The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

REAS picked up his notes and put it in the space stone on the necklace he's wearing. Writing notes during class was rarely seen these days. Most students simply opened their Terminals and took pictures or videos of the lecture. But Reas was more comfortable taking notes. He could remember things much faster this way.

The military theory class had just ended and he was about to go to his next class. He stood up and was about to walk out of the classroom when he noticed that his desk mate hadn't stood up yet.

He turned his head slightly to look at Ash who was staring intently at the space in front of him. That look, this guy was definitely using his Terminal, setting it in private mode so that no one would see what he's doing.

He shook his head. Ash had been doing this every time they had classes that didn't involve training or fighting. He would just stare at his Terminal, most likely browsing the [Starnet] or [Cyberspace].

But the academy wasn't so strict when it came to using Terminals unlike during their training. So, as long as a student put it in private, they could use their Terminals even during class. Of course, the students who were doing this could only do it during classes such as this one.

Reas had a feeling that it was probably because the instructors knew that those that didn't listen to their lectures would most likely fail the monthly exams. Then, it would only be their fault for failing. He must say, it's a good strategy to instill responsibility to future soldiers of the Empire. At least to those who cared for their grades.

He looked again at his roommate. Should he remind this guy to at least focus on the class? He didn't want the other to fail on his first year here. As annoying as Ash was sometimes, he could reluctantly admit that the two of them got along quite well. And yes, he had already thought of the other as a friend. To his utter surprise.

"Ash, let's go," he called.

The other seemed to finally realized that the class was already over. Ash quickly stood up and walked towards Reas.

"You know, it wouldn't hurt to listen to class once in a while," Reas said as he walked out of the lecture hall.

"I'm listening though," Ash muttered with an uncharacteristic pout.

"Yeah, right," Reas said, almost rolling his eyes.

"Fine, I'm not listening. But it's just so boring!" Ash said in a dramatic way as if it wasn't his fault that he was not listening to the lecture. "If I don't open my Terminal, the other alternative is to fall asleep. I think we both know what's better between the two."

"If you continue such habits, you might as well fail at the monthly exams."

"Are you worrying about me?" Ash asked with sparkle in his eyes as if some kind of animated character.

Reas only gave the other a side-glance before ignoring Ash and continuing walking.

Ash quickly followed Reas and said, "Don't worry, I'm used to cramming. I can assure you that I will at least have a passing mark."

Reas could only shake his head. Because Ash was clearly saying that it didn't matter since he only needed to have a passing mark. Well, if the other didn't mind, then he probably also shouldn't. If Ash managed to get in the academy, that meant that he had enough intelligence in him to pass the exams here.

"What were you always doing with your Terminal anyway?" he thought of asking.

Ash wasn't able to answer immediately. His mind quickly thought of how he had been scouring the [Starnet] and [Cyberspace] for any sign of that person. The one who suddenly disappeared from his life without even any warning. Only one message.

[Ash, I can't meet you in the next Summer of Alluna. This would be our last Summer. It would probably take a long while before we meet again. Maybe even then you would probably not be able to recognize me. I hope you do though, as shameless as that might sound. Until we meet again. – your summer snow.]

Since then, he had been searching for any crumbs that could lead him to that person. But it's been months and so far, nothing. Things would have probably been much easier if he asked his brother for help. But he knew his brother well enough to know that the other wouldn't help him. Especially after the mess he did when he- that person said his goodbye. If one could even call it that.

His brother would only think him foolish if he continued on. So, he could only do it this way. As foolish as it might seem.

Ash smiled, willing himself to cheer up. "You know, just looking for gossips. By the way, you said your twin is attending Redwood, right?" he asked, changing the subject.

Reas didn't notice that and nodded.

"You should tell him to be more careful," Ash said. "Just now, I read some gossip article about a newcomer that was bullied by his schoolmate. The two of them happened to both attend Redwood. Apparently, this schoolmate was jealous of the victim and tried to vilify him online. But it completely backfired. The victim's agent threatened to sue him but instead of repenting, this guy actually hired four thugs to do nasty things to that newcomer. Thankfully, their plan was foiled."

An imperceptible frown appeared on Reas' face.

"Maybe your brother knows this newcomer," Ash continued.

Reas stopped walking. "What's the name of this newcomer?"

"Astre- no, Astrid, Astrid Townsend! Wait- the two of you have the same surname. Don't me tell me he's your twin?" Ash said the last one with a joking tone. But when he saw the sudden darkening of Reas' expression, his eyes widened. "No way. Is that beauty really your twin?"

"Yes, he's my twin," Reas said. "Excuse me, I think I have to make a phone call."