The dance was winding down, but the air still buzzed with excitement and laughter. Arthur stood near the refreshment table, a cup of punch in his hand. The faint glow of the string lights above reflected in his crimson eyes, giving him an otherworldly allure. Students continued to glance his way, murmurs rippling around him.
"You're the talk of the night, you know," Alishia said, approaching him with a playful smirk. She held a small plate of snacks, her earlier blush replaced with a confident smile.
Arthur sighed, taking a sip of his drink. "That's not exactly comforting."
Luke, who had been mingling nearby, sauntered over, his grin wide. "Not comforting? Come on, man. You've got half the school swooning. It's like watching a rom-com unfold in real-time."
Arthur shot him a dry look. "Maybe I should've stayed home."
"Too late for that," Alishia said, nudging him lightly. "Besides, you're having fun. Admit it."
Arthur didn't respond immediately, his gaze drifting toward the dance floor where couples moved in rhythm to a slow tune. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but there was a strange sense of peace in this chaos—a momentary escape from the shadow of his past.
The DJ announced the final song of the evening, a soft, nostalgic melody filling the gym. Students began pairing up for one last slow dance. Luke, catching the hint, excused himself with a wink. "I'll leave you two to it. Don't disappoint, Arthur."
Arthur rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "That guy..."
Alishia stepped closer, her blue eyes shining under the golden lights. "Dance with me again?"
Arthur hesitated, but her outstretched hand made it impossible to refuse. He set his cup aside and took her hand, letting her guide him back onto the dance floor.
As they swayed to the music, Alishia looked up at him. "You know, I think this is the first time I've seen you look... happy."
"Happy?" he echoed, his brow furrowing.
"Yeah," she said, a soft smile on her lips. "You're not hiding in the shadows. You're not trying to disappear. You're just... here."
Arthur's chest tightened at her words. She was right. For so long, he'd tried to keep himself invisible, to avoid the weight of expectations and judgments. But here he was, standing in the middle of a crowd, feeling... seen.
"Maybe it's because you dragged me into this," he said, his voice tinged with humor.
Alishia laughed softly, her cheeks warming. "Maybe. Or maybe this is who you've always been, and you just needed someone to remind you."
Arthur didn't reply, but a small smile curved his lips.
As the song ended, the lights dimmed, signaling the close of the dance. The students began to disperse, their laughter and chatter fading into the night.
Arthur and Alishia walked out together, the cool evening air wrapping around them like a blanket. Luke was waiting near the school gate, leaning casually against a lamppost.
"There you two are," he said with a smirk. "Took you long enough."
"Couldn't resist the ambiance," Arthur replied dryly.
"Sure, sure," Luke teased. "Anyway, you guys want to grab something to eat? There's a diner nearby that's open late."
Alishia glanced at Arthur. "What do you think?"
Arthur considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Why not?"
The diner was warm and inviting, with neon signs casting a soft glow over the booths. The trio slid into a corner booth, the scent of coffee and freshly baked pie filling the air.
As they waited for their orders, Luke leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "So, Arthur, what's next? Going to start a fan club?"
Arthur smirked. "I think I'll pass."
Alishia chuckled. "I don't know. You might have more supporters than you think."
The banter continued, light and easy, until their food arrived. As they ate, Arthur found himself relaxing more than he had in years.
For the first time, he realized he didn't feel out of place.
As they walked home later that night, the streets quiet and the stars bright above them, Arthur felt a strange sense of contentment.
"Thanks for tonight," he said suddenly, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.
Alishia and Luke both turned to him, surprised.
"For what?" Alishia asked.
"For... making me come," he said, his words hesitant but sincere. "I didn't think I'd enjoy it. But I did."
Alishia's smile was radiant. "You're welcome."
Luke clapped him on the back. "See? Told you we're a good influence."
Arthur shook his head but didn't argue.
As they parted ways, Arthur glanced back at his two friends, a small smile lingering on his lips. For the first time in a long time, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter.