A Suit and Some Chaos

Arthur had never stepped into a high-end boutique before, and judging by the amused smirk on Alishia's face, she knew that. The store was filled with sleek mannequins dressed in tailored suits, shimmering displays of watches, and an atmosphere so pristine that Arthur felt like he didn't belong.

"Relax," Alishia said, nudging him forward. "It's just clothes."

Arthur sighed. "Clothes that cost more than my rent."

Luke, who had tagged along purely for entertainment, laughed. "Hey, at least you'll look expensive for a night."

Arthur shot him a glare before looking around. The store attendant, an older man in a neatly pressed vest, approached them with a polite smile. "How may I assist you today?"

Alishia stepped forward confidently. "We need a suit for him," she said, gesturing toward Arthur. "Something that makes him look less like an exhausted student and more like someone who actually belongs at a gala."

The attendant gave Arthur a once-over, then nodded. "I believe we have just the thing. Follow me."

Arthur sighed but followed. He was quickly introduced to a series of suits—some too stiff, some too flashy, some that made Luke laugh so hard he nearly got them kicked out.

Luke held up a ridiculous silver sequined suit. "Come on, just try this one for fun."

Arthur gave him a deadpan look. "I would rather walk into traffic."

Alishia chuckled. "You really should. It'd be hilarious."

Arthur ignored them and continued flipping through the racks. Most of the suits felt wrong—too formal, too suffocating, too unlike him. He wasn't used to dressing up, and he wasn't sure if he wanted to start now.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, Alishia clapped her hands together. "That one. Try it."

Arthur reluctantly took the deep black suit with a crisp white shirt and a dark crimson tie.

"At least humor me," Alishia said when she saw his doubtful expression.

With an exaggerated sigh, Arthur walked into the fitting room. He changed quickly, buttoning the jacket before stepping out.

The second he did, Alishia froze.

Luke, for once, had nothing to say.

Arthur shifted uncomfortably. "What?"

Alishia blinked, then let out a low whistle. "Okay, wow."

Luke burst into laughter. "Dude. You don't even look like you."

Arthur frowned and turned to the mirror. He barely recognized himself. The suit fit perfectly, highlighting his lean frame. His usual messy hair, though still white as snow, somehow looked intentional with the sharp cut of the suit. The crimson tie brought out the deep red of his eyes. He looked... different.

Alishia stepped beside him, arms crossed, a victorious smile on her lips. "You'll be the most mysterious guy at the gala."

Arthur sighed. "I already regret agreeing to this."

Luke grinned. "Too late now. We're making history."

Arthur had a feeling this night was going to be much more chaotic than he'd originally thought.

---

As they left the store, bags in hand, Arthur couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in his gut.

"You seriously don't recognize yourself, do you?" Luke teased, nudging him.

Arthur rolled his eyes. "It's just a suit."

"Sure," Alishia said, smirking. "Just a suit that turned you into some kind of high-class model."

Arthur ignored the comment, adjusting the bag on his shoulder. "Let's just go. This whole thing is already a mess."

Luke let out an exaggerated sigh. "You're no fun. You're supposed to enjoy this transformation moment."

Arthur shot him a look. "This isn't some rom-com makeover scene."

Alishia snickered. "It kind of is."

Arthur groaned. "Why am I friends with you two?"

Luke grinned. "Because you'd be lost without us."

Arthur scoffed but didn't argue. As annoying as they were, they weren't entirely wrong.

---

That evening, Arthur sat on his bed, staring at the suit hanging neatly on his door. He still wasn't sure how he had been convinced to go through with this.

The idea of going to a gala, surrounded by people he didn't know, felt suffocating. He had spent most of his life avoiding attention, yet now, here he was, being thrown into the spotlight by Alishia and Luke.

A knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Come in," he called, expecting Luke.

Instead, Alishia walked in, holding two soda cans. She tossed one to him and leaned against his desk.

"You look like you're about to run away," she observed.

Arthur sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just don't get why this is such a big deal."

Alishia opened her can with a soft fizz. "Because it's fun. And because I want you there."

Arthur glanced at her. She was watching him carefully, blue eyes bright in the dim light of his room.

"Besides," she added, smirking, "you can't back out now. I already told everyone you'd be coming."

Arthur groaned, flopping onto his bed. "You're evil."

Alishia laughed. "I know."

Silence settled between them, comfortable but lingering. Arthur sat up, looking at her. "Are you really excited about this?"

Alishia tilted her head. "Honestly? Yeah. It's been a while since I've had something to look forward to."

Arthur frowned slightly. He knew Alishia wasn't the type to openly admit when things were bothering her, but there was something in her tone that felt... off.

"Then I guess I'll try not to ruin it," he muttered.

Alishia smiled, bumping her shoulder against his. "That's the spirit."

Arthur shook his head, exasperated but amused. "You're impossible."

"And you're dramatic," she shot back.

Arthur snorted. "Fair."

For the first time that night, he felt a little less uneasy.