The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

AFTER Astrid brushed his teeth and washed his face, then he changed out of his pajamas into a comfortable home clothes. He glanced at his brother, who was still sleeping before going out of the room. He then started making breakfast.

He didn't make much since Reas would be the only one eating. But he did extra dumplings and soup. He was planning to bring it to Wulfric's suite just in case, you know, the breakfast the other made was not, well, that palatable.

Yes, that's right. He's going to eat the breakfast Wulfric cooked. How did that happen exactly? Well, we had to go back to last night to know that.

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After Astrid asked Wulfric if there was something troubling him, the other was silent at first. Then he raised his head and looked at him.

"There is indeed something troubling me," the other admitted. "Can- can I talk to you about it tomorrow? During breakfast?"

Astrid was a bit confused by the sudden turn of conversation. He actually wanted to ask why Wulfric couldn't just tell him now. Why wait until tomorrow? And why breakfast specifically?

But looking at the earnest expression on the other's face, he couldn't bring himself to ask that. So, at the end, he could only say, "Alright. Let's talk about tomorrow at breakfast."

A bright smile finally crossed Wulfric's lips. The first one since dinner started. "Can you come to the suite? I plan to cook breakfast for you, if that's okay."

He said the last part while scratching the back of his head. That little action, plus the uncertain smile, showed that he was a tad bit embarrassed.

"Yes, I don't mind," Astrid said, feeling amused. "But are you sure you're up to it?"

Wulfric pounded his chest, showing his confidence. "I'll make sure to cook a breakfast you will find delicious. Trust me."

Although Astrid wasn't sure how much trust he could put in this 'delicious breakfast', he nodded nonetheless. "Okay."

"But would it be alright if it's just the two of us?"

Astrid chucked when he heard that. "Yes, I think it would be alright."

Considering how Reas left them on his own accord earlier, the other would probably wouldn't mind if he had breakfast alone with Wulfric tomorrow.

And that's how the two of them scheduled a breakfast date, if one should call it.

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When Astrid was done cooking breakfast, he put the extra dumplings and the soup into two separate containers. Then he arranged the dishes on the table and covered them, so Reas only needed to eat once he woke up.

Xiao Lan then came up to him and rubbed against his leg. He chuckled and crouched down, playing with the cat.

"Xiao Lan, tell Reas when he wakes up that I'm upstairs."

He had already told his brother when he returned from his run last night that he would be having breakfast today with Wulfric. Alone. The other showed an annoyed expression. But in the end, he didn't say anything else. Just mumbling something under his breath, along the lines of, 'it's the last time, anyway'.

"Yes, Master," the cat said in its slightly robotic voice.

Astrid then picked up the food containers and walked out of his apartment.

He actually already had an idea of what Wulfric was planning to tell him today. The other probably had to leave the capital soon. Maybe tomorrow, or maybe next week. But he had to leave, nonetheless.

Reas had probably already guessed that. That's why he mumbled those words last night. His brother was probably thinking that this would be the last time they could be alone together. Well, not really 'last time' in the true sense of it. He probably just meant that it would take a long while before they could be alone again. That's why Reas had been so generous and understanding last night.

Astrid honestly didn't know what to feel about Wulfric leaving. There was a part of him that hoped that Wulfric could stay a bit longer. But there was also a part of him that didn't want to get in the way of his job. Yes, his job as a general. If there was one reason why the other had to leave, it could only be because of his duties.

Frankly, if Wulfric decided to stay here and neglect his duties, Astrid would be the first one to kick him back to Alluna. Wooing him was all fine and good, but if he did it at the expense of his duty, then, no thanks.

But despite that, he couldn't really honestly say that he was happy about this.

Astrid sighed. Truly, when it came to Wulfric, his feelings were always in a complicated state.

Before he knew it, he had already arrived in front of the suite. He was about to press the doorbell, but before he could, it already opened.

"Aster," Wulfric greeted with a bright smile. When he noticed the food containers Astrid was carrying, he quickly took them from him. "Let me hold that. Come in."

Astrid walked inside and instinctively looked around. He had been inside this suite a few times. The minimalist design and the spacious interior were in line with that of a bachelor living alone.

He turned to where Wulfric was. The other was already standing beside the glass table, putting down the food containers. He walked over and saw that the table was already set.

There were two plates with sunny side up eggs, sausages, and a toast with sliced avocado on top. There was also a glass of orange juice beside the plates.

Astrid couldn't hide his surprise. Those actually looked... appetizing. If these actually tasted good, there's probably no need for his dumplings, right?

"But what's in these containers?" Wulfric asked.

"Oh, it's a soup I made. Should I serve us some to add to our breakfast?"

Astrid didn't wait for Wulfric to answer and quickly picked up the containers. While walking towards the kitchen, he stealthily put the container with dumplings in it inside his space ring.

If Wulfric knew he made extra dumplings because he's afraid the food the other cooked wouldn't be delicious, it might seriously hurt his feelings.

It's better this way.