Chapter Text
We sat on the couch for several minutes in silence, trying to process the situation.
“So you just spent a whole day out with Astra Yao,” said Belle slowly, trying to make sense of everything.
“It seems that way,” I answered, staring into the void.
Suddenly, she grabbed me by the shoulders and started screaming, “WHY YOU?! I’M THE MUSICIAN! IT SHOULD’VE BEEN ME GOING ON A DATE WITH ASTRA YAO, NOT YOU!” She cried for a while before she was able to calm down.
“Look, it wasn’t a date, and it was probably a one-time thing. She’s a busy superstar—we’ll probably never see her again, or maybe once every few years,” I said, trying to calm her down.
“Good. Because if you go on another date with Astra Yao without telling me, you’ll sleep outside, ok?” she said as she got up from the couch and started to go upstairs.
“It wasn’t a date!” I yelled at her.
I should also go to sleep. Maybe things will be calmer tomorrow.
Sleeping helped a lot. It was a pretty morning, and the events of yesterday now just seemed like a fun story—or at least to me. Belle and I were eating breakfast, getting ready to start another day of work.
I was drinking my coffee while scrolling through the interknot when I suddenly got a message from Chaotic—or Astra Yao. I’ll have a hard time getting used to that.
ChaoticFriedRice: Hey Wisey!
I started to choke on my coffee as soon as I saw that. Belle quickly came over to see what was going on and read the message.
“Wasn’t a date, huh?” she said with sarcasm.
“I thought I was ready for this, but I was wrong. What am I supposed to answer?” I asked my sister.
“Well, it would be pretty rude to just ignore her just because she’s a star. She’s a really good friend, so you’ll just have to push those thoughts to the side and act natural,” she replied.
“You’re right,” I answered. Star or not, a friend is a friend. I’ll continue thinking about this later.
Phaethon: Morning, Miss Yao!
ChaoticFriedRice: Please, just call me Astra. I can’t get Evelyn to call me that, and we’re close enough to call each other by our names.
Phaethon: Evelyn?
ChaoticFriedRice: Oh yeah, she’s my manager and bodyguard. You saw her yesterday—she went to pick me up.
Phaethon: Oh yeah. Well, Astra, how are you today?
ChaoticFriedRice: Much better!
ChaoticFriedRice: I had a press conference today to announce an album that I haven’t started (the record company is going to murder me when they find out) and an accompanying photo shoot for posters and magazines. What about you?
Phaethon: Just work, mostly. I was planning to go to God Finger, an arcade close by…
We continued to talk like before. I was probably overreacting—everything is going to be fine after all!
ChaoticFriedRice: By the way, do you mind if I come by your store later? Something happened, and now I have a hole in my schedule, so I figured I could do a proper visit!
Phaethon: Of course!
Phaethon: You can come by whenever you want!
I was panicking at the mere thought of Astra Yao coming to the store. Was our film selection good enough for her? Was the store clean enough? Maybe if I closed…
Belle saw me panicking and came over to read the chat. “I know what you’re thinking right now, and the store is fine. I’m sure the movies I picked will impress her. Besides, it’s not like she’s going to check out your room—not that you don’t clean and organize it every week.”
“Can you stop being right for a moment?” I answered jokingly.
“Sorry, bro, I won’t let you fumble this,” she said back, giggling.
Luckily, the day was pretty slow. Not many people came to the shop, so I didn’t have to worry about somebody recognizing her.
It was starting to get dark outside. I thought maybe something came up in the end—until I heard the door opening.
“Good evening!” she cheered.
“Hello, and welcome to Random Play!” I answered. “How are you, Astra?”
“Fine, but I’ll be much better once I get my hands on your Bangboos!” she declared.
“I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the Bangboos are recharging at the moment. I could rent you a movie, since, you know, that’s what the business is about,” I answered jokingly.
“Awwww, I was looking forward to petting some Bangboos. Aside from talking to you, that was the only other thing I came here for,” she said, sounding defeated.
“So there isn’t a movie you want to see?”
“Well, I would like to check out a variety show I made, but I don’t really have anything to play it on… Unless?”
“Unless?”
“Do you also happen to rent tape players?”
“Not really. We do have players for checking the movies and personal use, but renting equipment was too much of a hassle, so we decided against it.”
She started thinking, and a few seconds later she spoke.
“You don’t mind if I watch the movie here, right?”
“Of course not,” I answered with a smile. “I was thinking of closing shop early anyway. The tape player is in my room.”
Only after I said those words did I realize what I had done. I screwed up. Belle was wrong in thinking she could stop me from fumbling—and now I must face the consequences of my actions…
“Sure! Where’s your room?” she asked happily.
“Upstairs, second door to the left,” I said, surprised.
“I’ll be waiting for you, Wisey!” she said as she headed upstairs, happy.
I stayed frozen for a moment. I heard loud steps coming down, and I knew exactly what was coming.
“You know, I’m not supposed to be this good with foreshadowing, but you make me look like some kind of oracle,” she declared smugly as she approached me.
“I can’t believe it either.”
“Well, you better start believing it. Don’t leave her waiting too long—I’ll close for you,” she said with a smile.
“Thanks, sis,” I smiled and fist-bumped her.
When I got to my room, I was surprised by Astra checking everything out. She examined every detail like she was seeing every object for the first time. It was cute.
“You have a really nice room! Everything is so neat and tidy!” she said, making her way to the sofa. “Now, shall we watch the movie?” she said, patting the spot beside her.
I put the tape in the player and sat beside her as the show began. It had been a while since I’d seen one of her shows—she always looked happy singing for everyone.
“You know…” she said, breaking the silence. “I’m so glad you let me visit you today. I was scared you’d start treating me differently because of who I am,” she said, still looking at her show.
“Of course not. You’re a dear friend—I wouldn’t do something so stupid to risk losing you.” I know that was technically a lie, but it’s better that she doesn’t know.
“If I’m honest, I’m surprised you talked to me in the first place. I’m not that great of an artist for you to make that many repeat commissions,” I said, a little embarrassed.
She looked at me with a frown.
“What are you talking about?” she answered sternly. “You’re a great artist. The passion I saw in every single one of your drawings is amazing. If I asked for that many commissions, it’s because you’re amazing. I wanted someone to draw me with such passion—it made me feel beautiful.”
She had a warm smile so contagious I couldn’t help but smile too.
“You don’t need me to feel beautiful—you figured that out a long time ago.” I could feel a small blush creeping up my cheeks.
I could see her eyes light up, and her smile grew bigger.
“Aren’t you the charmer, Wisey?” she said, giggling.
I couldn’t help but giggle with her. I think we both forgot we were watching a movie. The atmosphere was so warm and sweet—it felt like an eternity. I wouldn’t mind being here for an eternity.
—Belle’s POV—
I could hear faint banter and laughter from my brother’s room. With how close he was to fumbling everything, it’s surprising how smooth he can really be. I’ve taught him so well.
Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door and went to see who it was.
“Good evening, I’m here to pick up Miss Yao,” said the blonde woman.
“Oh, she’s watching a movie upstairs with my brother. It should be over soon. And don’t worry about them doing any funny business—they won’t be able to do anything on my watch,” I answered proudly. “Come in and take a seat in the back room while you wait. Also, would you like anything to drink?”
“It’s okay,” she said as she went to sit down.
“I’m Belle, by the way!” I said with a smile.
“My name is Evelyn. I’m Miss Yao’s manager and bodyguard,” she answered formally.
“I’ve seen you in some magazines with Astra before—always cool and collected while she’s getting swarmed by paparazzi. It’s really impressive!”
“I’m happy to do my job.” I could hear a little bit of pride in her voice.
“Oh, since you’re here, would you mind if I ask a little favor of you?” I asked, putting my hands together.
“I don’t see why not.”
“I’m a musician—or I want to be—and my channel doesn’t get many views. Since you’re the manager of New Eridu’s biggest star, I want to hear your opinion.”
“I suppose I could help you while I’m waiting for Miss Yao.”
…
—Wise’s POV—
We didn’t even realize the movie had finished—we were caught up in the moment.
“Awww, is the movie already over? Guess it’s normal to miss it when you’re having so much fun.” She faked disappointment.
“Well, if you ever want to finish it, the door is always open!”
“Aren’t you the gentleman, Wisey.”
She checked her phone.
“Oh, Evelyn is downstairs. I should probably get going.”
I followed her downstairs, where Evelyn was sitting with Belle on the couch.
“Hey Eve! Having fun?”
“Miss Yao?” she said, surprised. Regaining her composure, I think I saw a faint blush on her cheeks.
“We must get going. You have a busy day tomorrow,” she said while standing up.
“Alright, Eve. Let’s get going.”
As they were walking toward the door, Astra suddenly turned around.
“Wait—I forgot something!”
She hurried close to me, got on her tiptoes, and kissed me on the cheek.
“Alright, now we can go!” she said while exiting.
As the door closed, I could feel my whole body heating up and my face turning red. I had trouble processing what just happened.
“And I was thinking that you couldn’t do anything smooth,” she said while laughing. “How do you feel, bro?”
“I feel so happy,” I answered.
“And I saw you were also busy.”
“What can I say? I’m charming like that,” she winked as she finished telling me that.
After that, we both went to sleep—but my mind wouldn’t let me. I was reliving the events of today in my head, and they had the most vibrant colors I’ve ever seen. I got up from my bed, picked up my tablet and pen, and started drawing into the night.