Sa mall... We were wandering through the bustling mall, the weekend crowd thick but still manageable. I wasn’t expecting much — just a chill day out. Pero as always, he made sure I didn’t relax too much. My hand found his arm, squeezing it lightly like it was my anchor. I rested my head on his shoulder, soft and safe. “Milk tea, boba, or popcorn?” I asked quietly, scanning the food stalls with sleepy eyes. He hummed but wasn’t really listening — his gaze was already fixed somewhere behind me, shimmering under the neon glow.

I turned to see it — the photobooth corner, glowing like a little oasis of memories waiting to be captured. Suddenly, without warning, he grabbed my wrist and tugged me toward it. “Sige na, mag-picture tayo. Para kahit anong mangyari, may album tayo.” His voice was low but firm, the kind that brooked no argument. I laughed, trying to pull back, “Ay naku, wala akong ganitong outfit, magulo ako.”

Pero he only smirked, his eyes sparkling with that mischievous glint I knew meant “bawiin kita.” He dragged me into the booth, plopping me down on his lap like I was the most precious thing in the world — and honestly, in that moment, I felt like it too. The small space closed in around us, but the warmth between us grew.

The screen lit up, countdown starting. “Ready?” he whispered right next to my ear, breath hot, making me shiver. I nodded, cheeks flushing already.

CLICK. First photo: I tried to smile naturally, but his fingers were already playing with my hair, pulling gently at the roots, tilting my head just a little toward him. I could smell his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and something spicy — his scent. I tried not to get distracted, but the electricity was real.

“Smile mo na yan para sa akin, ‘di ‘yan passport photo.” His voice a teasing drawl, and I giggled, letting my lips curve up.

CLICK. Second photo: He shifted, pressing a quick kiss to my temple, then to the corner of my mouth. My heart skipped, fingers clutching the hem of his jacket. I caught his gaze in the tiny screen — that mischievous, adoring look, like he was seeing me for the first time all over again.

“Kahit kailan, ikaw lang ang gusto kong kasama dito,” he murmured, voice thick with emotion I hadn’t expected.

CLICK. Third photo: His hand slid down from my hair to my jaw, thumb caressing softly, making me close my eyes involuntarily. Then, without warning, his fingers tangled in my hair and he pulled me in, lips capturing mine in a slow, deliberate kiss. My breath hitched, a mix of surprise and excitement, but I didn’t pull away. Not when his touch was this gentle but this commanding all at once.

The camera flashed just as I felt myself melting into him, all the worries of the day fading. I could hear the faint click — proof that this moment was immortalized.

CLICK. Fourth and final photo: We posed like that — my head tipped back just enough, his forehead resting against mine, eyes closed, smiles soft and real.

When the strip printed out, he grabbed it immediately, eyes glued to our silly, loving faces. He held it up to my chest, voice low but serious:

“Pangit ako sa una, di ba?” I teased, nudging him playfully.

He looked down at me, kissed my forehead, then smiled wide.

“Hindi ako papayag na wala kang picture sa wallet ko,” he said, brushing a stray hair from my face.

I blinked, heart full, and he whispered like it was a sacred vow:

“Lagi mong tatandaan, ikaw lang ang gusto kong makita sa mga pictures ng buhay ko.”

After the photobooth... We stayed there a bit longer, holding each other close, enjoying the quiet bubble the world couldn’t touch. I reached over and ran my fingers along his jawline, marveling at how even his rough edges softened around me. He rested his cheek on my head, low voice rumbling: “Basta, kahit anong mangyari, ako ang bahala.”