The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

AS soon as Astrid arrived at Redwood, the other students' attention quickly fell on him. It might be because he appeared in a big movie production during the month he wasn't here.

Even if they were all aspiring to be a part of the entertainment industry, it's pretty rare for a student here to started acting. Because most of them focused more on studying. With how long the life-span of people in this era was, it wouldn't matter even if they focused on their career once they graduated. One could even start at the age of 60 and it wouldn't matter.

Or maybe the reason why the students couldn't help but glance at him was because of the Nadia issue last night. It became a trending topic after all.

Thankfully enough, none of them tried to talk to Astrid. He didn't really want to act like he's enjoying having conversations with them when he knew that most of them probably didn't really like him.

Yes, that's a bit negative of him to think like that. But even now, what he could see from most of the students he encountered was not a look of admiration but a look of dissatisfaction. As if silently questioning why he was having this much success when he was only on his first year at Redwood.

Of course, not everyone would feel that way. But Astrid had no inclination to search for those people and befriend them. First he had no time, and second, he's very satisfied with the group of friends he had now.

Speaking of which, when he walked into the lecture hall for his first class, he immediately saw Snow. Which was not really hard since the other had such an eye-catching face.

Astrid walked towards where the other was sitting and sat beside him.

"Good morning," he greeted.

Snow was startled by the sudden greeting. But after recognizing the voice, he quickly turned to the side and saw Astrid smiling at him.

"Good morning," he greeted back, the corner of his lips turning slightly upwards. And then, as if remembering all the issue that happened last night, he worriedly asked, "Is everything really okay?"

Although Astrid had sent a message telling that everything was already taken care of, Snow still couldn't help but be worried. After all, the malicious comments floating around [Cyberspace] last night against Astrid was pretty severe. It was even worse than when that schoolmate of theirs, who Snow had already forgotten the name, did his little 'revenge'.

"Yes. Thankfully, a very kind fan helped clear the misunderstandings," Astrid said. "If not, my agency would just waste their manpower on such a trivial issue."

"I don't think that's so trivial," Snow commented. "You're still a newcomer. Something like that could easily leave a stain on your public image."

Astrid only smiled. Actually, even if Wulfric didn't help, he hardly considered what happened as career threatening. With Ellis' ability, she could surely do something about it. Of course, that didn't mean he didn't appreciate Wulfric's help. Just like the message he sent to the other, he was very grateful.

"But that fan, do you think he can be a danger to you in the future?" Snow asked.

"No, don't worry. I'm sure he wouldn't."

Snow wasn't sure how Astrid could be sure of that. But since the other looked so confident when he did, he could only nod.

"How were you this past month, by the way?" Astrid asked to change the subject.

Although they exchanged messages from time to time, it's not enough time to fully talked about anything important. Mainly because he was too busy with all the filming and other activities.

Snow was about to answer when the teacher for the class entered the lecture hall.

"Let's talk about it later," he said. "I also have a very good news to share with you and Kiran."

Astrid could see how Snow visibly brightened when he mentioned the last part. He smiled and nodded. If Snow was smiling like that, it must be something that truly made him quite happy.

----------

Time quickly passed and it's now time for lunch. Since Astrid and Snow had the same last class for the morning, the both of them went to the greenhouse together. As soon as they walked in, a bright voice called them.

"Aster! Snow!"

Both looked towards the direction of the voice and saw Kiran waving at them.

Astrid was a bit surprised seeing the other. It had been a little over a month since he last saw Kiran but he didn't expect that the other would change this much. Before he went on that one-month long leave, Kiran's cheeks were still a bit sallow. The state of his skin back then also showed just how much he lacked nutrition. He said 'back then' because that's certainly not the case now.

Kiran's cheeks were now plump like that of a hamster, his skin showed a healthy glow, even his hair looked shiny. Once Astrid walked closer to the other, he noticed that the other looked even a bit taller.

"Wow Kiran. I haven't seen you in a month and yet you already became so much more handsome," Astrid teased. Although he seemed to be teasing Kiran, he truly meant what he said.

Kiran's face turned a lovely shade of red. "Don't tease me--!"

"I'm serious though," Astrid said before turning to Snow. "Don't you think so as well, Snow?"

Snow nodded seriously.

Kiran blushed even harder. "L-let's just eat lunch."

The three sat down on their usual spot and then Astrid took out the dishes that he prepared. They were actually the leftovers from last night's dinner.

Kiran's eyes brightened seeing the mouth-watering dishes in front of him. "I really miss your cooking."

Astrid raised his brow. "So, you only miss my cooking, huh?"

"Oh no, of course I miss you too!" Kiran quickly said.

Astrid chuckled at that. He turned to Snow. "By the way, Snow, what's the good news you want to share with us?"

A small smile appeared on Snow's pretty face. "I passed an audition."