Attention
"You give me butterflies, you know?
내 맘은 온통 paradise"
arthur boyle x fem! reader
synopsis; How far would Arthur go to get your attention? Shaving his head? Lying? Or working as a maid? How far wouldn't he go is the question.
no use of y/n! fluff, morden au and proofread by my proofreader, she returns!! wc;2773 (˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)!! can u spot all the secret chars? Hint! Two are from the same universe as Arthur!
cw; none! :3
k's notes; I'm so excited for ep9 and hopefully they don't mess it up! I can't wait to see him get glazed, esp with edits on tiktok (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶). i lobe arthur.˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶
You never paid him much attention and to his dismay, it saddened him but Arthur wasn’t one to give up so easily. If anything, it only fueled him, encouraging him to try harder. He’d get you to notice him. One way or another.
Arthur, the blond boy in your class, was fairly popular, always garnering flattery wherever he went. Girls trailed after him like he was an idol to fantasize about, their whispers following him down the hallways. He wasn’t exactly academically gifted but what he lacked in book smarts he made up for in athleticism.
He was charming, cute and undeniably charismatic, the kind of boy who flashed a grin and had half the room smiling back without realizing it.
Plenty of people made their advances with carefully prepared notes slipped into his locker, invitations to study that definitely weren’t about studying but Arthur turned them down every single time, crossing his arms as a proud smile tugged at his lips saying he already had a princess in mind. Unfortunately for him, subtlety was not his strongest suit.
The lingering glances? Obvious. The way he always seemed to sit one desk closer each week? Too obvious. The dramatic sighs whenever you mentioned another boy? Painfully obvious. It didn’t take long for you to catch on.
One day in homeroom, you were counting down the minutes til school was over. The classroom buzzed softly with half hearted chatter, chairs scraping and pages turned. You were seated directly behind Arthur. You wondered if it was his doing or the universe playing favorites? You weren’t sure.
He was hunched over his desk, shoulders curved forward– blond hair falling just slightly into his eyes. From the way his pen moved lazily across the page, you doubted he was doing anything remotely academic. Doodling, maybe. Pretending to study, more likely.
And then an idea struck your mind like a miner finding gold. Your best friend sat beside you, bored out of her mind as she twirled her pen between her fingers. You leaned closer, lowering your voice just enough to sound casual. “So..” You began innocently, an eager smile framing your face as the question flowed from your mouth. “What’s your type in a guy?”
She blinked at you, surprised but answered anyway. “Mid thirties.. Dirty blond hair with blue eyes and good with horses.” You furrowed your brows and a mental image of the men flashed before you. “So an outlaw?” To which she huffed in faux offence. The conversation rolled smoothly until she nudged you back. “And yours?”
You made sure to lean forward in your chair slightly, just enough. “I like guys without hair.” Silence followed. Your friend’s head snapped toward you so fast it was a miracle she didn’t develop a cramp. Her brows knitted together, eyes narrowing in pure judgment.
“..Without hair?” She repeated slowly but it wasn’t her reaction you were waiting for. Arthur’s pen froze mid scribble. He straightened just a little as his head tilted gradually like he was replaying your words in his mind. Without hair?
The same confused expression crossed his face mirroring your friend’s but instead of dismissing it– he considered it. The gears turning in his mind before the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
He ran a hand through his hair thoughtfully, blond strands slipping between his fingers and for a split second you wondered if you had just made a mistake. Was this cruel? Were you cruel? Maybe.
After school, Arthur stood alone in his bathroom, the late afternoon sun spilling across the glossy tiles. On his counter sat a bald cap. It had escalated quickly.
When he’d announced, very seriously that he was going to shave his head– Shinra had thankfully intervened. Which was how Arthur found himself staring at the rubbery disguise instead.
Stilling in front of the mirror, he began tucking his blond hair underneath the cap pushing stray strands back with care. It took longer than expected before he adjusted and then he finally looked up properly.
Silence. All expressions drained from his face as azure eyes stared at his reflection. He looked like an egg with hyper pigmentation. Arthur leaned closer to the mirror, eyes squinting. His finger poked the top of the cap lightly as if it might magically merge with his head. “Is this what she likes?” He murmured, horrified as his jaw tightened. If this was your type then fine– he would gladly choke down his complaints to make you notice him.
The next morning, Arthur walked into school full of confidence. The hallway quieted in waves. People stared. Some blinked twice while others openly gawked. One whispered in disbelief before trailing off.
Arthur, however, misread every single reaction. A prideful smirk on his face with hands in his pockets, posture relaxed as he strutted down the hallway as though he hadn’t completely altered his appearance overnight because of you.
When he stepped foot into the already lousy classroom, the usual morning chatter died instantly as sacred silence followed him like a spotlight. Students’ heads turned while their conversations halted mid sentences. Every pair of eyes fixed on him as he made his way down his desk with nonchalance.
He hadn’t shaved it but his blond hair was flattened, tucked beneath an obvious cap. Your hand clasped over your mouth to trap the laugh threatening to escape. Afterall, this was your fault.
Meanwhile, Arthur could feel your gaze burning into the back of his head. A quiet spark of triumph flickered in his chest at the recognition. A few seconds passed and you leaned forward.
“Arthur.” Your voice wavered with suppressed amusement as you gently poked the middle of his back. The simple touch sent a ridiculous jolt through him as his spine straightened instantly. “What’s with the new look?” You inquired to which he responded with a small proud huff.
“Hmph. I’m trying new things.” Arthur turned around in his seat, flashing you a bright confident smile. His hand lifted instinctively to comb through his hair only to be met with smoothness.
. . .
“Heh.” The boy recovered quickly– letting his hand drop as his blue eyes continued its stare.“Do you like it?” He asked and you nodded, lips pressed together to keep from laughing. Arthur’s entire face lit up before turning back around, sitting a little taller than previously as a beamed expression framed his joyous face.
The look lasted roughly about a week before Shinra forced him to stop.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Shinra was already regretting this conversation. “You cannot be serious..” He muttered as he pinched the bridge of his nose like he developed a malicious migraine. Across from him, Arthur stood far too confidently for someone proposing something so stupid. “I am.” He said simply, a smile straight as a line sat on his face showcasing the sincerity of it all. Earlier that day, Arthur had pulled him aside with what he called a brilliant idea.
“You want me to go up to her.” Shinra said slowly, trying to make sure he was hearing this right. “And annoy her. On purpose.” The brunette’s eyes bored into his azure ones as a noticeable twitch occurred.
“Not annoy.” The blond corrected, a soft scoff followed right after as if he was in a position to dictate. “Oh, so I look like a jerk and you look like a hero?” The glint from his sharp teeth glistened in the fluorescent light above.
Arthur didn’t even deny his comment as an approved huff left his lips confirming the other boy’s assumption. “That’s not gonna work.” Shinra shot back. “She’s not gonna fall for it.”
“She will.” Arthur insisted, far too confident for someone so oblivious. His lips curved into a self assured smirk. “You just do your part.” Shinra stared at him as another twitch came into view.
“You-” He stopped himself, inhaling sharply before groaning under his breath. His hands dragged down his face slowly, tugging the skin beneath. “Why am I friends with you?”
After a few more seconds of debate, Shinra sighed in defeat. “Fine. Fine! I’ll do it.” He pointed a warning finger at the blond. “But don’t blame me if this ends like shit.” And so the plan was set to be executed.
It was the end of school and you were weaving your way through the crowded halls toward the main entrance as you were about to step out of the premise– a voice called out behind you, sharp and familiar. “Hey!”
You turned to see a boy from your class jogging lightly to catch up, waving with one hand. Shinra. You slowed, letting him fall into step beside you. His hands were buried deep in his pockets as he matched your pace.
“So. How’s the weather?” He asked, voice casual but carried a hint of nervousness. You blinked at the sudden question, tilting your head toward the sky. “It’s cloudy?” Your eyes gazed over the soft gray above before looking back at the boy.
His crimson eyes caught yours, flicking briefly downward as if embarrassed before meeting your gaze again with a faint, unsure smile. “Same.” He muttered then hesitantly asked once more. “Uh, where’re you headed?”
“Home.”
“Me too.” The brunette replied and a quiet silence settled between you. Shinra could feel it pressing against him and in a sudden burst of awkwardness, he spoke. “Miss Simian sucks.” You blinked for a moment and grinned excitedly. “Yes!”
He looked at you, surprise flickering across his face and a small spark of confidence bloomed in him. “Yeah? She’s so damn annoying.” He bared a quick, mischievous smile, watching the dullness of your eyes lit up.
“I agree, her breath stinks as well.” You added with a smirk, nudging him lightly. The ravenette laughed softly, the sound playful and amused. “Looks like a baboon too.” He teased, snickering at the mental image.
The embarrassment from before melted into something lighter when a sudden shadow fell over your shoulders. “Is he bothering you?”
You turned to see Arthur step up beside you, positioning himself on your other side. His blue eyes were narrowed, sharp and glaring as his blond hair caught the golden sun– protruding a halo around his silhouette. Shinra’s shoulders stiffened, catching the subtle slump in his posture which emitted signs of annoyance.
“Not at all, actually..” You intervened his question, denying the accusation. The blond blinked, clearly taken aback by your answer as if he hadn’t expected it. You tilted your head in wonder on why’d he even ask considering they were friends. Was this some kind of advance?
“Aren’t you two close.?” Curiosity threaded your tone as you eyed the subtle tension between them.
“No.” “Yes.”
The two of them answered at the same time, their voices entirely mismatched. You blinked, exchanging swift glances from the blond to the brunette trying to make sense of the answers. Shinra’s crimson eyes flashed toward Arthur, brows furrowed as if silently warning him.
“Yes.” “No.” You tilted your head, sighing in confusion, before Shinra muttered. “You go ahead.” He tugged Arthur to the side, leaving you to walk alone– the wind brushed past your hair as the sky changed colors.
Shinra’s hands gripped Arthur’s shoulders with a force that made the blond stagger slightly. “You idiot! What the hell was that?!” His voice was sharp, disappointment cutting through every word.
Arthur blinked, clicking his tongue as his eyes narrowed. “Me? Clearly, you’re at fault!” He shot back though he didn’t resist Shinra’s continuous shake.
“You didn’t annoy her enough, devil!” The brunette’s teeth were clenched, a vein appearing on his temple as his grip tightened. Arthur pushed back just enough to regain balance. “Now she totally hates you.” Shinra spat, frustration dripping from every syllable as he watched the blond’s indignant expression.
“Does not.” Arthur replied, shoving him lightly before giving him a final glare as he walked toward the exit. The blackhead followed behind him, exasperated but unable to ignore the hesitant glint in the blond’s eyes. “Did you see her smile though?” Arthur paused, edges softening as he glanced at him. “She did?”
“Yeah.”
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
It was the time of year for school festivals to appear. Every classroom buzzed with energy as students gathered to decide on activities and your homeroom had voted for a maid cafe. Pastries, drinks and cute little services were on everyone’s minds– the excitement in the room was almost tangible. Desks were pushed aside as chairs formed a loose circle around the teacher’s podium where a worn hat sat with folded paper slips. Some peers debated to be on maid duty while others frantically rejected the idea, hence it’s only fair to let fate decide.
Your classmates watched in anxiety as your teacher reached for the first slip and your name was called– the room erupted in giggles, some playful, teasing as your cheeks warmed in disappointment. Why had it been you? Fate sure was cruel.
A few names later, the last slip was pulled. Arthur’s gaze locked onto the paper, silently praying to the gods his name would be called but then the teacher announced Shinra. The room went quiet in an instant as pupils’ eyes darted between each other, a few knowing glances exchanged before settling on the blond boy frozen within the huddle of students, his expression completely drained like someone had just sucked the soul from his body.
You watched from the sides, preventing a giggle while Shinra on the other hand, blinked slowly as if unamused by it all. “Tough luck, man..” A classmate muttered, giving the blond a light pat on the back.
A small, flustered huff escaped him as he quickly straightened and crossed his arms. “The knight king doesn’t rely on luck.” The blond declared, voice returning to its usual confidence though the faint pink at his ears told the facade.
Following the hours, the class decided on what items to serve customers, decorations to gain attraction and outfits for the chosen students. It wasn’t til the very end that Arthur made his move. He caught up to Shinra, azure eyes fixed on his crimson ones and spoke with no hesitation in his tone. “Switch with me.” Shinra blinked, exasperation painting his features as he sighed out a response. “Why?”
“You know why.” Arthur replied and the brunette’s brow furrowed as he stared at his blond friend, weighing the request. After a few minutes of consideration, he let out a reluctant sigh and nodded. “Fine.”
Days later, the classroom had been transformed into a cozy cafe with warm lights strung across the ceiling and tables neatly arranged. The air smelled faintly of fresh bread and coffee, mingling with the hum of excited chatter from visiting students.
You stood near the front, dressed neatly in a waiter's outfit— a vest over your shirt with a wine red bow tie at the front. Beside you, Arthur was a sight to behold in a frilly dress complete with headband and stockings. His usual confidence wavered just slightly, a pink tint creeping onto his cheeks as he straightened the frills.
While the other boys chosen embraced the roles with pride, the blond shifted nervously as his hands fiddled the skirt’s hem. Normally, he wouldn’t have batted an eye at something like this but today his pride and his plan to impress you dissolved.
“You look so pretty, you know?” You said, voice teasing as you made sure he heard you loud and clear. Arthur’s cheeks deepened into an obvious shade, his body suddenly feeling warmer despite the cool air brushing through the classroom. “Shut it.” He muttered, a soft hmph escaping as he turned his gaze away.
Before you could tease him further, the bell jingled and the practised lines flashed before you. “Welcome to The super awesome Cafe owned by Sir Sprinkle Meowalots, Master~ May we be of service?” You announced, glancing at the juniors standing nearby. You gave Arthur a quick nudge, encouraging him to say his line. “Meow.”
It came out flat, utterly devoid of enthusiasm– you blinked, confused and quickly tried to fill the awkward moment. “That’s welcome in French.” You added with a giggle, hoping the humor would fill the silence.
A white haired boy chuckled, sharp teeth flashing as he laughed while the blue headed one only gave an ecstatic thumbs up. “Can we get a photo real quick?” One of the younger boys asked. You nodded, pulling Arthur closer to your side as they posed together. The camera counted down from three and snap! The picture was taken. The memories from today, forever engraved into their galleries.
“Thanks. Also, cute dress.” The white haired boy commented with a grin before heading further into the classroom, dragging his friend along. Arthur huffed softly beside you, cheeks still flushed but you caught the faintest twitch of a smile at the corner of his lips. He did not regret switching at all.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
