Arthur stepped into the apartment complex, the soft hum of the city outside fading as the familiar scent of home settled around him. The weight of his brief encounter with Luke and Sophie still lingered, their teasing words replaying in his mind. Is she special? The question had caught him off guard. He knew Alishia was different—someone who had managed to slip past the walls he had carefully built around himself. But putting a label on whatever was happening between them? That was something he wasn't ready for.
He adjusted the grocery bag in his grip, climbing the stairs to his apartment. As he neared Alishia's door, he hesitated for a moment before knocking lightly.
"Come in!" her voice called from inside.
Arthur pushed open the door to find her standing in the kitchen, her back to him as she stirred something in a pan. She was wearing an oversized sweater, her hair tied up in a loose bun, a few strands falling around her face. The warmth of the kitchen mixed with the inviting aroma of spices and something faintly sweet.
"You actually got everything I asked for?" Alishia teased without turning around.
Arthur set the bag on the counter. "Surprisingly, yes. Though I had to endure Luke's endless commentary in the process."
Alishia turned to face him, a curious look in her blue eyes. "Luke? What did he say?"
Arthur exhaled, shaking his head. "Nothing important."
"That means it was definitely something," she said, crossing her arms with a knowing smirk. "Come on, spill."
Arthur leaned against the counter, watching her with a measured look. "He introduced me to his girlfriend."
Alishia's eyes widened. "Wait, Luke has a girlfriend? I thought he was too busy being everyone's favorite troublemaker."
Arthur smirked. "Apparently, even he has his moments."
Alishia laughed softly, turning back to the stove. "Well, good for him."
For a while, they worked in comfortable silence. Arthur, despite his lack of experience in the kitchen, followed Alishia's instructions as best as he could. Occasionally, she would correct him—guiding his hands, adjusting his grip on the knife, or sighing dramatically when he made a mess.
At one point, he felt her fingers brush against his as she handed him a spoon. It was a fleeting moment, but it sent a strange warmth through him.
Alishia noticed his momentary pause and raised an eyebrow. "Arthur?"
He quickly shook off the thought. "What?"
"You spaced out," she said, tilting her head slightly. "Thinking about something?"
Arthur hesitated. "Just... Luke being annoying."
Alishia gave him a doubtful look but didn't push further. Instead, she leaned against the counter, watching him closely. "You know, I never expected you to be the type to have a close friend like Luke. He's so... outgoing. And you're, well—"
"Not?" Arthur finished for her.
She grinned. "Yeah. But it's nice. I think he brings out a different side of you."
Arthur exhaled, shaking his head. "He tries."
Alishia turned back to the stove, stirring absentmindedly. "Maybe that's what friends are for. Pushing you when you need it."
Arthur thought about that for a moment, his gaze lingering on her. The way she spoke, the way she carried herself—there was something comforting about her presence. Like she had quietly become a part of his world without him realizing it.
"I guess you do that too," he murmured.
Alishia froze for a fraction of a second before turning to look at him. "What?"
Arthur met her gaze. "You push me. In your own way."
For the first time, Alishia looked slightly flustered. She quickly turned back to the food, her voice softer. "I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
Arthur smirked. "I haven't decided yet."
She rolled her eyes but smiled, and for a moment, everything felt strangely... right.
Neither of them said anything more, but the silence between them was filled with unspoken understanding.