**(I wanted to change and write a proper relationship, but the future chapters will be affected if I do, messing with the flow. So I wrote this over span of a week.
Which is far better than the horror the og Author wrote with a couple paragraphs. I honestly thought to keep that just for shits and giggles đ
Anyway, romance ain't a priority, so after I set it up nicely, there won't be too much of it. Unless there's popular demand or something at least.
Anyway, enjoy. I had to rack my brains to make it fit and not break the structure. Also, the investment and friend part was also chinese, so these ones are basically all my work. Sigh, I need rest)**
As Arthur stepped out of the cab with Shakira clinging to his side like a sleepy vine, he felt the driver's stare burn into his back. It was the kind of look that said lucky bastard without a single word. Arthur gave a polite nod, trying to appear dignified despite the pop icon practically drooling on his shoulder.
The hotel guard at the entrance straightened as he saw them approach. His bored expression evaporated, eyes widening as he recognized the woman hanging onto Arthur like her life depended on it.
Then came the grinâwide, exaggerated, and absolutely absurd. The man threw him a double thumbs-up, like Arthur had just returned from a war zone carrying victory and a celebrity girlfriend.
Arthur groaned internally. And so it begins.
"Need help, sir?" the guard asked, barely hiding his excitement.
Arthur shook his head quickly. "No, no. Just⊠send some fresh towels and bottled water to room 1503. And maybe some snacks. And don't tell anyone you saw us."
The guard nodded solemnly. "My lips are sealed, brother."
Arthur didn't trust that grin one bit, but it was too late to change plans now.
The elevator ride was a slow one. Shakira kept giggling at the elevator music, her head bobbing slightly to a rhythm only she could hear. "This tune slaps," she mumbled. "Why isn't it on top charts?"
Arthur sighed, " Might have been if it was 1900's."
When they finally reached the room, Arthur was practically dragging her in, trying to keep her from smacking into walls. He gently lowered her onto the bed, slipping her heels off one by one. She let out a happy sigh, flopping sideways like a child who just survived a school day.
Arthur grabbed a clean towel and wet it with cool water from the sink, then returned to gently dab her face and neck. He wasn't trying to be romantic or heroicâhe just didn't want to wake up tomorrow to headlines about her being found passed out in his room in questionable condition.
As he worked, Shakira stirred and blinked her eyes open.
Arthur took a step back, nearly dropping the towel. "Hey, you're awake. Uhâdrink some water and rest, alright? I brought you here because I didn't know where your hotel was. You can sleep on the bed. I'll take the couch after I freshen up."
Without waiting for her response, Arthur spun on his heel and practically fled into the bathroom.
He turned on the tap and splashed cold water onto his face, gripping the sides of the sink.
Just survive this night. No scandals. No mistakes. You've survived Leeds fans after back-to-back losses, you can survive a drunk Shakira in your hotel room.
When he finally emerged from the bathroom ten minutes later, towel draped over his shoulder, he found Shakira⊠not asleep.
***
Arthur stepped out of the bathroom, towel draped across his shoulder, hair still damp and messy from the quick shower. He adjusted his robe slightly, trying to steel himself for a peaceful night of sleepâjust him and the hotel couch. It was supposed to be simple. One night. No trouble. No temptation.
He opened the door slowly and stepped into the room.
And instantly regretted it.
Shakira was no longer a sleeping, muttering mess of tequila and bad balance. She was sitting upright on the bed now, her legs curled beneath her, a glass of water in one hand and a mischievous look in her eyes.
The robe she woreâhis hotel robeâhung off her shoulder, revealing just enough to confirm what his brain had hoped wasn't true. Her clothes were scattered across the armchair in a chaotic pile. Her lacy underwear draped over the edge like a flag of war.
Arthur blinked.
Then blinked again.
Shakira grinned like she'd caught him in a trap. "Welcome back, scaredy cat."
Arthur chuckled nervously. " I might be in danger."
"You are," she replied, patting the spot beside her. "Now come here. I won't bite⊠too much."
Arthur hesitated, hands awkwardly hovering in front of him like he was defusing a bomb. Eventually, he moved toward the bed and sat down beside herâleaving just enough space between them to deny any wrongdoing in court.
She leaned in, the scent of her skin warm and intoxicating, the faintest trace of her perfume lingering from earlier. "Thanks," she whispered. "For taking care of me."
He smiled gently. "No problem. I couldn't just leave you there."
Her smirk curled wider. "My savior," she said in a low, sultry voice. "And you know⊠usually, when a girl is saved like this, she says thank you with something nice. Something unforgettable."
Arthur shifted in his seat. His brain was screaming at him to say something nobleâsomething responsible. But his mouth? His mouth was already dry.
"You sure you don't need rest?" he offered weakly. "You still sound drunk. Maybe I should⊠I don't know⊠take you back to yourâmmmph."
She cut him off with a sudden, fierce kissâfull lips, soft and sure, crashing against his like a tidal wave of heat and hunger. Her hand slid to his jaw, holding him there as she deepened it without hesitation. When she pulled back, he was breathless and blinking, pupils dilated like he'd been hit by lightning.
"Are you single?" she asked, eyes burning.
Arthur nodded, slowly, stupidly.
"You don't have anyone you're in love with?" she pressed, her voice dropping into something quieter, more searching.
"No," he said, though it came out more like a question. "I meanâno."
A slow, triumphant smile spread across her lips. "Good. Then don't hold back."
She leaned in again, but Arthur hesitated, hand gently stopping her.
"I don't want this to just be some⊠drunken night we'll forget," he said quietly. "You're⊠I like you. And I don't want you to think I'm only after.."
Her fingers curled around his robe. "Arthur," she whispered, "I broke up with a cheating asshole two weeks ago. I was in a bad mood until I met you and we started talking.
I've been drinking, yes, but I know exactly what I'm doing. I even tested to see if you try to take advantage of me, but you didn't, although your boner gave away your thought." She chuckled to the mortified expression of Arthur muttering," This is what social death feels like."
She cupped his face and smiled," You can control yourself, put my well being before your lust,not to mention I have this crush on you. Since you have nobody special, it works out well. And you are richer, and just as popular as me, so no excuse like I'm too good for you. Tonight, I don't want a savior or a shrinkâI want you to make me happy. Right now."
He looked into her eyes, and there was no confusion there. No haze of alcohol or doubt. Just heat, and decision.
And the moment she said, "Just Shut up and kiss me," he couldn't resist anymore.
Their lips met again, this time slowerâdeeper. Her hands gripped the back of his neck as he leaned into her, finally letting go of whatever guilt or hesitations were rattling in his mind. The couch, the rules, the noble thoughtsâthey all dissolved as her body pressed against his, robe slipping further from her shoulders.
Arthur's hand brushed against her waist, pulling her closer, their bodies aligning instinctively. Her skin was warm, soft beneath his touch, and she let out a soft, breathy moan against his mouth.
"I knew it," she whispered, between kisses. "Latinas always bring the heat out of the quiet ones."
Arthur chuckled against her lips. "You're dangerous."
"And you love it," she breathed.
The room fell into a kind of heated silenceâjust rustling sheets, quiet gasps, and whispered laughter as they gave in to the tension that had been building since the moment he carried her out of that club. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't plannedâbut it was real, chaotic, and alive.
Somewhere in the mess of robes and tangled limbs, Arthur pausedâhis forehead against hers, both of them catching their breath.
"You're still stealing my robe," he murmured.
Shakira smiled lazily. "It looks better on me."
Arthur laughed, " You'll look even better without it."
She smirked and tossed away the robe, revelaing her in all her naked glory. " There, better than you imagination?" She asked slyly.
Arthur let his hands roam around her body as he grabbed her ass with a determined look, " Since we are doing it, let's put maximum effort." He pounced, turning her around and pinning her underneath.
Shakira's eyes widened in surprise then she gasped in pleasure as Arthur started his work on her," Mmhhm, yes Arthur, it feels good."
Their bodies moved together as they explored each other forgetting about everything else. The last thing Arthur remembered was hugging Shakira in his arms after 4 times of conquest. She had smile on her face as she slept holding him tightly.
Before he drifted off , Arthur thought to himself , " Either it's the best wet dream he ever had, losing his virginity for this world to his celebrity crush( the times the previous owner of the body did it don't count xD), or he might wake up tomorrow and find a surprise. Either way, he was happy.
***
Arthur woke up to a pounding headache and an uncomfortably persistent reminder of last night's eventsâthe kind that made it painfully clear he hadn't just been dreaming. Slowly, he cracked open his eyes and immediately flinched at a sudden chill that ran through his body. His gaze dropped downward, and what he saw made his heart skip.
There, sprawled atop his naked torso, was Shakiraâequally naked, peaceful in sleep, her soft curves pressed against him. His right arm was awkwardly pinned beneath her, trapped between the gentle rise and fall of her chest. One of her hands rested possessively on his forearm, fingers curling slightly, as if reluctant to let go. His fingers hovered dangerously close to a place he dared not think about.
Arthur swallowed hard. So it was real. He blinked, trying to shake the fog from his mind. I actually hooked up with Shakira. The gravity of it settled in, and a flood of mixed emotions followed: disbelief, excitement, and an undercurrent of panic. Please let her remember last night. Please don't let this end with me in jail.
He tried to move, careful not to disturb the delicate balance, but Shakira stirred, mumbling something unintelligible in Spanish, then clung tighter against him like he was her anchor in a storm. Arthur's lips twitched into a small smile despite the throbbing in his head.
"Not a bad way to lose your v-card," he whispered softly. "Thankfully, the previous owner of this body had plenty of battlefield experience... four times in one night isn't too shabby." He chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. Her lips curled into a faint smile in her sleep, soft and beautiful.
Arthur sighed and decided it was time to wake her gently. He poked her lightly on the shoulder. "Shakira? Come on, it's morning."
She groaned softly and buried her face against his neck. "I don't wanna go to schoolâŠ"
Arthur chuckled, couldn't help teasing her. "You have an exam today, remember? You might fail if you're late."
Her eyes snapped open, wide with sudden panic. She bolted upright and shivered as the cool air hit her bare skin. Then she froze, eyes darting down, and a flush spread across her cheeks. "Why am I naked? Waitâwho are you?" Her gaze locked on Arthur, sharp and accusing. "What did you do to me, bastard?"
Arthur's mind raced. "Whoa, hold on! Before you accuse me of anything... it was mutual, okay? I'm actually the victim here!"
Shakira's glare deepened. "Victim? So, what you're saying is I forced myself on you?"
Arthur muttered, "Well... kinda."
"What does that even mean?"
Arthur raised his hands defensively. "Nothing! Please don't hurt me."
For a moment, she stared him down like she was deciding if he was telling the truthâor if he was just utterly ridiculous. Then laughter burst out of her, warm and genuine. "Serves you right," she said, still chuckling. "Using the 'exam' trick to wake me up early after you wouldn't let me sleep all night? You deserve this."
Arthur blinked in relief. "So... no jail time?"
Shakira smirked, then got up and walked closer, completely unabashed by her nakedness. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a slow, lingering kiss. Arthur held her tightly, the warmth of her body grounding him amidst the whirlwind of his thoughts.
When they finally broke apart, she whispered playfully, "Since you've learned your lesson, order us some breakfast. Then join me in the shower."
With a teasing sway of her hips, she sauntered away, leaving Arthur both dazed and smiling like a fool.
Arthur picked up the phone and ordered room service, his mind racing. I must have used up all my luck last night. What are we? he wondered silently. We'll figure that out after the shower.
He hung up and eagerly headed to the bathroom. The sound of running water was comforting, like a reset button on his frazzled nerves. Arthur chuckled to himself, heart poundingânot from headache, but from anticipation. He walked in eagerly. Moments later, soft giggles, the splash of water, and breathy moans floated through the slightly open bathroom door.
After the long shower, They fell into easy conversation, laughter mingling with the warmth between them. The awkwardness of the morning faded as they talked about everything and nothingâmusic, football, dreams, fearsâfinding a rhythm beyond the hangover and the night before.
At one point, Shakira brushed a damp strand of hair from Arthur's forehead, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. Their eyes locked, and the unspoken electricity between them charged the air.
Arthur swallowed, then whispered, "Last night... was real."
She smiled softly, leaning into his touch. "Real is better than a dream, isn't it?"
He nodded, feeling the weight of those simple words.
***
The breakfast had arrivedâfresh fruit, eggs, avocado toast, some espresso, and a pair of painfully indulgent pastries that neither of them really needed but devoured anyway. They sat together in bed, plates balanced on laps, hair still damp from the shower, towels traded for comfy hotel robes. It was an oddly domestic, almost too-normal morning for two people who'd only met properly the night before.
Arthur chewed thoughtfully, casting the occasional glance at Shakira as she sipped her coffee and scrolled through her phone with bed-mussed hair. She looked relaxed, naturalânothing like the polished image he'd seen a thousand times on screens. She caught him staring.
"What?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
Arthur shrugged with a faint smile. "Just trying to process how weird and amazing this is."
She grinned. "Yeah, same."
He set his plate aside, wiped his hands on a napkin, and leaned slightly toward her. His voice softened. "Shakira⊠can I ask you something?"
She looked up. "Go on."
He hesitated a second, then spoke. "I know we don't know each other that well yet, and maybe this is too soon, too sudden⊠but I want to know what this is. Between us. I mean, I don't want it to be just a one-night thing if it doesn't have to be."
Before he could go on, Shakira reached over and gently placed a finger on his lips. "Let me speak first."
Arthur blinked but nodded. She set her coffee down, turned to face him fully, and drew in a quiet breath.
"I don't regret last night," she began, her voice calm and steady. "Even though we barely know each other, it didn't feel forced or fake. When I first saw you on TV, you lookedâwell, cute and charming. I don't usually crush on people I've never met, but something about you felt⊠interesting."
Arthur's brows lifted slightly, surprised.
She continued, her tone playful now. "But then I got into a relationship that, as you may have heard, didn't exactly end in a fairytale."
Arthur nodded silently, knowing enough not to comment on that.
"When we finally talked," Shakira went on, "I felt something genuine. I wanted to see what kind of person you are. So⊠I acted a little drunk to see how you'd react."
Arthur's eyes widened. "Waitâyou weren't actuallyâ"
She smirked, clearly enjoying his shocked expression. "What do you think I am? Some teenager who can't hold her liquor and just throws herself at any guy?"
She gave him a mock glare, challenging him to contradict her.
Arthur laughed nervously and reached for her hand. "Definitely not. No argument from me."
Shakira softened again at the touch. "You know, it's funny," she said, voice lowering. "I came here for a concert. I wasn't supposed to go out, but Naya dragged me into it. And now? I'm really glad she did. We're both adults. We're both busy. So I understand if this was just a fling⊠but I won't mind if it's not."
She looked away after that, clearly unsure of what to expect.
Arthur didn't hesitate. "Yeah, okay...be my girlfriend?" he asked, direct and sincere.
Shakira's head whipped around. "Wait⊠did you just ask me to be your girlfriend just like that?"
Arthur nodded. "Yeah. Figured I might as well be straight about it. You're fun, beautiful, easy to talk to. You've got this amazing energy. Not to mention we've, uh, already shared a bed. I like youânot the global pop icon. I'd like to get to know you properly. See where this could go, if you want that too."
She stared at him, serious now, weighing the moment. "Are you sure?" she asked. "I might not be the prize you think I am. I get swamped with work. Travel. Stress. My schedule's chaotic."
Arthur leaned forward a little. "Let me ask you something. Do you want to settle down someday? Have a family? Or is work your priority forever?"
She bit her lip. "Of course I want a family, eventually. I don't want to spend my life chasing deadlines and performances forever."
Arthur smiled. "There you go. Then we don't have to rush. Let's just see what this is. Let it grow. We'll know if it works by trying, not by guessing. I've learned one thing running a football clubâhesitating only leads to regret."
Shakira looked conflicted for a moment, processing it all. "You're serious? No doubt?"
Arthur gave a small laugh. "None. Yeah, it's fast. But I don't like wasting time thinking about what might've been ten years from now. Life's too short to overthink every good thing that comes your way."
She looked down, thoughtful, then finally spoke. "I need some time to think. This⊠this means a lot more than I expected."
Then, with a soft smile, she added, "Tell you whatâcome to my concert tomorrow. Bring your friend too. Naya will set you up with VIP passes. After that, we'll talk more. Sound fair?"
Arthur nodded. "Sounds perfect."
Shakira smiled, then leaned in and hugged him. He felt the warmth of her cheek press against his chest, her arms wrapped gently around his back.
"Thank you," she whispered. "I really don't want to mess this up like last time. Just give me some time to think."
Arthur held her close, heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "Deal."
Outside, the sun rose a little higher, casting golden light through the curtains, warming the room that now held the beginnings of something unexpected, fragile, and full of promise.