The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era



WULFRIC gulped. When he heard Aster's question, the first thing that flashed in his mind was his fan account - @astridsnumber1fan. This secret certainly had everything to do with Aster. But if he told the other about it, he couldn't imagine what he's reaction would be. Especially since the other was aware of his 'White Wolf' fan account.

Maybe this would be the last straw and Aster would really think of him as some kind of stalker. He could have passed it off and say that there was none, but his immediate reaction had already prevented him from using that excuse. If he said that now, with how perceptive Aster was, he would only think of him as suspicious.

As cold sweat continued to pour on his back, a certain information suddenly flashed in his mind, like a lightbulb turning on. It's not necessarily a secret, per se. More like something he hadn't mentioned to the other. But it was still important information that he should have told Aster long ago.

Not only would this cover his slip up, he could also avoid a potential problem in the future by telling Aster about this now. Of course, not coming clean about his fan account might still cause some misunderstanding. But it probably wouldn't be too the point of being unforgiven.

He just refused to confess about it now because it would be too embarrassing. He could be thick-face in some situation, but this was not it.

Wulfric, already decided on what to say, became much calmer. "Actually, there is still one."

Astrid raised his brow when he heard that. Would this guy actually admit that he's 'White Wolf'? He thought it would take quite a while before the other admit that. Like years or something. He was even prepared to be the one to reveal to him that he already knew about it.

So, was this actually the time?

But contrary to his expectations, Wulfric said something very, very different.

"I knew that your mother is Lady Emmaline Grimaldi and that your father is Major Gage Thompson."

After he said that, Aster was just staring at him with a blank expression. It's like something unexpected hit him. Fearing that the other might get angry, Wulfric quickly explained;

"I found out about it by accident. Hildred recognized your mother when he picked Ed and I at your family's farm. He felt that your mother looked familiar. And he later realized that she was the supposed-to-have-been dead Lady Emmaline. Of course, he had to tell me about it. And then I just kind of put two and two together. Especially since your father's name was the same as Major Thompson and he disappeared almost at the same time as the 'death' of Lady Emmaline was announced."

Okay, this was definitely not the 'secret' that Astrid was expecting to hear.

At first, he was too surprised when Wulfric mentioned the real name of his father and mother. But after hearing his explanation, he thought, ah, so it's because someone recognized his mother.

That was certainly not in the realm of impossibility. Especially if his parents didn't alter their appearance. Considering how slow the people here aged, a time of 20 years wouldn't really drastically change the appearance of someone.

In fact, his parents had been really lucky that no one had recognized them until now. They didn't even bother to change their first name, only their surnames. Well, granted that they chose a planet two galaxies away from the capital to reside in, and the fact that they never left there. Aside from the occasional travels, which still wasn't as far as leaving the Palioxis Galaxy.

But still. The fact that they managed to live peacefully up until this day was nothing short of lucky.

Seeing that Aster still didn't say anything, Wulfric started to panic.  And he added quickly, "Don't worry, I have no intention of spreading the fact that Lady Emmaline is still alive. The thought of arresting Major Thompson didn't even cross my mind. I also made sure that this information wouldn't spread any further. Your parents can continue living peacefully as they're doing now. And your connection to the Grimaldis will never be revealed as well. As long as I'm here, I will try my best to keep you and your family safe."

Astrid stared at Wulfric. Wasn't this guy just full of surprises today? He smiled unknowingly. And for the first time, he didn't want to just say 'thank you' and let it be the end of it. A part of him wanted to know more. To understand just what was Wulfric's true feelings. Why he was doing what he was doing. 

And so, before Astrid changed his mind, he asked, "Why are you going so far for me?"

Wulfric was taken aback by the question. Any other time, he would have answered, 'because we're friends'. But, somehow, he felt like that was not really the right answer. Especially after he saw Aster's eyes looking straight at him.

They were like a pair of black diamonds, shining full of starlight. Like the night sky sprinkled with stardust.

Looking at those eyes, he couldn't just say any perfunctory answer. But in the end, he could only say;

"I- I don't know."

And that's his honest answer. He didn't know why he was doing all this for the other. Je couldn't even explain all the emotions that the other continue to stir up in him. It's like he no longer knew himself whenever Aster was around. As if becoming a completely different person.

Surprisingly, he didn't hate such self. To be thoughtful, to be protective, to be supportive, to be patient—there were all things that could never be used to describe him. And yet, he could be those and more for Aster.

Astrid stared at Wulfric, who had gone silent. Then, a helpless smiled crossed his lips. He reached out for the other's hand and held it tightly.

"Then, Wulf, please think really, really, hard for the answer to that question," he said. [And once you give your answer, then maybe I can give mine as well.]