The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

WHEN Kiran said that and Astrid gave him a look as if saying 'yes, yes, I believe you', while Snow only tilted his head, probably wondering why he was protesting so loudly, he suddenly felt frustrated. The need to explain welled up inside him even more. But he knew that if he explained the way he did earlier, it would just look like he was vehemently denying something that was true.

So, he took a deep breath and explained to them what he wanted to say as calmly as possible.

"I don't feel that way towards Mirabelle. Although I don't know much about romance and love, I still know myself well. If there's a chance that I like someone in that way, I would have at least a bit of awareness," he said. "And Mirabelle also doesn't feel that way towards me. She's just a weird— I mean, an eccentric girl who doesn't know the meaning of personal space."

Astrid raised his brow when he heard that. Looking at Kiran, the other certainly didn't look like he was just saying that because he was embarrassed to admit his true feelings. It seemed that he didn't really feel that way towards Mirabelle.

Hmm... was his hunch wrong? Astrid truly thought Kiran was developing a little crush for Mirabelle. But maybe he was just too hasty in making that conclusion. He just purely based it on the other's reaction and expression at that time and didn't think that Kiran was just uncomfortable from all the skinship that he was not used to.

Astrid should have not jumped into conclusions. But he guessed he did because he was looking at the situation from the perspective of an uncle who saw his little nephew blushing in the presence of a girl.

Even if he and Kiran were around the same age, mentally, he was much older. So, when he saw the two, the old guy in him just assumed things and quickly went into teasing mode. Yes, it's weird. But things like that happened from time to time, even if only rarely.

"I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions," he said honestly.

"Oh no, I'm just glad I cleared up that misunderstanding," Kiran said, waving his hand, looking very relieved. And then he added, looking very shy, "Besides, I have an ideal type. Someone like Shir Atkins."

Now that was a surprise. Looking at Kiran's bashful expression, it seemed that that was truly the case. Remembering the number 2 artist in the [Star List], all Astrid could think of was the other's beautiful appearance, straightforward attitude, and, of course, his incredible music talent.

"I never thought you're a fan of him," Astrid said.

"All musicians worth their salt should be a fan of him," Kiran said in an indignant manner. "All his songs, even those he did not sing and only composed, are amazing. It's like his music could resonate with people's soul."

And that was not an exaggeration.

His journey through life was filled with numerous challenges and hardships, but amidst it all, Shir Atkins' music remained a constant source of inspiration. Whether facing personal struggles or navigating the complexities of the world, he could always turn to the other's melodies to find a sense of solace and courage.

The evocative tunes and heartfelt lyrics served as a guiding light, helping him persevere through the darkest of moments and ultimately emerge stronger. It was in these songs that he found a reflection of his own experiences, a reminder that he was not alone in his trials, and a testament to the enduring power of music to uplift the human spirit.

And it was also because of him that he became interested in music himself.

If he could, he also wanted to be like him. Now that he was on the same road, maybe he could do it as long as he worked hard. And then, one day, he could meet his idol and tell him how much his music inspired and helped him.

"I met him once."

Kiran turned to Astrid when he heard that. "Really? When? No, it must be when you appeared in Miria Lane's music video. I knew Shir Atkins composed that song, I should have made the connection. So, how was he? Is he as beautiful in person as he is in his pictures and videos?"

Seeing Kiran's excited reaction, he must really like Shir Atkins. Astrid said in response, "Well, he is beautiful. Objectively the most beautiful person I've seen. And he's... unique, to say the least."

Kiran didn't pick up the nuance behind Astrid's words. His eyes just brightened, looking very excited to hear even a simple story about his idol. "Can you tell me how that meeting went?"

Snow picked up his milk tea and took a sip. "I don't mind hearing it as well."

Astrid chuckled and told them what happened when he met Shir Atkins. When he was done, Kiran's bright eyes did not dim at all, they shined even brighter.

"He's so cool!"

"He is indeed unique," Snow agreed with Astrid's description.

"I hope I can also meet him," Kiran said in a wistful tone.

"With your talent, you definitely will," Snow said.

Which was true. As long as Kiran continued to compose and release wonderful music, his path would definitely cross with this Shir Atkins.

"Maybe one day he will even sing one of your songs," Astrid added.

A shy smile crossed Kiran's lips. "Yeah, that would be cool, I guess."

"Hey, be confident and claim that dream," Astrid said. "You have the talent to back it up. A great talent at that. Maybe one day, you will even take the throne from him."

"No, that's too much. I'll be happy if he could just sing my song," Kiran said, now feeling all embarrassed. To alleviate that, he changed the topic and turned to Snow. "How about you, Snow?"

Snow, feeling confused, asked, "Me? Are you asking if I also want to meet Shir Atkins?"

"No, I mean, what's your ideal type?"

Snow stopped his action of picking up his milk tea. And his mind just blanked out after hearing Kiran's question.