The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ASTRID looked at his two friends, staring at him with a mixture of curiosity, amazement, and worry. He sighed.

"How the two of us became friends is kind of long story," he said.

"I think we have plenty of time to hear about it," Kiran said before turning to Snow. "Right, Snow?"

Snow nodded. "We can talk about it over food."

They ordered lunch, and Astrid told them how he met Wulfric and how their relationship progressed. Of course, not including the fact that Wulfric confessed to him. Not that he was embarrassed about it. It just felt like he would be bragging if he did. Like saying, 'look, the rank two of the Empire confessed his love to me, aren't I amazing?'.

Although he knew Snow and Kiran wouldn't think that way, it's just felt shameless to say it himself. On that part, Wulfric was definitely much better. And yes, this was just him saying the other was shameless.

By the time he finished, they were on their dessert.

There was silence for a good minute, as if the two were digesting the things he had said. Kiran took a spoonful of the vanilla parfait in front of him, and Snow took a sip of his milk tea.

"Wow. That's... kind of incredible," Kiran said. "Almost like a plot of a movie."

"The question is, what's the genre?" Snow added, looking at Astrid with concern. "I hope it's not romance. Because that could quickly turn into a thriller."

From what Astrid had told them, the prince had obviously shown a weird fixation over the other from the moment they first met. Although Astrid had managed to thwart that, the two met again here at the capital. The prince miraculously apologized for the things he had done. And then, friendship just somehow bloomed between them after that.

Knowing Astrid, he probably had already toned down the events that happened between him and the prince. Yet, despite that, Snow could still sense the undeniable fixation the prince had with Astrid. And it's not just at the start of the other's story.

The fact that the prince, known for his eccentric and unpredictable nature, sincerely apologized and actively worked hard to strengthen his relationship with someone, spoke volumes about just how special Astrid was to him.

That's why Snow said what he said earlier.

No matter which angle he looked, the prince's feelings for Astrid were definitely not just platonic. Not with how he gazed at Astrid. That sticky gaze couldn't just be for a friend.

The prince might be acting like some responsible and docile friend now, but who knew how he would be in the future? Like he said, this 'romance' could easily turn into a 'thriller'. And Astrid would be the only victim.

As his friend, how could he just watch as this train wreck that was just waiting to happen became Astrid's future? He had to at least make sure there's a safety net here.

Kiran showed a confused look when he heard what Snow said. But Astrid was different. He quickly understood what the other meant.

Astrid couldn't help but smile. Because it would be the same analogy, he would make if Wulfric didn't change.

"Don't worry, it's still 'slice-of-life' for now. The decision of whether it would be a 'romance' or a 'thriller' in the future is mostly in my hands. So there's nothing to worry about," he said to assure Snow. "And as I've said, Wulf is a good man. One just has to look within the somewhat crazy exterior to see it."

Snow was also quick on the uptake and understood what Astrid was trying to say. He let out a sigh of relief. Because it didn't seem like the other said that just to reassure them. With how there wasn't even a hint of hesitation in his voice. Astrid truly believed that what he's worrying about wouldn't happen.

This was definitely not Astrid being naïve. 'Naivety' was the last word he would describe the other. Which meant that he was confident that he could prevent such an outcome. And that's enough assurance for Snow.

"Wait a minute- can you two stop talking in metaphors?" Kiran interrupted. "Pity the clueless guy here."

Astrid and Snow looked at each other and both chuckled at Kiran's adorableness. And then they both explained to him what they were talking about. When they did, Kiran's eyes widened as big as saucers.

"You-you mean that butcher is in love with Aster?" Kiran sharply turned towards Astrid. "Are you really alright? You're not really being blackmailed, are you?"

Astrid laughed. "No, Kiran. I'm not. And just like I said, Wulf is not really that bad. Maybe we should all hang out together, so the two of you can get to know him more?"

Kiran visibly shivered. "Now that's a frightening thought. Can I just trust your judgment of our prince's outstanding character?"

Snow also let out a small laugh after he heard that. "I think hanging out with the prince is still a bit too soon for us."

"Then maybe once you're ready, we can all have some kind of triple date," Astrid said in a joking manner.

Snow raised a brow at that little statement. He wasn't sure if Astrid was aware of it, but by just saying that, the other was inadvertently admitting that he was interested in the prince in that manner.

"Then you have to wait for a long time," Kiran said. "Because dating is the farthest thing from my mind right now. I don't even have anyone to consider."

"How about that rookie singer I met on Polaris when I visited you?" Astrid asked in a teasing tone, referring to Mirabelle Carter.

Kiran's face immediately crumpled, as if remembering the person Astrid referred to. "That girl? Absolutely not."

"Why? I thought the two of you have some chemistry going on there. You even blushed and all."

"Oh? Now, I'd like to hear this," Snow added, looking amused and interested.

"Of course, I'll blush! The girl was sticking too close. I- I never had that kind of skinship before. It's only a natural bodily reaction. It certainly didn't mean anything," Kiran explained rather enthusiastically.