The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ASTRID returned back to his apartment at four in the afternoon. Before, getting off the car, Ellis told him to contact her immediately once he confirmed with his friend that the other could play the piano. That way, she could tell her friend about Kiran. He agreed and bid farewell to the other.

He walked inside the apartment building. He had already sent a message to Kiran, asking the other if he could play the piano. Kiran hadn't replied yet. He was probably busy or something.

As a result, after he stepped into the elevator, he received a video call request from the other. Astrid immediately answered it.

Kiran's face appeared on the screen. Astrid quickly noticed that the other was outside and sweating quite profusely.

"Astrid, I just read your message, why did you ask if I know how to play the piano?" Kiran said before Astrid could say anything.

"Before I answer that, why don't you look first for a place that could shelter you from the sun? The sun's rays feel pretty painful to the skin during this time of the day," he said.

Kiran only waved his hand as if it didn't matter. "It's fine. I'm used to it. Besides, I'm already sitting in this park bench. I'm too tired to look for another place."

So, the other was in a park, Astrid thought. Even though he wanted to persuade Kiran, he didn't want to appear like someone who loved to nag. He could only shake his head and smile helplessly. So, he asked instead, "Are you looking for a part-time job?"

That was the only reason he could think of why the other was out like this during the weekend. From his observation, the other was definitely not the type to go out and sweat like this under the sun because he simply wanted to sightsee. So, looking for a part-time job being the reason was pretty plausible.

Kiran had a full scholarship in Redwood. This not only included his tuition fee but also his food and accommodation. Not to mention, a generous stipend given every semester. As long as he kept his grades high, of course. That's why in Astrid's opinion, there's really no need to look for a part-time job.

But then again, each and every people had their own circumstance. Maybe this circumstance was the reason why Kiran was so hell-bent on earning extra money. 

The other frowned, his expression showing that he's frustrated. "Yeah, but I haven't had any luck so far."

Hearing the expected the answer, Astrid thought that the other must have been searching since morning. "Then, let met tell you why I asked if you know how to play a piano. Maybe your mood will lighten up once you heard it."

What he said definitely attracted the other's curiosity, showing as how his eyes were filled with interest. "What is it?"

"Well, my agent's friend is looking for a pianist that could play during the weekend for her newly opened piano lounge. When my agent mentioned it to me, I immediately remembered what you said yesterday about looking for a part-time job. So, I recommended you. Of course, this is under the premise that you can play the piano."

Astrid didn't directly say that he purposely asked his agent if she knew of any part-time job for a music student. He was worried that the other might feel embarrassed because of that. After all, they had only known each other for two days. Kiran might still feel a bit shy around him. He didn't want their newly-found friendship to suddenly enter an awkward phase.

"I can! I can play the piano!" Kiran quickly responded after hearing what Astrid said. His sunset eyes were now burning with excitement. Then, that flame started to slowly dim. "Is- is it a high-end piano lounge? If- if it is, t-then, I don't think I'm suited to work at such a place."

"Why wouldn't you be suited? If you can play the piano amazingly, and I'm sure you could, then, that's all that matters," Astrid said with a bit of scolding in his tone.

Kiran looked down and said in a small voice that Astrid almost didn't hear, "But I look like this."

Astrid quickly understood what the other was worrying about. If Ellis' friend's piano lounge was a high-end establishment, Kiran was worried that his appearance wouldn't suit the place. Astrid was a bit stupefied after realizing that. So, he quickly said;

"What's wrong with how you look? You're pretty handsome, you know? You just lack a bit of nutrition. If you eat enough and gain weight, you'll definitely look much more handsome compared to most of the students in our school."

Kiran looked stunned for a bit. Then, he laughed. "The way you said it, it's like you're stating a definitive fact."

"And I am," Astrid said. "Don't look down on yourself too much, Kiran. You're at the top of the Music Department's freshmen class. You're talented. Saying that you can't play at the piano lounge just because you think you're 'unsuitable' for the place is an insult to your talent." 

Kiran again showed a stunned look. But this time, he was also rendered speechless. He looked down again. Astrid couldn't tell what kind of expression the other had right now. But when Kiran raised his head again, the dimness in his eyes was starting to burn bright once more.

"Okay, I'll take this job."

  Astrid's stern appearance finally disappeared and a bright smile crossed his lips. "Then, I'll tell my agent about it."

"Thank you, Astrid," Kiran said sincerely.

  "Don't worry about it. Aren't we friends?"

"Friends?" Kiran repeated in a daze.

Astrid nodded.

Kiran's sunset colored eyes became brighter and then he suddenly giggled like a child. "Yes, we're friends!" 

Their video call ended in such a weird note. But Astrid just shrugged that off, thinking that Kiran might just be a bit excited for his part-time job. The elevator then opened to his apartment room's floor and he walked out.

Walking in front of his apartment, he opened the door and announced his arrival, "I'm home!"