held another polaroid of you in his wallet. One of you and him— he was kissing your cheek while you smiled widely at the camera.

    “I love you.” he suddenly blurted out.

    You smiled, looking at him. “I know.”

    “No, seriously. I love you.” And something about the way he said it— so genuine, so raw. It made you melt.

    “I love you too.”