The Arcade Prince
964 Words
I didn’t expect the hallway to feel like a battlefield.
Whispers slithered through the air like venomous snakes, curling around lockers and bouncing off polished marble floors. Eyes followed me—some curious, some cruel. The aftermath of my clash with Beatrice had spread faster than I could blink. I kept my head down, clutching my books like a shield.
Then I heard his voice.
“Aisha!”
I froze. My heart did a somersault.
Stellan stood at the end of the corridor, sunlight pouring through the stained glass behind him like some divine spotlight. His blonde hair glowed, his blue eyes locked onto mine with a mix of concern and something else—something softer.
I swallowed and walked toward him, trying not to trip over my own feet. Girls nearby gasped and straightened their skirts, but Stellan didn’t even glance at them. His gaze was fixed on me like I was the only person in the hallway.
“I heard what happened,” he said, voice low. “Is it true?”
I hesitated. “Depends on what version you heard.”
He frowned, stepping closer. “The one where Beatrice accused you in the cafeteria."
I blinked. “That one’s true.”
His jaw tightened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think it mattered,” I said, shrugging. “Besides, you’ve got a kingdom to run, Prince Charming.”
His lips twitched into a half-smile. “Still. I care.”
That word—care—hit me harder than I expected. I wasn’t used to people caring. Not genuinely. Especially not someone like him.
Girls nearby started inching closer, hoping to catch his attention, but he didn’t budge. His focus was unwavering. Eventually, they gave up and walked away, their heels clicking in disappointment.
We talked for a few minutes—about the rumors, about Mia, about how exhausting it was to pretend everything was fine. Then the bell rang, slicing through the moment like a blade. We exchanged a quiet goodbye and headed to our separate classrooms.
The instructor announced that exam results would be posted tomorrow. I barely registered the rest of the lecture. My mind was still tangled in the way Stellan had looked at me—like I wasn’t invisible.
Hours passed. The sun dipped lower. I was packing my things when I heard it again.
“Aisha!”
I turned. Stellan stood by the door, hands in his pockets, looking like he’d just stepped out of a magazine.
“Want to hang out?” he asked.
I blinked. “Now?”
“No classes this afternoon, remember?” he said. “I was thinking… arcade?”
I tilted my head. “Arcade?”
“Yeah. There’s one outside the university. It’s pretty cool.”
I hesitated. “I don’t have anyone to drive me there.”
He looked genuinely puzzled. “No driver?”
I panicked for a second. “He’s… busy.”
Stellan didn’t press. “Then ride with me.”
I nodded, heart thudding. “Okay. What time?”
“Four. Meet me outside your dorm.”
We parted ways. I rushed to my room, cheeks flushed. Mia was there, lounging on the bed.
“You’re going out?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” I said, trying to sound casual. “With Stellan.”
Her eyes widened. “Stellan? You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
She sat up, suddenly interested. “You need help getting ready.”
I didn’t argue. She braided my pigtails tighter, added a soft shimmer to my cheeks, and picked out a cream blouse with a pleated skirt that made me look like I belonged in a fashion catalog. I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror.
At exactly four, I stepped outside. Stellan’s car gleamed like a diamond under the sun. He was leaning against it, sunglasses perched on his nose, looking like royalty.
He opened the passenger door for me. “Milady.”
I laughed. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Only for you.”
We drove off, the city blurring past us. He asked about my favorite games, my childhood, my dreams. I answered cautiously, careful not to reveal too much. But he listened—really listened—and that made me want to say more.
When we arrived, my jaw dropped.
The arcade looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. Neon lights danced across the ceiling, holographic signs floated mid-air, and the entrance was guarded by two robotic lions. The floor shimmered like glass, and the scent of caramel popcorn and cinnamon swirled around us.
“This is… insane,” I whispered.
Stellan grinned. “Welcome to the high-class playground.”
He held my hand as we walked in. I tried not to stare at the chandeliers hanging above the claw machines. We played everything—racing games, dance battles, VR sword fights. I laughed more than I had in weeks.
At the food center, he ordered everything. Gourmet burgers, truffle fries, rainbow milkshakes. I tried to protest, but he waved me off.
“My treat,” he said. “You deserve it.”
I didn’t know how to respond. No one had ever said that to me before.
As we sat in a booth shaped like a spaceship, sipping our drinks, I looked at him—really looked at him. He was more than just the prince of the school. He was kind. Thoughtful. And maybe, just maybe, he saw me as more than just a girl from nowhere.
I smiled. “Thanks, Stellan.”
He leaned back, eyes twinkling. “Anytime, Aisha.”
And for the first time, I didn’t feel like I was pretending to belong.
I did belong. At least, in this moment—with him.
- Writer
