The morning sun cast a golden glow over the school courtyard as Arthur made his way to class, hands stuffed into his pockets. The previous night's dinner still lingered in his mind. It had been... nice. Unfamiliar, but nice. Being around people, actually talking and laughing—it wasn't something he ever thought he'd enjoy, yet here he was, not completely hating the idea.
As he stepped into the classroom, the usual murmur of conversation filled the air. Students were chatting about assignments, weekend plans, and the latest school gossip. Arthur slid into his seat near the window, ready to zone out until the teacher arrived.
But, of course, Luke had other plans.
"Morning, mystery man," Luke greeted, dropping into the seat next to him with a grin. "Enjoying your newfound social life?"
Arthur sighed. "It was one dinner, Luke."
"One dinner that you actually enjoyed," Luke countered. "Admit it—you're slowly becoming one of us."
Arthur shot him a look, but before he could retort, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Arthur," Alishia's voice was light but carried a teasing undertone as she leaned against his desk, her blue eyes glimmering with amusement. "I have something for you."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What?"
She pulled out a small envelope and placed it in front of him. The moment he saw the elegant cursive script on the front, he felt a sense of foreboding.
Luke peeked over his shoulder. "Ooooh, what's this? A love letter?"
Alishia rolled her eyes. "It's an invitation."
Arthur hesitated before picking it up, carefully opening the envelope. Inside was a neatly designed card:
You are cordially invited to the White Family Annual Gala.
Arthur's brow furrowed. "A gala?"
Alishia smiled, tilting her head. "Yep. My family hosts one every year, and I'd like you to come."
Arthur blinked. He wasn't expecting this. "Why?"
Luke leaned in. "Oh, this just got interesting."
Alishia shrugged. "Because I think you'd enjoy it. And besides," she smirked, "you owe me one after last night."
Arthur frowned. "That doesn't make any sense."
Luke snickered. "Dude, just take the win."
Arthur glanced back at the invitation. A formal event… full of people… not exactly his scene.
Alishia, noticing his hesitation, sighed dramatically. "Look, it won't be that bad. It's just a fancy party, good food, live music. And I'll be there, so it won't be completely unbearable."
Arthur exhaled, tapping the edge of the invitation against the desk. He wasn't sure why, but something in her gaze made it difficult to refuse.
"Fine," he said at last.
Alishia beamed. "Great! I'll help you pick something to wear."
Arthur groaned. "That wasn't part of the deal."
Luke clapped him on the shoulder. "Congrats, buddy. You're about to become a proper gentleman."
Arthur wasn't sure how he got himself into this, but one thing was clear—his quiet life was becoming a thing of the past.