Chapter Text
Wise felt his head ache after another long day of commissions, feeling his head rest against the back of his bed as he took in another long sigh. Picking up his phone without much thinking behind it, he felt himself drawn to the Inter-Knot, scrolling mindlessly and tapping on whatever he thought most interesting.
"Angry group of Bangboos storm convenience store demanding more comfortable living conditions? Where do they even live...?" Slightly amused, he glanced at some of the comments, before going back to his feed and once again starting his search for another thing that would drain him of his time for at least a few more seconds.
Until he found it.
"Astra Yao announces new concert for the 13th... My Love For You Is Forever... Huh, she didn't tell me anything about this. And what's with that name? I swear I've heard it before..." Wise, admittedly, didn't know everything that his girlfriend had been up to, but during their dates, he was sure to tell him pretty much everything that she could--her worries, upcoming important dates, and a number of other things that would likely be mundane to most people. Clicking on the comments, he read them absentmindedly.
Bangboom: A new concert huh. Looks like I'm gonna have to get my ticket from a scalper lolololol
loveeeee: Astra Yao's new concert?! I gotta get this the moment it drops!!!!
Artismysoul: What a strange title... you don't think it means anything, do you? DOES ASTRA YAO SECRETLY HAVE A LOVER???
- Mrkingpin: Of course not. Get your mind out of the gutter, it's just a concert title.
Typical, it seemed. Nothing of note... except for maybe that last one. Not the part of the title being strange. Astra had concerts centering around her love songs and subsequently titles surrounding those topics all the time. But this... felt familiar.
Turning over to his side, he shrugged the feeling off, trying not to let it get to him.
"Well, if it's Astra, she probably had a reason. No reason for me to act so suspicious... Plus, I don't want to fall into that 'clingy boyfriend' archetype..."
Ping!
"....Huh?"
New message from: Astra <3
'..I'm still never gonna get used to that.' Wise hadn't chosen Astra's handle--she had done it herself. Admittedly, she wanted to go even more explicit, but Wise was able to convince her (barely) to just keep things simple.
'...Seeing her set my name to "My Darling" with twenty hearts will never not be a bit embarrassing, though..."
Tapping on the message icon on the top of the screen, he read Astra's message.
"Hey Wisey~ Did you see my new concert announcement?"
"Yeah, I did. Just now. Honestly sort of surprised me. You didn't mention it to me before."
"That's because I wanted it to be a surprise! Just. For. You! <3!"
"You know I can't hear you through text messages, right?"
"Oh, I know. But I know, deep inside, you can! We're connected that way, right~?"
He did, actually. Almost everything that he read now that came from Astra he swore he could hear in her voice. But he just chose to let our a small smile in amusement and continue responding.
"So, on the 13th? Is the ticket website already up?"
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that, Wisey. I've already got two tickets prepared for you and your sister."
"Oh, you don't need to do that. I can just get them myself-"
He had begun typing, before erasing the message entirely as he realized it was probably useless to try to convince Astra that he would get the tickets. She would just do the same thing she always did anyway.
"So, where are we sitting?"
"Isn't it obvious? You'll both be at front! The VVIP seats! With an exclusive meetup to go along with it~"
Silently, he went on the website and checked the price of those very same tickets.
Yep... the price was literally all of the Revenue Random Play had ever made... tripled.
"More time to spend with my girlfriend, huh? Seems like an absolute pleasure."
"The pleasure's all mine!"
Smiling softly, Wise looked over at his calendar to see if he had anything to do on the 13th... Which he didn't. Funnily enough, it was probably the only day he didn't have anything to do. The rest of the week was packed full of commissions, business ventures (hanging out with his sister), and Hollow Expeditions. Almost as if...
'Oh, I forgot one thing...'
"Also, Astra... Just one more thing."
"Yeah? What is it, Wisey?"
"Don't look at me during the concert the entire time like last time. Or blow kisses in my direction. Or say I love you in my direction.... it'll put me in a lot of trouble."
Even now, he could feel the cold gazes of literally all of the people around him. It was spine chilling--even worse that for some reason the cameraman had positioned the camera just so that every time Astra did one of her gestures directed toward him, the camera was immediately pointed at the row he was in.
He had never felt such malice... it was probably the first time that he had ever been hated by over 10,000 people in one room...
Luckily, considered the fact that the concert hall was big and people numerous, he wasn't the prime suspect for who Astra had directed those gestures to. Online forum discussions about it also died down fast, as people just chalked it up to "fan service for her most dedicated fans," followed by a trainload of people stating that they were going to save up their entire inheritance to purchase a VVIP ticket just for that experience.
But Wise knew why Astra had done it. And for who.
...He couldn't deny, they did make his heart race.
"But Wisey! How else am I going to express my feelings?"
"Think you already do that every single day...."
"But if I don't tomorrow, I'm going to miss a day!"
"No, you're not. Because I'll tell you after the concert."
"And if I'm not satisfied with that?"
"...Then you'll just have to come to my room to show me."
He typed, red dusting his cheeks ever so slightly. Wise wasn't the type to get embarrassed, but honestly, this sort of stuff was new to him... Still, he could smile in amusement at the expression Astra was likely having as she read that message.
"...If you say that, Wise. I might just come over right now."
"You probably shouldn't. It's pretty late."
"It's never late enough for you."
...
"Why does she got to hit me with that...?" Wise turned away from the phone screen, trying to hide his face even though Astra couldn't see him.
"I'm gonna go to sleep now, Astra. Been a long day for me, unfortunately. Did a lot of commissions..."
"Aw... But I want to talk with you more!"
"10 hours a day not enough?"
"I know. But trust me, I'll make it up to you in future."
"Okay... fine... I'll see you soon, Wisey! Love you!"
Wise smiled. He had trouble responding in these situations in the past.
"Yeah, love you too."
Putting away his phone and leaving it on the bedside table, he got into bed and closed his eyes, trying to get as much rest for the next day.
After all, in a few days, he had a concert to get to.
The days went like lightning.
In 5 days, Wise felt himself pushed just about everywhere. The Cunning Hares needed something. General Chop needed something. Just about everyone needed something from him. Not like he was complaining--he did like helping people, but this was getting to his head.
And when the day of the concert arrived, together with Belle, eyes shining like stars as she was practically bouncing on her feet.
"Wise! I knew you'd come through for us! Front row seats! A special meeting? Are you kidding me? This is so good!"
"Yeah, you're welcome... So, does this mean you're gonna cut back on the snack-"
"Come on, let's go!"
"Guess that's a no..."
Entering the concert hall was another experience. Palatial, was one way to describe it. The stage was massive, currently masked by flowing red currents. And the front row seats? Layered with quite possibly the finest material that Belle had ever experienced--colored by a deep red.
Because they were "VVIP," they had the exclusive privilege of getting seated a full two hours earlier than everybody else. As Wise sat down, immersing himself in the seats that Belle was practically melting in, Wise looked at all the other people who had bought these tickets.
To say they were out of his league was an understatement.
Everybody else who were "VVIP" were wearing suits he saw in fashion magazines, watches that were made of the some of the most expensive material on the market, and had an aura that just screamed wealth. He swore that he had gotten used to it after spending some time with Miyabi's father and the Montefeio's. Truthfully, however, he never would get used to the life of the ultra wealthy.
"Who are those two...?" He heard one person say, probably referring to him and Belle.
"Don't know... They were also VVIP in the last concert I went to."
"They look so... plain... Maybe they're just doing that not to stand out? And what's that he's got on his..."
"Tch, as if... Anyway, they won't ever get the attention of Astra like that~ I already know, she'll fall for me one day for sure."
"No, it's gonna be me, actually!"
"...Heh..." Wise slightly laughed, looking back at the vacant concert stage.
If only they knew.
Soon after, the concert halls would open, and thousands of people would come rushing in to their seats. Some from above, others would close to where Wise one.
And when the concert actually begun? Curtains rising, music thumping, Astra in the center facing away from the audience as the crowd went wild and Belle was practically hoping up and now with excitement?
Now that's why Astra Yao couldn't be beaten on stage.
By the time the concert was over, Belle was practically drooling over how starstruck she was.
Luckily, during this concert, he hadn't seen Astra do anything too flashy towards him in particular... no kisses, no random exclamations of affection. Just her endless grace and passion.
Thankfully, he would be able to keep his head today.
"The spin was so... so cool! and the way she effortlessly just flowed across the stage...! She's so awesome!"
"Well, don't get too excited just yet. We've still got that meetup to get to."
"...Oh, yeah, that's right!"
Walking over to the VVIP exclusive meetup area wasn't much of a hassle. They were escorted by two suited men, who, after verifying their tickets, took them up onto the stage and straight to the back. There, they went through some corridors, the before reaching a room full of 40 seats--each for the VVIP ticket goers.
Most of them were already filled... except for the two at the very front and a couple at the very back.
"Please, take a seat at the front." The two men told him.
"But, wait, there are still others-" Wise tried to be modest.
"I'm sorry, but this was requested by Miss Yao herself."
"...Huh?" He heard a group of men go, all of whom decked out in clothes he would never be able to purchase.
"U-uh... why is that?" The tension within the room was killing him, as he tried not to fold over. Belle, similarly, felt the same, as she looked over at her brother with a look screaming, "you better not get us killed."
"They are the two seats you prepared in advance, correct? Miss Yao simply wanted to make sure you remembered."
"Oh, yes! That's correct. We... forgot, we apologize." Wise said, quickly shuffling over to the front seats. The tension had died down, but he still felt some weight on the both of them.
As all the people finished coming in, Astra herself would make an appearance, going up to the pedestal.
"Hello, everyone. Thank you for being our VVIP members for this concert. I thank you for your endless support," She said with a smile, one that seemed to get a bit larger when she looked at him.
"To begin with, I would like to start with any questions people may have about this concert. I know some of you are very interested in what goes on behind the scenes, yes?" She said, giving a small wink.
"Y-yes, Miss Yao! A-actually..." A young man said, standing up slightly embarrassed as he fiddled with his watch and raised his hand, "I-I wanted to know why you, uhm... named the concert this way? N-not like I suspect anything, I-it's just...."
"The name of the concert?" Astra said, slightly surprised, only to smile back, "Well, when thinking of my fans, I can't help but feel that way. And..."
Astra stopped, causing Wise to look up as he felt her gaze ghost over him, "I've always found myself craving a good meal sometimes. Maybe noodles? So I love them forever too!" She said, almost clumsily.
"What? Noodles...? What is she..."
...
Oh.
OH.
Wise's thought. It was that, huh.
Looking down at his right hand, he had a ring.
It was recent. Gifted to him, if he could remember, it was...
This... you're really giving me this?
OF course, Wisey~ Oh, also, I bought one for myself! Just so we could match!
But, what's this? There's writing on it on the band... My Love For You Is Forever?
Mhm, and look at what mine says!
It's the same thing.
Mhm...
Gazing at the blue gemstone that reflected his visage, Wise looked at his girlfriend, and the red one she carried.
But... aren't we doing this too soon? I mean, typically this should be...
Oh, don't worry Wisey~. I know. And I know you'll deliver when that comes...
But, for now. I want to do it this way. I want to show you that no matter what happens...
This?
She grabbed his hand, bringing her towards him as she rested her head on his chest.
Is forever.
...So... uh, should we eat our noodles now...?
Wise looked up, back at Astra and away from the ring.
Her eyes were away from him.
Silently, she rested her own hand on the side of the podium.
That red ring shined in his eyes.
"Seriously... I just can't get enough of noodles..." Astra said once more, even though the young man had already sat down, "I'll love them forever. They taste so good, warm you up, and giving you these real fuzzy feelings you can't resist... They make you feel whole..." She said, dreamily.
"So, does that answer your question?"
"Y-yes... yes, it does, Miss Yao! T-thank you!"
Around him, he could hear whispers.
"Wow, Astra Yao likes noodles that much... maybe I could treat her one day..."
"Maybe I should start up a noodle shop..."
As they were distracted, he stared back up.
Astra was looking at him.
Silently, she mouthed a couple of words to him.
And he understood them perfectly.
"My Love For You Is Forever"
,,,
'Seriously... this girl...'
Wise grimaced slightly, fixing his jacket and looking away from her.
She really was going to be the death of him, huh?
Meanwhile, Belle...
"Seriously, you two! Get a room for once!'
Was just a bit annoyed.