Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wise stood right outside of his Random Play store, admiring the stars in the night sky as he wrapped up business for the day. Belle’s already in her room, probably on a voice call with Nicole and her gang over some matters, or they’re doing another one of their business discussions.

He could join them, but he’s still busy cleaning the store’s trash bins and unused items. Still, he’s done and while it is getting quite so very late, he does normally stay up quite a bit longer than this. Either way, he’s empty for the night so there’s not much for him to do aside from return to his room and relax. Maybe watch a movie or two.

As Wise closed the garbage disposal bins outside, he didn’t notice someone slipping into the store quite so casually. Nevermind that, he would’ve been very confused had he known who it was that had slipped inside as is casually making her way upstairs, passing Belle’s room and straight into his while humming a tune.

If one notices, they would recognize the sweet voice of said woman.

“Alright.” Wise turned back into the store, flipping the open sign to close as he got in and headed straight up to his room. Bangboo 6 and 18 are making last checks on the counter so there’s no need to worry about that.

What there is to be worried about is the fact that when he entered his room, seemingly thinking about what he wanted to do, he found someone he didn’t expect lazing around on his bed, idly reading a book she had found.

“Ohoo~ That’s quite interesting.”

He blinked a few times and rubbed his eyes, seemingly quite shocked at the sudden appearance of someone on his bed, and that she isn’t his sister.

Of course, he knows her. Otherwise, he’d be calling Pubsec by now.

“A-Astra? What are you doing here?”

Astra Yao, laying on his bed, perked up as soon as she heard him call her. She closed the book and turned towards him, her face all smiles at him. “Wise! There you are. I thought you’d take forever out there, thank goodness.”

“.......” Wise’s mouth moved a few times before sighing, not sure what he wanted to ask her first given the sudden circumstances of her random appearance. He walked over by the bed, hanging his jacket on the wall as he started the questioning.

“First. How did you get in?”

“Oh, you’re silly sometimes.” Astra casually giggled. “Through the door of course! I can’t fly and breaking your walls down is definitely not the way a superstar gets into rooms, much less a normal person!”

“And…..nevermind.” Wise shook his head. 18, 06, and Eous knows Astra, and since she is a close friend, her presence wouldn’t raise any alarms whatsoever. Not even in his head.

“Two. It’s late. Shouldn’t you be asleep or resting by now?” Wise asked, crossing his arms.

“Ugh, stop sounding like my parents.” Astra complained slightly. “Can’t a girl have a short escape every now and then? I was very extremely bored by today’s schedule and needed an escape. Though Evelyn was quick to shut me down because of how important it is, I managed to get out once the last event was done. Thankfully, all the stores and streets are quiet so I had no issues finding my way here~”

“I see.” Wise looked behind her, then turned around to look out the window. “And Evelyn is……not here?”

“Nope~ She was busy handling other scheduling work, and I was too bored so I bolted off after leaving a letter. I’m sure she’d understand. Besides, she probably knows I’m here and that there’s nooooothing to worry about.” Astra shot him a wink.

“.....alright, I’ll forget the remaining questions then.” He walked over and checked the display rack of his collection, right by the bed. “So, what’s up? I take it you’re not going to rent a videotape this late, or ask me for a commission work into a hollow at this hour.”

“Yup! I’d come earlier for those two.” Astra swung her legs around and sat on the edge of the bed, looking eagerly at him. “I want to have a late-night snack!”

Wise raised his eyebrow at her. “Snack? Well, I know General Chop’s open well past this hour. What’s the occasion?”

“Nothing, really.” She sighed, hanging her head slightly. “Today’s schedule was so boring, so much so I feel like I’m out of energy just from listening to everything and doing all those dull gigs. I didn’t even meet any fans or perform anywhere. I guess someone can really get tired just by being bored.”

“But!” She lifted her head back up towards him, now beaming with a wide smile. “I thought of you! And that helped me power through! So, in that sense, I had the idea that, even if I had a terrible day, at least I should end it on a high note by going with you to have a bit of fun.”

Astra tilted her head slightly to the side, widening her eyes on purpose. “You wouldn’t turn me down, right~”

“.........” Stuck between a rock and Astra Yao, Wise couldn’t find it in him to say no. Besides, maybe a small excursion with her, like the many she has roped him into beforehand, would eventually become something fun. She is, after all, a very interesting character. Her public persona shows her as a cool Queen of the stage, emanating elegance and a powerful image.

Yet underneath that curtain lies an energetic and easy-going girl who has more chaos energy than even Belle. Astra Yao offstage is no different than any girl who wants to have fun in many different ways. And as it happens, Wise is one of those people she can truly let herself go with. A feature that made him one of her favorites, if not her absolute favorite.

He nods, much to her pleasure. “Alright, I guess I wouldn’t. So I take it you wan-”

“General Chop’s noodles we go! And I want them there!” Astra Yao shot up from his bed, quickly grabbed Wise’s jacket and swung it right onto him before taking his arm and dragging him out of the room before he could even properly think about anything else.

“Wha- wait- Astra-” He muttered as she speed down the stairs, causing Wise to nearly trip several times as they got to the lower floors. Bangboo 06 and 18 were slightly startled as Astra and Wise sped past, the former giving them a wave and the latter just trying to catch up.

“If Belle asks, we’ll be at General Cho-” And before he can finish his statement, he was out of the store with Astra and the door closed behind them.

Both Bangboo are left quite so puzzled.

“Ah, welcome to my humble store! Oh, it’s Wise and Astra! Welcome, welcome, we’re still open!”

General Chop was at his usual store, welcoming them with open arms and a smile. Wise and Belle have always come over at night every now and then for some chow, so seeing Wise return was a delightful occasion all the same. The fact he brought Astra Yao was even better; still, he knows not to make a fuss of it.

“Alright, midnight munchies eh? Whatcha like, I’ll get it ready quickly!” Chop says, stretching his mechanical arms out as Astra watches in excitement.

“Hehe, I’ll have pork noodles! Make them rich this time, I’m feeling peckish.” Astra ordered, trying her best to not overly drool at the order.

“I’ll have bone broth, General Chop.” Wise ordered his own, sitting down beside her.

“Sure, it’ll be out quickly! I’ll make the noodles fresh for you two since it's quiet at this hour.” General Chop quickly takes 2 portions of ramen dough from the side, plopping them onto the counter before them.

“Oh, really? You’d do that for us?” Astra asked, her eyes glowing wide with eagerness for the meal ahead.

“Of course! Wise is a regular here, and you’re quite the lady yourself, Miss. If anything, I’d be glad you two get to enjoy it! Now sit tight, and I’ll get the best noodles in New Eridu delivered to you ASAP!” He proclaims, stretching his arms out before going to work.

Astra just gave a giggle as the sounds of dough hitting the board resonated. Still, it isn’t too loud so there’s no worry of waking anyone up. Now left waiting, Astra turned to look at the surrounding buildings, giving the residencies a glance here and there.

Wise noticed, taking a look as well at the small housing building that was right across from Random Play. “Yes? Something caught your eye?”

Astra shook her head, perhaps realizing she may look pensive in Wise’s eyes by looking around Sixth Street in the dead quietness of night. Normally, she’d do it to search for inspiration, but such work-related matters are far from the forefront of her mind right now. No, she was looking around for a far more personal reason.

“I was just thinking…..” She started, pausing with a tone that made sure Wise knew she wasn’t done with her sentence. After a brief pause to think about wording, she continued. “Are there any vacant living places around and abouts? I suddenly had the thought of what it would be like to live in this neighbourhood out of curiosity.”

Wise raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled at her response. What’s someone like Astra doing asking for housing somewhere in Sixth Street, out of all places? Then again, why is there a worry about it when she can easily cash her way in?

“Even if there aren’t, I’m quite sure you can buy any of the more empty buildings or rooms in the area and turn it into your own little personal home away from home.” Wise suggested in a casual tone. “Why though? You seriously plan to?”

“Hmm~” She hummed harmonically as she entertained the thought. “While it may come off as a joke, I am rather seriously considering that. Maybe it’d be nice as a small retreat home or a small escape from the busy world every now and then. Plus, I am within touching distance of you! Anywhere I am, that’s a win in my book.” Astra answered with a gleeful smile.

There was no contemplation in her answer, nor did there seem to be any form of deception. Wise knew Astra as being straightforward and one without the ability to deceive others; as evident by the fact that she wore some pretty terrible disguises. That would mean that she is indeed considering it seriously. If so, he’d have to recommend the good places too, and not just reply as a joke.

He chuckled afterwards before replying to her. “That’s going to make Sixth street far more crowded though, especially if your fans know of your place here.” Wise added. “Of course, I’m not trying to dissuade you from living here if you want to, but there are some hidden dangers to consider.”

Astra Yao raised an eyebrow, before looking at the empty road of Sixth Street again, contemplating his reply to her. Dangers? What kind of hidden dangers? The streets look calm with a pair of Public Security officers on constant patrol, even if one of them is…..easy to scare, in a way.

“What sort of danger?” She asked, quizzically looking back at him. “It looks so calm!”

“That’s the thing. If someone knows you’re here, it won’t be long before fans storm the place.” Wise says, looking around. “Of course, the shops won’t mind much since that’s more exposure and more customers for them.” He further added, noting the fact that people may connect that the stores are the reason Astra moved here, thus warranting additional attention to them.

Astra Yao gave it a thoughtful hum, looking around the street again. She recognized what Wise said and realized something. She liked Sixth Street, not just for its simplicity or the fact that Wise lives there, but also because it is nice and quiet here, with foot traffic not requiring people to get out of the way. Evelyn would have an easy time picking her up here and dropping her back as it is quick to reach a main road.

But with her presence announced, the street would lose its charm. Sure, its business go boom for the store owners here, but then would it still be the Sixth Street she enjoyed right now? In fact, would Wise himself find it less appealing because of her like that?

No, that won’t do. She shook her head at him. “Alright, that’s an astounding no for that idea. If I do buy a place to live here, that’d make Sixth Street no longer Sixth Street. I need to find another way.” Astra hummed in thought. “The last thing I want is to make it a pain to live in for everyone already here. That’d be too selfish.”

“Your noodles!” General Chop cuts in for a second to place the bowls in front of them, steaming hot ramen blowing delicious aroma straight to Wise and Astra’s noses. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to be out the back sorting stuff, got a batch of vegetables in. I’ll be right here if you need me, just call!”

Wise and Astra both gave him a thumbs up as General Chop retreated out to the back of his store, leaving the pair unattended for now. Wise takes 2 pairs of chopsticks, making sure they’re clean before handing one pair to Astra.

Astra was about to get her own set when Wise put them right on top of her bowl. “Here, they’re clean. Enjoy the noodles.”

She blinked a few times before giggling. “Why, thank you Wise.” Astra replied before digging in. She found that part of him quite cute, all caring about the simpler things without seeming too over the top. Actually, rather than cute, it made him look cool.

Not that he realized he had done anything to incur her interest at all. All he did, according to him, were some mannerful things that his friends over at Victoria Housekeeping have shown him to do.

The pair went on to eat the noodles together, chatting about food as they went and all the various things they liked and disliked. To no one’s surprise, Astra’s favorite foods are those Wise himself enjoyed, and thus the pair bonded further over them and Astra even made reservations to have Wise go with her and food dates.

Because why not?

After half an hour of eating in the night with no one around to disturb them, Astra Yao let out a content sigh. “Mmm…..when you’re really going at it, one is not enough. Good thing I didn’t have too much to eat today, so I can eat more portions. Phew, I’m so full, I can barely walk.”

“Hey, it’s late at night.” Wise finished drinking his water. “You sure you’re quite alright to go back?”

“Oh, psh. Don’t be such a worrywart.” Astra replied with a smile. Deep down however, she was somehow giddy at the fact that he did express some worry about her going back at this time of the day. That especially means he cared for her well-being after all. “I’ll be fine~ Eve is probably almost here as well, knowing her. It won’t be that long now before she comes over to pick me up and get me back home.”

Home. That being said, a part of Astra wishes her home is here, or at the very least closer here. That way, she can visit her favorite quiet places easily, and she can meet the Proxies easily too. Saves her the hassle of asking for a ride far away here. And then she can just drag Eve here easily if needs be anyways.

Wise chuckled at her response, taking a look down the street. “Say, you said you want to live here, right? I mean, why not just rent out a place as a sort-of secondary place or something to stay in. Maybe if you’re bored or looking for inspiration. You don’t really have to use your name if you rent in some cases, a pseudonym will work.”

“Hmm.” Astra gave it a thought. “Well, yeah but there aren’t too many places that are directly accessible by car. People will still see me and paparazzi will be all over Sith Street. Not to mention how crowded it’ll be here.” She sighed, shaking her head. “I guess it's not meant to be then.”

Wise hummed in thought, looking around the street while thinking to himself. “”Well, being fair, Random Play is one of few that has direct road access. We got quite lucky with that place.”

“Ah, out your back? Yeah, we used it back then, remember?” She giggled, turning to look at Random Play across the sidewalk with Wise.

Before it hit her.

“........actually, that’s perfect!” She suddenly says, all smiles once again.

“Huh? What is?” Wise is rather unwise to what Astra is thinking of. Ironic.

She giggled before pointing to his store and home, Random Play. “There! That’s perfect!”

“Eh? Random Play?” Wise looked at his store building as well. “You want to buy our store? Entirely?”

“Well, no silly.” She pulled a finger up and booped his nose casually. “I’ll just settle to living in with you! I mean, you did offer for me to stay over and that couch is still there right? I can just nab the slot in your room easily. I mean, you’re not sleeping on the couch right, so I can crash on it easily with no issues. Not to mention, I’ll also pay for rent and all that, no worries!”

“Uh, for rent, while I am thankful, I don’t think there’s a need for that.” He scratched the back of his head. “You’re not really taking up any extra space and you’re not going to stay for long anyways, right?”

“Oh, tut tut. We never know, I may end up nesting here for a few days at a time.” She giggled playfully at him as she replied. “But I will still pay, it’s only fair as I’m the one living there. That way, I can access your garage to avoid crowds, all the while enjoying the fresh quietness in Sixth Street with my favorites!”

“All I need is some extra set of clothes to bring there, a blanket and some pillows, some snacks, a buncha movies- oh right. Silly me, I am sleeping above a Video rental store. Hehe. Scratch that. And then maybe I can bring some food materials to cook and some comics, maybe some of my stuff to record as well in case I get hit by inspiration.”

“Uhm, don’t you have to talk to Eve or at least your parents about this?” Wise asked, raising his eyebrows at how impulsive Astra is being.

“Oh, you worry too much again.” She patted his shoulder as she got up from her seat. “There’s no issue with them, I guarantee. This isn’t a permanent me moving out sort of thing, I’m only moving here just to have a change of pace every now and then, although more of it is probably to meet you.”

Wise got up as well, unable to really deny Astra seeing her this into it already. There’s really nothing bad from not allowing her anyway. She’s good company, the store may get some extra customers if she shows up every now and then, and there’s Evelyn as a nice bonus to talk to from time to time if they ever get bored. Not to mention, she offered to pay for it so its not like it will cost him or Belle much to host her.

As long as Belle won’t be a bit jealous if Astra sleeps in his room on his couch, then again there should be no issue to that. Besides, maybe this will get her off his back for being unable to nab a woman for himself.

Then again, a part of him asks if he and Astra will ever get there. In truth, a part of him entertained that possibility, but he’ll get there when he gets there.

Unlike Wise, Astra isn’t just entertaining that possibility. Somehow she’s seriously considering claiming him if her heart truly yearns for it. But, that is an answer for another day, for a better time. For now, being able to see one another is more often and having ana alternate place to stay is her main focus.

One that Wise finally answered, though in reality there isn’t much to dissuade him anyways.

“Alright Astra, you win.” He chuckled as he paid for the noodles; Astra wasn’t paying attention. “You can stay as you like, my room’s always open for you.”

“Really? I can?” Astra asks, unable to mask the excitement in her voice.

“Yes, yes. Keep it down please, it’s quite late.” Wise says, trying his best to make sure no one peeks and finds New Eridu’s superstar in the middle of the street with him.

“Yay! Thanks Wise!” She quickly leaps up towards him in excitement before pulling him for a sudden hug, squeezing his body towards hers ever so powerfully. “You’re the best!”

Wise was taken aback by the suddenness of the hug, though his recent ‘lady training’ by Belle meant he was quick to reciprocate and hug her back without question. Otherwise, Belle would hang him.

Astra Yao finds herself unable to let go however. His slightly larger frame than hers and his arms hugging her was a feeling she could actually get addicted to. It felt soft, warm, delicate even, just the way Astra, as the queen, wants to be held by her king.

The thought of claiming him entered her mind again. She’ll be really considering this down the line.

Astra pulled back after a bit, Wise pulling back as well. The pair stared at one another eye to eye, before chuckling at one another.

“It’s a deal. No take backs, alright!” Astra Yao gave him a wink before she took out her phone. “Oh, Evelyn is here, she’s waiting in the car just around the corner.” She says, reading the text on it before turning to Wise. “i guess that’s it for today huh?”

Was it just Wise, or was her tone slightly dejected?

She quickly cleared it up.

“But we’ll meet again soon! I’ll get things ready and tell you when I’m coming over, alright?” She immediately lifted her spirits again with a smile.

Wise chuckled, nodding at her. “It’s a promise, I look forward to it then.”

“Hehe- wait. Did you foot the bill?” She peeked past Wise, noting that General Chop doesn’t seem to be expecting any payment from them. That would mean that Wise has already paid for their meals. She half-pouted, turning to him. “You sneaky- you did, huh?”
“Hey, it’d be rude of me not to.” Wise said, putting his hands up in a mock defense over his actions. “Why would I ask you to pay anyway, it’s just noodles.”

Astra Yao let out a small huff and eye roll. “Fine, but next time, it’s my turn to pay for our date, alright?” She added, switching bac to a wide smile and a wink before looking t her phone again. “Ugh, Eve’s already chatting me several times, I really have to go. Got a few things to do tomorrow anyways.”

“Alright, I’ll see you then. I’ll walk you to the-”

Wise was already going to lead Astra Yao down the road to where Evelyn is but she stopped him.

“It’s just a short walk around that corner, I’ll be fine.” She giggled, poking him. “I can defend myself so no worries~ You saw it for yourself anyways.”

Astra and Wise still walked over in front of Random Play as they talked anyways, their legs carrying them over to the equally familiar place. They stopped in front, Astra taking a good look at Random Play, thinking about the fact she’ll have a small retreat home in there before she turned to Wise with a wide smile.

“The car is right there, just a few feet away. I’ll see you soon, okay Wise?” She asked, giving him a heartfelt smile.

He gave her a soft smile in return. “I will see you soon then. I’ll prepare the place for you so that you can come whenever.’

“Hehe, excellent.” She clasped her hands together. “I look forward to it~ Until then, ciao~ Stay safe and take care Wise!”

“To you too Astra, to you too.” he replied, waving to her as she skedaddled to the corner.

Before rounding it though, she paused and turned back towards him. “One more question for me to think about, Wise. You’re single, right?”

“H-huh? I mean, yeah. I don’t really have that much understanding of women, no offense.” He embarrasedly shrugged. “Why do you ask that?”
“Hmm~ Nothing. Just food for thought.” She winked before waving again and rounding the corner.

Wise stood there in front of his store, dumbfounded by Astra’s last question before departing. Aftera bit, he shook his head and sighed as he entered the store, though it isn’t a displeased or a tired sigh but merely a way to express that something interesting is bound to happen in his life again now that Astra wants to get herself heavily involved.

And when Astra herself is giddier than Evelyn expected when picking her up, one can only wonder what is going through her mind. In truth however, it’s something very simple.

‘He’s single. Hehe, I guess I can prepare myself to fully nab him for myself. Astra Yao can be selfish for this, right? Better make sure he’s in the same boat~’ Astra thought to herself, almost too lost in a trance and not noticing how Evelyn is gazing at her with a confused expression.

Maybe she can ask Wise what happened somewhere down the line. Yeah.

Chapter Text

Another day, another slow evening.

Wise sighed to himself, sitting in his room and taking a look at his Inter-Knot account. Of course, there are no messages and requests currently. Otherwise, he would’ve been busy at work down in the staff room or discussing matters with his client for his Proxy work. As of right now though, there couldn’t be any less things to do in the world of Proxies.

Especially after new year's and all that. People seem to be still in the holiday mood. It’d probably get a lot more chaotic after the dust of the holidays settled in, but that’s still a few days away. Right now, Wise is very quickly running out of things to do.

Not that he had any to begin with after all. Belle is taking care of the store right now, he took several shifts straight the days’ prior at her request. She had some friends to hangout with and, as much as Wise was also invited, he had to watch the store after all.

Now, even if he’s free, he doesn’t know if he should just stay at home or find someone to go out with. Most of them are probably busy anyways and he wouldn’t want to take their time just to sate his boredom.

Alas, he finds himself here. Alone, waiting for something to happen.

And something did happen.

Wise blinked as he felt his phone beep, a message coming in. Curious, he opens his Knock Knock app to find out who it is.

When he saw her profile picture on top as the sender of a new message, he couldn’t help but smile softly as he opened the DM.

‘Yuhu~ Wise~’

He chuckled. Leave it to Astra Yao to message him like that. The pair have been growing closer than ever before, maybe some would even say a little too close with how many times Astra has sought him out for an excursion or two, sometimes with either Evelyn or Belle joining. Rarely, even both.

Yet he finds that the ones he treasures the most are the one where its just him and her. They can focus on one another and their activity at hand with no interruptions. Group hangouts are fun, but there is solace in one on ones that he is starting to appreciate more.

And from her words, it seems like another one of these episodes are coming.

‘Yes, Astra? Something up?’ He replied. The message was read instantly, which means Astra Yao must be waiting directly in the messaging app. It didn’t take long for a reply to come up.

‘Ooh~ A fast reply, the way I like it. Are you free right now?’

Wise hummed in thought for a bit, but it didn’t take long for him to come to the conclusion that he, right now, is indeed very free.

‘Yes. I am free.’

A short pause for Astra to type.

‘Great! Let’s hang out, I got a movie in Gravity Cinema that I wanna see right now.’

Another pause, the app showing that Astra is still typing.

‘I’ll see you at Random Play~ I’ll bring a disguise, don’t worry~’

Wise blinked a few times, registering what Astra had just typed. The cinema? It’s still the evening hours, so there will still be quite a lot of people there. And above all, Astra seems oddly free to be able to go out with him at this time. While he isn’t going to poke her about her having free time, he would seriously need to make sure that Astra Yao is concealed behind proper clothing. Not just those…..sunglasses she calls a disguise. Those are sorely inadequate.

Then again, he always has something she can wear. Taking a look at his wardrobe, Astra will most definitely fit in whatever he has. Granted, she does have some…..large assets, but being a guy meant his fit should still be more than enough for her.

Even if there will be one or two tight spots.

Wise shook his head to get his thoughts out of the gutter. It isn’t exactly his fault either, not when Astra walks around in an outfit that basically flashes everyone when she does something too sudden, or the fact that she’d continuously put herself in specific positions that reveal a bit too much.

But really, that’s just who Astra is. The ever so lovable Chaotic Fried Rice that he grew attached to. Or rather, she attached herself to him and went from there.

Well, first thing’s first. He has to tell Belle about his plans. Not like she’s going to be able to sa no, but she wouldn’t be too happy if he disappeared without telling her, even if its Astra Yao nabbing him.

Or, in Astra’s own words, Astranapping Wise.

And so, several minutes went by as Wise got himself ready. Although, in reality he didn’t do much. Just got his room tidied up and put his jacket on, but that’s about it. Not much else to do to prepare after all for a guy; maybe combing his hair and putting a lil bit of perfume on, but that’s about it.

Unfair, eh?

Still, Wise waited. It shouldn’t be long now-

SLAM!!

“Wiiiiisseeee~~~”

Wise jumped ever so slightly from his chair, the guy a little bit taken aback by the sound of his door being abruptly slammed open and followed by the sweet melodic voice of the woman he was waiting for. It took him a second or two to calm down and put his hands on the table to ease himself before pushing his chair back and standing to greet the woman who just entered the room.

And there, of course, was Astra Yao, smiling at him very widely.

“Astra- oh.” Wise paused, needing a double take as he looked at her. “....this…disguise. You made it yourself?”

“Oho~ You already know, eh? I did!” She proclaimed proudly.

To be fair, it was as typical an Astra Yao disguise as it could be. The same dress, the same hairstyle. The same sunglasses.

But an added baseball cap with a bangboo picture drawn on it.

“What do you think? You wouldn’t recognize me, right?” She asked, playing with her eyebrows beneath her shades.

“I….” He scratched the back f his head, wondering when Astra was going to realize how terrible it was. “........suppose> You did kinda barge in while calling me, and I’d recognize your voice.”

“Aha! Right, right! Of course I wanted you to recognize me, I don’t want to come in and scare you, what if you called Public Security on me?” Astra Yao waved as a joke, walking over to sit on Wise’s bed, beside where Wise was seated currently. “Cleaning stuff before we go?”

“Yeah….” He shut his laptop off and sighed, before turning back to Astra. “Say, Astra. Maybe you want to change ino some….better disguises? Ones that make you absolutely different from the real image of Astra Yao?”

Astra’s eyes sparkled slightly. “Oooh~ Alright, you got me hooked! What’s the disguise?”

Wise breathed a sigh of relief. At least, doing this will ensure she won’t be recognized at all, even as they go to the cinema in a crowded time frame. “Just…..wear some of mine. You’ve used a few of them before so you should know how it fits you.”

“An Astranautical idea! You know me quite well~” Astra got up with a beaming smile and quickly dashed over to his wardrobe before he could even get up to show it to her.

“W-wait, Astra-”

And before Wise could even essay anything, Astra is already knee deep into his clothes without needing to ask twice. He could only sigh in resignation at how Astra is being a little too chaotic for his liking.

Not that it's much different from Belle, main point being that she isn’t his family directly anyways, yet she seems like she’s intent on breaking all the social etiquette barriers. A far cry from how the superstar Astra Yao is perceived by the general public.

Astra dug deep, checking out every shirt and shorts he has. She isn’t intent on just finding a shirt. Fashion dictates that if you’re going for one style, then go all the way. If she’s going to wear men’s clothing, then she’s going to go all the way, from top to bottom. Who knows, maybe she’ll look really good in it after all.

“Aha! This will do, and this, and this! Mm-mm-mm, I like this.” Astra says, swaying her hips ever so happily and not minding that she’s leaning over so much, her dress is lifting up.

“Alright!” She stands up straight before Wise even notices. “Now, off to your bathroom. Be right back~”

“Wait, what did you-”

The door slammed shut as Astra hummed on her way.

“-pick. Ugh, she can be a bit much, huh?” Wise rubbed his forehead with a pair of fingers. “Oh well, so long as we have fun, no biggie.”

“I’m back!”

Somehow, Astra managed to change her clothes so fast, it startled Wise as she re-entered. This time, wearing a gray shirt and long jeans. Sports shoes, a hoodie and a new baseball cap. All of them belonged to Wise of course, yet somehow it wasn’t too baggy.

Helped by the fact that her rear assets hugged the jeans perfectly and the top-heavy nature of her body kept the shirt from being too oversized for her frame. Despite this, it clearly still showed that she was wearing men’s wear. A fact that was clearly attenuated by the fact that the clothing wasn’t figure specific and quite spacey in some places. And when a woman wear’s men clothing while going out with a guy, you get the picture.
“Ah, Astra.” Wise took a look up and down, nodding in approval. “Alright, there we go. Now, absolutely no one would know you’re Astra Yao, the Superstar.”

“Indeed.” She smiled, placing her dress into a small bag she had brought over. “Now, I am not Astra the Superstar or Astra the idol. None of that jazz. Now, I’m just Astra Yao, the young woman ready for a trip to Gravity Cinema!”

“And you’ll be my partner, as per usual~” She gently leaned to Wise with a wide ear to ear smile. “Yes, Wise?”

He smiled, chuckling to himself in response. How’d he get tangled up with her is beyond him. “Yes, absolutely. As the lady wishes.”

“Aha! Excellent.” She clasps her hands and giggled to herself. “Alrighty! Time to yeet! Come on, before it gets too crowded there!”

Wise could only chuckle to himself even further as Astra Yao sped out of his room, the man following her as she arrived at the store floor, making a u-turn and going out the back with Wise following as if Astra owned the place.

Being real, she could easily buy the store out if she wanted, but she’s not going for the store. She has a more preferable target in the store after all.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not all things go to plan though.

“Sold out?!”

“Yes Ma’am. I’m sorry, but this is the last time the movie will be played today.”

Astra pouted at the ticket booth, turning to Wise beside her. “Ouh drats. I didn’t know it was going to be this crowded. And I’m going to be busy too.”

“You don’t have any free time? Maybe we can find a further date?” He suggested.

“Pardon, sir, ma’am. The movie will stop playing by the weekend. I suggest you take an earlier time, maybe come before the tickets are sold out.” The man behind the booth replied.

Astra sighed, looking down in thought for a second. “So…like, there’s absolutely no seats left today?”

“In standard Cinemas, yes. All of them are booked. The movie ‘Bangboo Avengers’ is very popular after all. I bet some of the people behind you are looking for tickets too.” He replied.

Wise hummed in thought, crossing his arms. “Not even single seats?”

“.......” The man paused in thought, before looking at his computer. “Actually, there are several single seats left in the normal theaters, and one single seat left in the VIP theater.”

“..VIP Theater?” Astra asked, looking at the booth man with a curious glint in her eyes.

“Yes. A theater that’s special in that the seats are enlarged recliners, with comfortable cushions and a width that can easily fit a person, maybe almost two.” He replied with a small sense of proudness to his voice.

“Is there a picture maybe of how big they are?” Astra asked, a smirk appearing on her axial feature as Wise gulps. He has a general idea of what Astra wants to do, and he has to mentally prepare himself for it.

“Yes. Right here.” He showed the pair a promotion picture of the VIP theater where a woman was seated on one of the reclining seats, watching a movie.

Wise bit his lip slightly. The seat was big. Very big, and sturdy. It is designed to fit larger thirens in mind, probably the likes of Ben too. Which means that while he and Astra can’t sit comfortably side by side, it is big enough if she uses some interesting seating positions. But surely she won’t-

“We’ll take it then! The movie starts in 10 minutes, right?” She smiled at Wise as she said that, quickly confirming her idea to him.

Wise could only sigh in response, though he didn’t exactly say no to the idea. A part of him actually says yes. Perhaps this experience can get him closer to Astra, although he has no idea how far Astra herself intends to push it.

“Yes, it does.” He tilts his head. “So…just one?”

“Just one~ Tickets are based on seats and not people, right? So it makes no difference.” Astra says, quickly taking some dennies from her back pocket and then silently pulling Wise’s hand out and handing it to him.

“You don’t mind, right Wise?” Astra asks, her voice sounding way too excited and happy to even make Wise even think about denying her.

“N-no, I don’t mind. We’ll take it.” Wise sighed, catching onto the notion as he took the other half of the dennies needed for the ticket from his own wallet and handed it to the ticket booth staff.

“Huh…alrighty then.” He prints the ticket out and passes it under the window, taking the dennies. “Thank you for your patronage. VIP Cinema 1, just down the left hallway. Don’t forget your snacks!”

“Thank you~” Astra gave him a sing-song reply of happiness as she strode in, Wise following right beside her.

“Popcorn and drinks?” Wise asked, pointing to the snack bar inside.

“Mmm! You read my mind.” She nodded happily, the pair making their way to the snack stand.

Needless to say, everyone in the cinema saw the pair and had no idea the two young people reading the snack menu are two very important people in New Eridu. One is a superstar in the world of entertainment, and one an important figure in Hollow explorations. But today, none of that imagery is in anyone’s mind.

And to the pair, as they ordered their snacks with Astra asking for a large bucket and drinks with Wise, they’re nothing more than Astra and Wise. A young woman and a young man, having some fun in Lumina Square. Although a few people are curiously gazing at them; not helped by the fact Astra is wearing his clothes, nobody seemed to really care. Just another couple in New Eridu.

As if.
“Seat 22B….ah, here.” Astra stopped in front of one seat in the VIP cinema, holding a bucket of salted caramel popcorn and a soda drink on the other. Wise was following behind, a large pack of nachos with cheese, chili, and guac on top with another soda drink on his other hand. “Wise~ Here it is.”

Wise paused to take a look at their…..ahem, shared seat. It was quite big, enough for a bear thiren to sit in comfortably. But for two people? It was going to be one hell of a tight squeeze. There are item holders on the left and right for the single seat, but it was meant for one drink and one snack. They had 2 drinks and 2 snacks.

Astra nodded eagerly, somehow not disturbed by any of this as she casually sat down on one end of the cinema seat and patted the empty spot beside her. “Come on, sit! Don’t be shy, I don’t bite. Hehe.”

Would she keep that statement later on, it remains to be seen.

Wise sighed. At least they were close enough for this. Astra had always made a point out to Wise than she wasn’t one to shy away from getting closer to someone, even taking the lead willingly. Yet Wise finds himself drawn in, maybe that’s her charm at work.

Astra held the popcorn bucket as she placed her drink on her side of the chair. Wise placed his drink on his side and tried to get on the seat as well, the couch as soft as the staff out front told them to be.

But as he fully sat down, it was only then it became apparent to the pair how close they’d have to be to fit, their thighs basically sticking all the way down and their shoulders. Wise went slightly red in embarrassment, but luckily the place was dark enough that Astra didn’t see it directly.

The other cinema goes were just minding their own business too, luckily. Still getting in their seats. Yet, there was one problem.

“Oof- this is quite tight.” Astra murmured, only now realizing that even the seat’s super size wasn't enough to fit the pair. “Sorry about this Wise, I thought it was going to be wide enough.”

“It’s alright.” Wise waved her worries off after calming himself. “It’s not like we knew it was going to be this small. From the staff’s words, it sounded like it was big enough.”

“Ugh, you’re right. Did we fall for a trap?” Astra lifted herself up from the seat, adjusting herself.

As she stood up, Wise moved to the center of the seat before attempting to get up. Yet, as he did so, he paused for a second.

A romance movie scene crossed his mind. He bit his lip for a moment.

There is one way. It’s done many times in movies, and in real life too. People do it in their homes, their couches, but doing it in a cinema is bold, very bold. Yet, it’s one of the few ways that Astra and Wise are going to fit onto this single seat without forcing the other party out. And Wise knew astra would want both of them in, or both of them out.

Wise wasn’t one to throw away dennies.

And hopefully, no one will pay them any mind. Besides, no one knows that he is going out with Astra Yao herself after all. To them, she’s just a young, beautiful woman. That fits her well too.

Beautiful.

Ahem.

“A-Astra?” Wise rubbed the back of his head. “Maybe…..I have an idea….”

“Oh, you do?” Her eyes glimmered. “As expected of someone like you! Tell me!”

“Uhm….maybe you’ve seen this in movies.before, or you’ve done the pose but…..” Wise says, uncertain how to say it without being too awkward. In the end, he sighed as he just decided to show her.

Astra watched him closely, putting a had on her chin as she tried to figure out what he meant when he moved to the center of the seat. “But if like that, then where do I…..”

She trailed off as Wise moved backwards such that the leg rest extension at the bottom of the sofa-seat had enough space for her. Only when she saw him lay back did she realize what he meant, especially with how there’s a slot perfectly in front of him, right between his legs.

The sofa can’t fit them side by side, but it's long enough if they fit front to back. It took her a while to realize this.

Her eyes widened slightly as she cleared her throat, the faintest bit of pink on her cheeks visible if you pay really close attention to her. “A-ah. That- Wise, that is a genius idea!” She says, accidentally raising her voice slightly.

“Hush, Astra.” Wise motion for her to pipe down.

“Whoops, sorry!” She looked around to make sure no one was shooting them weird glances before she turned back to him. “You’re alright with me here then?”

“I should ask you that. I may not be the most comfortable backrest but-” Wise says.

“Nope! You’re probably more comfortable than the back of the sofa! But if you’re okay then, please excuse me.”

Before Wise can realize she answered yes, Astra turned around and sat on the spot between his legs, causing Wise to freeze momentarily. She looked just a tiny bit hesitant before shrugging it off. In Astra’s mind, she’d sit there first slowly just to make sure Wise is okay with it. She isn’t senseless to know that it could be uncomfortable with him. Astra wanted to make sure he’s comfortable being tis close to her.

And so, ever so slowly, she leans back towards him. Wise moved his arms aside, quite awkward as he doesn’t know where to put them so he ends up placing them beside his legs. And after a deliberate second that felt like minutes for the pair, Astra’s back gently leaned onto Wise’s front body, their clothes padding them to ensure a soft touch.

To finish it off, Astra took off her baseball cap, putting it beside them and leaned her head all the way back and finding herself tucked right under Wise’s own head.

A perfect fit.
“Ahm…I’ve never done this sort of thing with someone I know, heck I actually have never done this!” Astra says, trying to hide her mixture of embarrassment from being suddenly so close, and her excitement for being so close to him. “Ah, I’m getting ahead of myself. Is this alright Wise? I’m not too heavy on you, right?”

Wise gulped, quickly trying to get himself back into the real world after thinking about how he has one of New Eridu’s most famous superstars, if not THE most famous one currently, leaning onto him.

“No, no, not at all.” He replied, still with a hushed tone. “You’re light as a feather and not blocking my view. Not to mention, this is quite comfortable for me.” Wise further added, his brain not really processing what he just said and causing him to blurt his true thoughts out to her. “And you, Astra? I mean, if not, I can probably-”

“Nope.” Astra shook her head gently. “If this is fine for you, this is more than fine for me.” She smiled, unseen to him as she looked ahead, the starting advertisements beginning to roll in the cinema screen. “If you want me to move, maybe your leg is cramping whatnot, just tell me, kay? I can stand or kneel down for a bit.”

“....ah, no worries. I wouldn’t let you do such a thing.” Wise replied, reassuring her. “This is…..well, fine for me so I think there’s no need. And if you’re ever uncomfy or want me to move, please don’t hesitate. I just want this to be comfortable for you.”

Astra blinked a few times before giggling, turning slightly to look at him. “You’re so caring sometimes. Hehe, thanks Wise~”

Wise could only nod, still finding himself stiff while Astra could be felt relaxing. In fact, somehow Astra felt herself relaxing much easier than she anticipated. Sure they were close, but this is about as physically close as she’s ever been. Normally, most women would be all over their heads trying to keep to themselves, but not Astra. Somehow, feeling his warmth behind her, his legs on either side of hers, and his low, steady breathing.

She felt a sense of calm she hadn’t felt in a long while.

However, as the advertisements rolled down to the last one, Astra paused to feel her back; more precisely where she’s leaning on Wise. She felt his muscles to be quite a bit stiff. He must be feeling quite uneasy in this position. He says its fine but Astra felt a small pang of guilt within her when she’s the only one relaxing.

So instead of standing up, she opted to just stay there make him relax instead.

Typical Astra Yao.

“Hey~ Wise, come on now. It’s just me.” Astra says to him, keeping her voice a whisper that only he can hear. “You’re being too tense. Am I too close? Hehe~”

“U-uhm….sorry. I’m not used to this…..even Belle seldom does this, if at all.” Wise admitted, trying to move his arms to get comfy but failing to find a spot. “I can always just sit it out-”

“Nope! Not happening.” Instead, Astra decides that Wise has initiated enough as she continues, gently patting his right leg with one hand. “It’s just me, Wise~ I’m sure we’re close enough already so relax, kay?” She goes on to pick his right hand up and places it down in a much more natural spot in front of her, right on her own leg. Basically, if Wise lifted both arms up and around Astra fully, he’d be back-hugging her through the seat.

Wie gulped silently, feeling his arm get moved over by Astra on to her thigh. He kept his arm more or less open upwards, unwilling to accidentally grab onto her thighs. They looked quite big and soft, but that’s not a boundary he is willing to break unless she’s comfortable with it. Instead, he moves his other arm up to more or less the same place, but places the Nacho bowl on top of it with the cheese and guac.

Seeing this, Astra lights up as she takes the popcorn bucket and places it on her other hand. That way, Wise’s left hand is holding nachos and his right hand is free to grab food. Meanwhile, Astra’s right hand is holding the popcorn and her left hand is free to grab food.

In other words, the perfect position.

She giggled. “Thanks Wise~ If you didn’t cooperate, we’d be a mess right now, but this is fine, dontcha think?” Astra sounded quite pleased with herself, almost proud even.

“Y-yeah…I guess.’ He could only weakly chuckle in agreement. All in all, it’s not like this is a bad arrangement. Astra doesn’t weigh anything and she’s not blocking his view. That, and they can eat their food at will. Seems easy enough.
“Oh, hush. It’s starting.” Astra quickly refocuses back onto the movie, her hair rustling a bit on top of Wise as she turns. Wise could only sigh, knowing well that while he doesn’t mind, Astra has always surprised him with how she does things.

Then again, it was his idea for this position after all.

He then felt his left hand moving slightly as Astra took a piece of nacho and chomped on it, the movie starting in full now. “Oh boy, this is going to be exciting.”

“Well, it is a top-rated movie after all.” Wise says, taking one popcorn from the bucket and eating it. Luckily, Wise isn’t a messy eater; he’s going to be extra careful to not drop any crumbs onto Astra’s beautiful hair. As Wise’s arm reached around Astra to take the popcorn, she giggled inwardly. He’s basically hugging her every time he snacks on something, and for someone like Astra, it feels somewhat special.

However such thoughts soon leave the pair as the movie started, going into the introductions very quickly with some small talk and minor action scenes.

Yet, as the movie unfolded, despite their initial awkwardness, Astra and Wise slowly warmed up to having her basically sit between his legs. Without knowing it, the pair relaxed into the seat-sharing date, Wise’s body slowly easing off and soon enough, only 10 minutes in, he’s already sitting back onto the sofa further, the closeness of Astra Yao leaning onto him now planted in the back of his mind as he watched.

Astra herself noticed ever so slightly that Wise relaxed, seemingly already comfortable. Even his hands are easing off. Despite this, he kept his hands decent and made sure not to touch inappropriately; a trait of Wise that Astra found absolutely lovable. A respectful man is always a good man.

She smiled. Inwardly, she is absolutely gleeful he’s getting comfortable with her. Soon enough, it wouldn’t be long before they can share closer memories, starting from here.

For now though, she turned to focus on the movie.

And so, they watched on, munching on snacks every now and then.

So absorbed were the pair in the movies, they didn’t even comment when they felt their arms touch one another inside the snack buckets. After a few times, their hands almost grabbed one another in the popcorn bucket, making the pair pause to look at one another.

Astra gave a giggle before looking back at the cinema screen and taking a small amount of popcorn with her. Wise chuckled while shaking his head at her playful self, taking a small mount for himself as they resumed the watch. By now, Astra is leaning back fully without any worry, even so far as to put her head onto Wise’s chest as a headrest.

Wise didn’t really feel it, he was more absorbed into the movie than focusing on the fact Astra is basically almost right on top of him.

A few minutes later, already into the crux of the storyline, Wise was scooping up some cheese and guacamole with a large piece of nacho. Yet, as he was about to lift it up, he needed to pause for a bit as a particularly short but important scene played out. Astra too was fixated on the screen at that part, yet when the scene passes, she couldn’t help but notice the nacho dangling in front of her, just below her face.

“Hmm~ Wise, can I?” She asked, nudging him with her head slightly.

“Eh?” He looked down, realizing what Astra meant. Still not fresh minded from watching the movie, he merely nodded, moving it close to her mouth.

“Thanks.” She nods, taking a bite from the nachos before Wise took the rest for himself, making sure to hand Astra a tissue to wipe her mouth off.

Another point down the line, Wise was munching on some popcorn when Astra was taking a sip from her drink. She was about to put her drink down when, at the corner of her eyes, she spotted Wise going for his own drink with his free hand. A sudden idea hit her mind for a moment, and she acted on it immediately.

“Mmm. Wise.” She mumbled just enough for Wise to hear. The man looked down, finding Astra holding her drink up towards him such that the straw is right in front of his lips, all without really looking at him such is their close proximity. She can probably tell his head position accurately just from feeling his breathing.

“Ah, thanks.” He nodded in reply, taking a sip of the drink as his eyes returned to the screen. Astra nods silently, taking the drink back and taking another sip herself before putting it down.

It didn’t even cross Wise’s mind that he just shared an indirect kiss with her. Astra though? She was just smiling like a goofball.

And after 2 hours of the movie, the end credits rolled around as the Bangboo heroes ended victorious, the lights going on and the crowd slowly started to talk to one another.

Wise and Astra both laid there on their single seat, taking it in as their popcorn and nachos snack buckets turn up empty, their drinks also dry.

“Wow. That was amazing.” Astra commenced with a gleeful giggle. “I haven’t watched anything in the cinemas for a while and this was a breath of fresh air. The movie was great, and all those actors are aaaamazing!”

“I know, right? The camera angle choices and visual effects are top notch.” Wise responded with a chuckle of his own. “I loved how they managed to focus each individual character in the important scenes while allowing for a wider video when a lot of action is going on in the screen at the same time. That being said, the choreographer must’ve done a lot of work for the fight scenes.”

“Oh, totally. I can tell just by looking at the moves, especially those cute and cool bangboos.” Astra replied, humming in thought for a second before peeking up at Wise. “Reminds me of you. Actually, I think you’re both cuter and cooler~”

“Hehe, thanks Astra. You are also cooler, cuter, and far prettier than any of the actresses there. Especially since I got to know you as who you truly are.” Wise replied casually with a smile.

A love arrow shot through Astra’s body almost instantly. In fact, not one, but many many arrows slammed into her, quickly covering her brain in one single message.

She quickly overheated, having to look away as she tried to refocus on something else as her face literally went up in flames. “A-ah….you’re too nice to me…..ehehe…”

“Hmm? Did I say something wrong?” Wise asked, confused at Astra’s slightly odd reaction.

“No, no, no, I love that.” Astra says after a while, smiling again after removing the excess blush on her face. “Thanks, Wise. Hearing those from you…….brings me probably more joy than it should have.”

“Nevertheless.” Astra cleared her throat. “How is the experience of watching the movie while sharing a seat with Chaotic Fried Rice?” She asked him with curiosity and playfulness in her voice.

“Ahaha, well…in a way….” Wise scratched the back of his head, some redness on his cheeks when he remembered that she is still basically using him as a backrest. “I suppose its….good. The movie was great and had some really great company. No complaints from me.”

“Hehe. Well, if you wanna do this again, I don’t mind. Like I always say, I don’t care if anyone sees. It’s just us after all.” Astra replied with a smile.

True to her words, others in the cinema that are now leaving, and helped by the lights turning on are starting to realize how Astra and Wise had basically shared a single seat in the cinema throughout an entire movie. Some just gave them a look and moved on, some were actually a little displeased but paid no mind, while a few noticed that it looked like they were a couple and had a jealous look.

Astra and Wise swore they heard a few people saying they wanna do that next time.

“And besides, with your clothes, not only do I look stylish, but I also am invisible.” She giggled, the pair staying there in that romantic position as they waited for the others to file out of the cinema first.

“Astra, come on.” Wise chuckled “What can you wear that’d make you look unstylish? Nothing, I dare bet.”

Astra paused again, finding her cheeks to be gaining more similarities to a tomato than she expected. To think, Wise, the man she thought was so plain in the field of romance, could spit out words that actually caught her off guard. Just who did she decide to go out with?

In truth, Wise had no idea his words had that effect. To him, it was as simple as a compliment.

“W-well, good point. You know what, you’re going to be responsible.” Astra finally got up, freeing Wise from their loveseat position. “If you think I look that good in men’s wear, then on our next date, let’s go tour New Eridu’s clothes stores one by one and find us some good ones!”

“Already a plan, huh?” Wise asks, getting up and handing Astra her baseball cap. “Wait, we?”

“Yes! I will be your fashion manager.” She gave him a smile. “Look, you’re already cute to me, but some good clothes and you’ll look glamorous beyond measure! So, when I get more time someday, maybe this or next week, take me out again, yeah?”

Wise could only sigh, yet he still smiled at her. “Alright. That’s a deal then.”

“Hehe.” She smiled before nonchalantly walking over and then holding onto his arm with hers, basically lightly arm locking them to one another. “Let’s go, Wise. I think i have to go now.”

“Ahem……right.” Wise felt heat rushing to his face this time at Astra’s boldness, yet he found himself much less flustered than before. Perhaps sitting with her on your lap for 2 hours makes one less shy about physical touch after all.

As they walk out the cinema, Wise can’t help but notice how Astra’s mood is suddenly better than it was when they entered Gravity cinema some hours ago. She’s humming a song to herself as she walks by, all smiles on her face.

He smiles as well. He found it much less embarrassing and a lot more comfortable around her, at least to some degree. If she’s really putting an effort to get close, he can’t exactly back away after all. That’d be rude.

Soon, the pair stopped by the car park.

She sighed, letting go. Her mood dropped ever so slightly. “This is my stop. Evelyn will pick me up with a few people shortly, and it’s back to business for me. Sorry I couldn’t go any longer.”

Wise chuckled. “I had fun today, Astra. Either way, I already promised to go out with you again soon, so there’s that to look forward too.”

She piped up upon hearing his response. “How right you are! Alright then Wise, let’s make sure to have more fun times together ahead, yeah? Hehe.”

“I mean, you could always go with Evelyn or Belle if I’m busy.” Wise shrugged a bit. ‘Not like I treat you special or make you feel too special, I guess.”

Wise heard no reply, save for a few footsteps his way before, without warning, he was engulfed in a warm, compassionate hug from Astra. He stood there in stunned silence.

“Evelyn and Belle are fun to go out with, sure. I would make time for them too, but you just….hit different, you know.” She says, voice audible only to him. “Ever since that birthday escapee, there’s something about you that just clicks so much more with me. I can be myself in front of Belle and Evelyn, and my parents too, but there is a sense sometimes that I have to….keep up some attitude with them, whatnot. Maybe less Belle and Eve.

“But you…..there’s nothing of the sort. I feel like I can be free with you, like a bird up high in the sky. Free to do as I want to, act like my true self without the need of being judged or being looked at oddly.” She replied, pulling her head back to look at him. “So…..stick around with me, yeah? If I ever get tired of becoming Astra Yao, the Superstar, I’ll just run up to you and become Astra Yao, the woman living in New Eridu. Nothing more, and nothing less.”

Wise nodded slowly before finally bringing his arms around to hug her back. Feeling this, Astra giggled and tapped his back.

She thought of it. She could just lunge right now.

No.

Not yet. Don’t push it, getting this far is already good enough for her.

The pair let go after a brief moment, Astra now seemingly even happier than before despite their imminent separation for the rest of the day.

“Alright then, I think I can hear your car approaching there.” Wise peeks, watching a black sedan in a convoy of security cars stop by a red light one block away.

Astra notices, nodding as well in affirmation before turning to Wise. “Then I’ll see you later again Wise~ Have a nice day, and do take care!”

“You too Astra. You too.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------
“Astra?”

“Yes, Eve?”

“I need to ask……we are going to a fan meeting after this. You are aware of it, right?”

“Mhm~ Of course I am. I had to end my date with Wise because of it. Why?”

“You’re still wearing his clothes, I presume.”

“Oh…..right.”

A pause in the car before Astra shrugged.

“I’m sure I can just wear this, right? No problemo!”

Evelyn could be heard facepalming. ‘If this is how it’ll be as these 2 keep going out together, I’m so going to need a raise.’

Chapter Text

Astra Yao was a carefree woman. One who didn’t need to ponder long before going forth with an idea, no matter how crazy or absurd it sounded. So long as the outcome is advantageous to her, and to whoever was with her for it, she would go straight in, hands on approach like the woman she is.

Yet, there are things that stumble her from time to time. A new album that she would experiment with, changing her styles and pondering if her fans would love it or not. Or maybe a new venture in the world of entertainment, like the time she decided to try her hand in a fashion show for the first time or her first fan-meeting ages ago. All those uncertainties give her food for thought, often lingering in her mind and making her think about it long and hard until the day arrives.

Yet, when it did arrive, everything would just fall in place. And it wasn’t solely just because of her. New albums and new songs are a hit because her fans all love them, buying her albums and streaming. New advertisements that have her in them are an instant hit because the companies that she advertised experienced a surge in sales.

In all of these things, she had another party involved. It wasn’t just her, she was merely a mediator for things to happen; a middlewoman caught in a cascade of world events.

Yet, when it came to a simple decision that involved herself, and truly herself, she couldn’t help but think it over even more than usual.

The main reason being that, as much as it is a decision she could only decide by herself, it is also a decision that involves another party.

More accurately, another person. The same person who has been on her mind for the greater part of the last few days after that trip they did a short time ago.

His touch. His voice. His presence around her.

Astra could not, for the love of her career, remove the thought of spending more intimate moments like that with Wise out of her head. It has been circulating in her mind, especially the fact that he wasn’t opposed to it. In fact, call her lovestruck but to her, his body language spoke to her in a way that isn’t pushing her away. If anything, it almost felt like he wanted more too, as much as she does.

Well, maybe not as much as she does. No, Astra is probably in a league of her own there.

“Ms. Yao? Is something the matter? You’ve been staring at the wall for a while.”

Astra blinked a few times before shaking her head to regain her senses. She’s still in the backrooms of an event she had just finished, waiting to leave the place. Evelyn is right with her as usual, calling her to shake Astra from her stupor.

“O-oh, nothing Eve. Hehe, just a bit absent minded, I was thinking of something.” Astra played it cool, but the slight hint of confusion in her voice is apparent.

And as someone who has watched over Astra for a while now, not to mention picking her up from many of her recent dates, so to speak, Evelyn is more than aware of what is going on through Astra’s mind.

“It’s about Wise, isn’t it?” The bodyguard asked casually, crossing her arms and sighing.

“Eh? How did you guess?” Astra turned to Evelyn, eyes as wide as can be.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? You’ve been going out with him, you often linger on knock-knock for a long time on his account, not to mention how I see you wearing that same shirt you took from his wardrobe every time it’s finished from the laundry.” Evelyn had to stifle a chuckle. “You’re not exactly making it subtle.”

“Ah…..haha, I guess.” Astra rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish smile. “But yeah, I guess you can say that. I’m just questioning a few things.”

“Like what? Has he done something out of line? If so, I can easily reprimand him for it.” Eve opened an eye at Astra.

“No! Nothing of the sort. If anything, he’s treating me better day by day.” Astra replied, before smiling softly and daydreaming again.

Evelyn snapped her fingers after a second or two, bringing Astra back to the room with her.

“Geez, you really are that in love with him….” Evelyn shook her head. “Aren’t you two dating already?”

“That’s the thing! I mean…..yeah, we go out together a lot, have fun a lot too, especially at the New Year’s event but…..” Astra trailed off. “We….aren’t exactly dating yet.”

“Oh. That’s a surprise. Then again, Wise does come off to me as the dense and slow type when it comes to romance.” Evelyn rolled her eyes. “But you’ve always taken initiatives with him. What’s the difference now?”

“Does he want it?” Astra asked, the question already lingering in her mind for a while now that she didn’t need to think to say it aloud. “Is Wise really okay with me? Like, he has some very fantastic friends, and many of them ladies too. A part of me is asking if it’s alright to claim the other half of Phaethon all to myself like this.”

“..........” Evelyn pondered for a second, before sighing to herself. “I’m not good with words, so I don’t really know what to say in this, but I think there’s no harm in it. Wise doesn’t seem like the type of person to give false hope to people anyways. If he did so, I guarantee it's not on purpose. That being said, you never know until you try, no?”

“Yes, but I don’t want to guilt trip him into a relationship.” Astra shook her head. “If he’s in it, I want him to be really in it. Not just being in it to make me happy or to not look bad. I read somewhere that love is a two way road, so I want him to do it back to me, and not just me to him.”

“So you admit you love him?” Evelyn gave Astra a side smirk while raising an eyebrow.

“A-ah…..oh, you’re sneaky!” Astra giggled half-flustered, punching Evelyn in the shoulder lightly. “Fine, fine. Being indirect is just so not me. I do, I really do. I just hope he feels the same.”

“Then go with him. Go out, maybe a full day with him.” Evelyn speaks with a serious tone; one normally reserved for professional matters. “Do anything with him, maybe for a longer period of time and let your mind and heart seek the answer out. Thinking about him like this isn’t going to give you answers.”

“So I just go with him, hangout, do shopping or something?” Astra asked, putting a finger on her chin in thought. “I mean, what’s the difference from what we normally do? We go to places together, do things together, have some fun!”
“Yes, but this time, do a small change.” Evelyn says, slightly smiling. “Instead of just living in the moment and going about the date with your usual style, take it a bit slower. Listen to your heart as you go with him, and search your inner feelings. That should give you the answer.”

“.........you seem to know a lot about this.” Astra raised an eyebrow. “You have experience or something, Eve?”

“No. A word or two from a wise person I knew.” She chuckled, before waving Astra off. “Now go invite him, and settle this. You have the whole day off tomorrow and it’s your only chance in a long time.”

“Oh, right!” Astra immediately dropped the conversation and went to her phone. “Thanks for the tips Eve! You’re the best!”

As Astra was busy in her chat, probably typing a whole lot of cute nonsense to invite Wise out, Evelyn couldn’t help but chuckle as she watched. ‘I hope it works out the way you imagine it to. But, imagining Wise himself, I’d say you’re safe.’ She thought to herself.
—--------------------------------------------------------------
“A whole day? You have got to be kidding me!”

“No, Belle. She said it herself.”

Belle stared at the screen of her brother’s phone in pure, utter disbelief. Something straight up impossible had happened some time yesterday, and Belle herself couldn’t quite believe it. It is her turn on store watch today, Wise had handled it yesterday when Belle went to the outer ring to catch some wind with Burnice, Lighter and Lucy. The fact that Wise had somewhere to be on the day she was supposed to watch the store wasn’t too much of a surprise. He had his own hangouts to do with their friends after all.

It was simply who he was going with that surprised her, and not just that, but the duration of it all. It was sheer lunacy, and she had to double take to actually see that it is real.

Astra Yao, her favorite superstar, is asking her brother out for a date to several places.

She rubbed her eyes. That many places would likely take them a whole day. A whole day of Wise being with Astra.

“Aaah, come on! Sometimes I wish I could be you, Wise.” Belle gave a slightly grumpy pout. “I know it’s my turn to watch the store but seriously. How did you make Astra invite you so easily?”

“Uh, to be fair, I don’t know either.” Wise gave an innocent shrug. “I just treated her like anyone else should, and now this happens.”

“.....you treat women dangerously well without even knowing.” Belle muttered under her breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing! Since Astra’s going out with you, you should get ready!” Belle quickly pushed Wise back into his room. “Now go change before she gets here!”

“E-eh, but-”

“Don’t fail it, Wise! If you can win her over, I can see Astra more too! It’s a win-win for both of us so make sure it all goes well!” Belle says, clearly a bit too eager as she closed the door, leaving a very confused Wise in his room.

“.....what was that all about?” Wise asked, unsure of what to make of how Belle acted before shrugging it off as he walked to his wardrobe. It is to be a full day out with Astra today, and Wise at least knows that he should perhaps do himself up a little bit more than he usually does, even if Astra says she likes his usual wear the best anyways.

Still, a little effort will do it some good. At the very least, he wants Astra to know that he appreciates the time he spends with her, so wearing more intricate clothing should be a clear sign of that. Maybe he should also get his hair properly done.

With that, he hops into the shower for a quick morning bath.

A little later though, at the store level of Random Play, a very familiar figure arrives.

“Hey~ Belle! Good to see you!”

“Wel- Oh! Astra, hi! You’re up here bright and early, and you’re wearing a different dress too, eh?”

Belle couldn’t help but giggle from behind the counter. The store is still empty thi early on so there’s no worry of anyone spotting Astra and going crazy over her. Especially with the different dress she wore for this occasion.

A black thigh-high dress, low cut with a gap to her collar and sleeves, ribbons and pearls decorating little bits here and there. The same dress she wore when she walked with Wise in Lumina Square during the new year’s event to gather inspiration.

The same one she wore when she put her feelings on her sleeves and called him cute, of all things. Typical Astra.

Not many have seen her in this outfit though, if anyone. Plus, with how Astra has been casually going about with Wise and nothing happening to the pair, she assumes it is quite safe to go out and about like this. A pair of simple shades cover her eyes, which to Astra, should be enough to make sure no one notices who she is.

Hopefully.

“Indeed I am~ Can’t wait to spend the day with Wise.” She replied with a smile, though not too bubbly; she’s still thinking about what Eve said. To enjoy the date fully and not think too much about it, just live in the moment and see what her heart yearns at the end. She says not to think about it, but Astra couldn’t get mind off the thought process. Maybe seeing Wise can shake it off for her.

“Hehe, alright, I suppose I shouldn’t keep you any longer, yeah?” Belle gave Astra a wink. “He’s upstairs, probably still getting ready. Have fun you two- oh, and can you sign one of the posters I have when you get back?”

“No worries! I’ll do it gladly. Also, I’ll be here a lot so you can ask me anytime!” Astra says, winking back at Belle. “Who knows, maybe someday more often that you can imagine.”

Belle raised an eyebrow as Astra happily skipped over to the 2nd floor, straight towards Wise’s room.

And as per usual, she didn’t knock. Her hand went straight to the knob and opened it without much hesitation, if any at all. “Wise~ I’m here, as I promised!”

“Astra. Perfect timing, I hope you got here without a crowd?” Wise replied, fixing something up in his wardrobe.

“Nope, nope. I got through without anyone following.” Astra says with a smile, her voice regaining the peppiness it usually has near instantly as soon as she started talking to him. “And -oooh, you’re looking fancy yourself.”

Unlike his overly casual shirt, jacket and long pants, Wise wore something a little bit more fitting for the occasion. A neater black button-up shirt and blue jeans. He had some sunglasses on his hair as well to match hers, and he wasn’t in his usual street jacket. Overall, a different feel to it; it gives him a more mature look that somehow translates well into pairing with Astra’s dress fo the day.

Wise turned to her with a smile. “You did say you were going to dress differently, no point if I don’t do the same.”

The fact that Wise put effort in wasn’t lost on Astra, the Idol almost giggling to herself uncontrollably at the thought that Wise actually dressed up more properly for an occasion like this. It's only fair that he put in effort too, even if Astra didn’t mind at all if he didn’t.

She checked him out top to bottom, her eyes shamelessly glazing over his fit and the details it entailed. Wise himself was also rather taken aback by her, not just because Astra is quite close and basically scanning him with those beautiful eyes of hers, but because she actually did herself up quite well for the date.

Still, Astra refrained from too much makeup. She wanted Wise to like her natural beauty, and not fake beauty, just like how she wanted him to know her true self and not her stage self. As such, she kept it simple yet elegant.

Noticing his careful gaze, Astra giggled slightly and, with a bit of playfulness, leaned down to look at him from below. It gave him a generous look of her body from above, especially the valley that many a man would pay massive amounts to see, let alone to on a daily basis like Wise could with Astra.

“How do I look? See something you like, hmm?” She asked, a hint of teasing to her voice as she raised her eyebrows at him.

Wise, flustered, immediately went red as he looked away, even as Astra pressed onto him slightly. “A-Astra….please don’t tease me.”

“But you must admit it, I want to hear it. I look good, right?” Astra smirked at him, not moving from her position.

Wise gulped, glancing over towards Astra for a brief second before nodding. “Astra, it is impossible to make you not look good in anything you wear.”

Astra’s brain froze for a split second at the sudden counter-attack. She wasn’t expecting that one, she genuinely was surprised by it as she stood up straight. However, unlike before, she was only flustered for a quick second or two. “Oh, you’re unfair sometimes.” She mumbled before clearing her throat. “Hehe, thanks Wise. But yeah, as someone who sets fashion waves across New Eridu, I have to make sure I can look good in any outfit. That way, I get to showcase my flexible fashion sense.”

“Mmm, if anything, I bet most fashion designers will tailor their outfits to match you.” Wise replied, closing his laptop and turning his desk lamp off. “Considering your status and all that.”

Astra gave a thoughtful hum. “Yeah, I suppose so. That said, that’s one reason why I do prefer to go clothes shopping for normal line clothes, not any of the special designs with names of artists or famous people strapped all over them.” She replied, turning towards the door. “And that’s what we’re going to look for today!”

“You don’t like designer clothes? Especially the ones made for you?” Wise asked, closing his room door as the pair left.

“Don’t get me wrong, they’re nice.” Astra commented, the pair going down the stairs and waving at Belle at the counter before heading out the back door to the car. “But it’s the fact that they’re tailor made for me that I also find them somewhat unappealing, if that makes sense. They’re unique because they’re made unique, not because we mix and match a unique combo, or style.”

“Ah, like they don’t allow for the wearer’s creative minds to bloom out? Something like that?” Wise asked, getting in the car.

“Yeah! You get me, right?” She giggled in response, taking the front seat. “Designer clothes are great, but there’s something magical about finding casual clothes in the store, wearing them, and making them stand out. Now that’s the beauty I like.”

“And that’s the kind of thing that makes you unique too, in a way.” Wise adds with a chuckle as he drives them out onto the main roads. “That you look for the nice things in the simple world, unlike how you are seen on stage.”

“Hehe, only people like you can see that side of me, so don’t go poking it to everyone else, alright?” She giggled, leaning slightly towards him in the car. “You could say that maybe you’re even seeing a version of me that my parents and close compatriots like Eve haven’t ever seen.”

Wise raised an eyebrow. “And what version is that?”

“Hehe. You’ll have to guess.” Astra winked at him before going quiet as she put the radio on to enjoy some tunes as they drove along.

In her mind, there’s only one version of Astra that only wise would be able to see for now. The lovestruck one.
—------------------------------------------------------------
“Breakfast here?” Wise asks, turning towards Astra who is walking beside him.

“Mhm. I haven’t tried it, but I’ve been dying to.” Astra replied.

The pair are now fresh out of their car in the center of New Eridu, just one block off Lumina Square in a popular food area. As such, they haven’t had breakfast, so Astra decided that they’d start their little date with some breakfast. Something simple.

Such as chicken noodles with some steamed dumplings for sides. A simple meal, but one that someone like Astra would come to love.

“As much as I would be surprised you’d like food as simple as this, I’ve come to learn you’re not exactly the type to like all the high class stuff that people probably expect out of you. I must say, I find that more eye-catching than not.” Wise admitted, looking around them.

Astra giggled, looking around as well for a brief moment. They were at a street side vendor, far from anything fancy. In fact, the sidewalk was right behind them and then, the main road. There was only a small outcrop of a roof in case it rains, and that’s it. A humble shop, much like Sir Chop’s.

Yet it is these stores that both Astra and Wise have found some sort of home in. Culinary masterpieces hidden in plain sight. Forget all those fancy restaurants, this is where the real food’s at, and the pair are no stranger to it.

“I’m still somewhat grateful that your outfit change worked. No one seems to have made a fuss about seeing Astra Yao in the streets yet.” Wise commented with a hushed tone, looking at nearby people for a second before looking back towards Astra so as to not draw suspicion.

“See? I’ve already better mastered the art of disguise. There’s nothing left for you to worry about.” Astra giggled, giving him a wink. “And if someone did recognize me, there’s really no need to be shy about it methinks. I mean, I don’t really care if anyone sees I’m with someone I lo- ahem. Someone I enjoy being around.”

“Hmm…..I guess, just worried about what it’d do to your reputation.” Wise rubbed the back of his head as the server dropped two bowls of noodles and one plate of gyoza in front of them. “You know, like how your fans would think seeing you with…..me, of all people.”

“Oh hush.” She tapped the tip of Wise’s lips with the handle of a spoon before twisting it around into the bowl before her. “I’m sure I can make my fans understand. And besides, who knows that they might come to accept you and idolize you too! The man who whisks Astra away in his arms, away from the evil men in suits. Hehe, sounds like a good musical.”

“Your imagination amazes me sometimes.” Wise sighed, taking a pair of chopsticks for himself and handing another to Astra. “Let’s dig in, we have a long day ahead of us.”

“A long but fun one!” Astra rectified, before taking the chopsticks from Wise with a thankful nod and immediately digging into the noodles. Between the pair of them, their breakfast did not stand a chance, being wiped clean to the broth all the way down to the bottom of the bowl, with all the dumplings long confined into their acidic fate.

“Aaah….that was something.” Astra placed down the glass bottle of sweet tea she was drinking with a pleased sigh. “I have to tell you, Wise. These places are where hidden culinary gems lie.”

“No kidding, Astra. I mean, I eat in places like these more often than you probably, and there are all sorts of hidden secrets everywhere in New Eridu. Even as far as the Outer Ring.” Wise added, wiping his mouth off with a tissue.

“Oh, really? Then take me there someday, kay?” Astra gave him those same pleading eyes she always used on him. Not that she needed to, but she does so anyways.

He couldn’t say no to her like that, obviously.

“Alright, alright. Next time, we have a schedule to keep.” Wise replied, turning to Astra. As he looked at her however, he frowned lightly.

Astra noticed this change in expression on his face. “Wise? Is something the matter?”

“Lean towards me a bit.” Wise suddenly asks, getting a piece of tissue. “Got a bit of soup on you.”

Astra’s eyes widened slightly and she almost went to look for a mirror on instinct. But, seeing Wise hold his hand out with a tissue to her, she paused for a second before opting to simply lean towards him. Wise is better than any mirror anyways, so she’ll just let him.

Wise, for his part, paused as well. He was expecting her to take the tissue and wipe it herself, use his phone as a mirror maybe, but not like this. Still, it would be rude to just give it to her now that she’s like this already.

With careful hands, he gently wiped the smudge off the tip of her lips, making sure to not wipe the lipstick she wore. It’d be rude to mess up the makeup she already worked so hard to put on for the day.

She felt his careful touch wipe a messy spot on her face before he pulled back, making sure she’s presentable before he threw the tissue away into a nearby bin and then smiled. “There, all good. Do you need a mirror or-”

“Nope.” She smiled wide at him. “I trust you well enough that I am perhaps even more presentable now. Hehe, thanks Wise.”

Wise chuckled, before he stretched his arms and got up. “We should go, we have a long day ahead of us, no? I’ll-”

Astra was quicker than him, already splattering the dennies needed to pay onto the counter. “No. The first time we went out, you paid. This one is me, are we clear?” She spoke, her voice playfully commanding towards him.

WIse could only hold his hands up in surrender with a small laugh. “Alright, but next time its on me again, got it?”

“Hoho, we’ll see who gets to do that later.” Astra shot him a playful grin. “Now, shall we be off?”

Wise nods, the pair retreating from the noodle store and walking towards the direction of the mall. Other onlookers near the noodle store could only watch on as the couple leaves, most of them finding their interaction to be quite cute and befitting. And if you zoom, you could see just how ever closer Astra was with him, their hands practically touching as they walked.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“This one……or this one? Wise~ Help me please?”

Deep inside a department store, Astra stood in front of a mirror as she looked at a scarf she took one one hand, and another she took on the other. One is a simple maroon red while the other is dark blue with some slashes of light blue on the color spectrum.

Wise stood slightly behind her, watching Astra as she took various accessories to try on first. She told him earlier that she planned to do accessories and cosmetics first before going to clothes later down the line. As such, the pair are now in the accessory segment of a standard department store, checking out products from handbags to scarves. The lot of them, and Astra is certainly having a hard time choosing. Not that there are too little options, or terrible ones, but because all of them seem to fit her.
Wise could only chuckle as he used his phone to take a picture or two of her occasionally as she tried some things on before walking over to her. “I think that they all look great on you. Really, your flexible style makes it hard to choose between specific colors and patterns.”

“Oh, stop sweet talking me.” Astra giggled, nudging his arm slightly. “But still, like, I don’t want to have to buy the whole store even if I can. There’s got to be one that’s better….ugh, this is a bit annoying.”

Wise watched for a little while before approaching her and taking a closer look. “Well, the two of them have different looks on you, and they do give off different vibes as well, even if they only differ by color.”

“What do they give off if I wear them?” Astra asked, turning to Wise.

Wise nods at her, taking the blue scarf off and putting the maroon red one around her neck gently. Astra’s eyes widened gleefully, feeling his careful touch put it on her. “The maroon red one gives a more….romantic look, I’d say. Makes you look like someone mature, someone more refined and classy in a way. Adultish, if you get me.” He says, before pausing to let Astra look at herself in the mirror.

“Hmmm….” She hummed in thought before turning back to him, lifting the blue one and asking him to put it on. Wise obliged.

“The blue one is quite different.” He starts as his hands undo the red scarf and does the blue one up around the same place. “Unlike the more mature and romantic look, the blue one gives a cooler vibe. Makes you look approachable, somewhat chill, and an air of chic vibes around you, if you feel it.”

Astra hummed in thought again as she looked at herself in the mirror. Somehow, the more she thought about it, the more Wise words made sense. Both of them may be just scarves, but their difference in color was all that’s needed to provide her with a slight difference in looks and feels. The red one feels romantic, like she’s on a late night date with her lover, while the blue one fits when she’s on a family outing or a hangout with friends; chill and relaxed like the color, dark blue.

She turned to him as she took the scarf off, sparkles in her eyes. “Wow, Wise! You never told me you had a good eye for these things, that’s quite an accurate analysis.” She praised him, earning her a slight chuckle from the man.

“I’m just saying what comes out on the tip of my tongue, but thanks for the compliment I suppose. Which one are you getting- or are you taking both?” Wise asked, Astra eagerly nodding in answer at the question.

“Both! Since you explained it to me like that, I feel like I’d need both of them!” She smiled, before carefully tucking it away into their purchase basket. “And now, the next one. I was looking for a new bright-colored handbag.”

“A handbag?” Wise raised his eyebrow as he lifted the basket up before Astra took his hand and pulled him to the handbag section right beside the one they’re in.

“Yes, a handbag. Or two…..or a few actually.” Astra was quite giddy after that first one, she immediately glossed over the handbags. One thing Wise noted however was that while Astra did gloss over all of them, she didn’t just pick expensive bags or those with gold tracings and diamonds. She picked bags based on how they look, how appealing they are to her, how their design strikes her.

This results in mixed pickings. Some bags are lighter on the wallet, some are top end. But they all have one same characteristic.

Astra found them interesting.

“Ugh, which one….” Astra looked in front of the mirror, unable to decide between several bags. “Wise?”

He sighed, walking over to her and exchanging his thoughts with her regarding the bags. As he talked, a group of college girls happened by the same area of the department store. As they talked to one another, the group noticed Astra and Wise happily talking to one another in the mall.

“Hey, those two together. Don’t you think they look familiar?” One of them asked. The other three looked at the pair quietly from the side, observing.

“Yeah….remember that one time that Astra Yao ran away from Lumina Square? She had an accomplice that’s a man who helped her. Don’t they look….kinda similar?”

“Yeah, you’re right but…..there’s no way Astra Yao would be shopping here! Much less with that guy too, I bet that he’s just an agent or something with her!”

“True, this is a normal department store. Astra Yao’s a queen, she wouldn’t need to be shopping here.”

Satisfied with their conclusion, the 4 girls walk past Astra and Wise. The pair are oblivious at how their actions made their disguises work, but here they are. Astra herself is all smiles and giggles as Wise rolls up a trolley instead of a basket; they have a feeling they’ll need it with all the items Astra Yao is buying.

“Next, here!” She says, the pair moving to a new section of the department store.

Wise paused as he looked at the section they just wandered into. Astra giggled like a silly girl when she saw his confusion. “Astra? Why are we here? This section is for backpacks. Like, the more rugged ones. Do you need one to go mountain climbing or something?”

“Nope!” She smiled, leaning downwards slightly in front of Wise and giving him the look down into the valley again with a smile. Wise looked away ever so slightly, not wanting to straight up look at it. “This one isn’t for me. We did say we will shop together, and that means that both of us will be getting things from this trip! I figured that, for someone like you, you’d need one of these.”

“.....huh.” Wise rubbed the back of his head as he looked at the bags on display. “Honestly, I don't mind if we don’t get anything for me. Me accompanying you is probably as good as it gets, so it’s not necessary. I mean, I’m having a good time seeing you happily enjoy yourself right now, that’s all I really need.”

Astra’s heart skipped a few beats hearing him. She just wanted to squish that face of his with both her hands and claim him then and there on impulse, but she stops herself. This is still the mall, don’t be indecent.

Instead, she opted to just walk up to him and grab him by the hand. “After saying some sweet things like that, you have to take responsibility~ I’m not letting you go until we buy you something, Wise~”

“......but, like-”

“No buts! Let’s go!”

And with that, Astra led him into the men’s section. Wise could only sigh, but one can tell he’s smiling beneath the seemingly exasperated emotion she’s showing.

Now though, as the pair walk, you can see just how Astra’s hand is firmly yet gently gripping his arm, her entire body ever so slightly leaning on him with their shoulders touching.
—------------------------------------------------------------
The sound of the restaurant was loud. But it wasn’t loud enough to mask Astra and Wise from being unable to talk to one another. Then again, hot pot isn’t known for being a quiet type of dinner, so they knew what they were getting into coming here.

“The chicken-pork broth smells amazing, but the slightly spicy one is good too. Good thing we bought a double soup package so we can enjoy more variety!” Astra says with a giggle, using her chopsticks to swirl the soup around as it heats up.

Wise hummed in approval. “Eating only one soup base here would be a shame. It would really limit the flavors we can try. That’s why picking two, or maybe even three is the best. Not to mention, we can pick the combos as we please so we can get two very different soup flavors instead of the same one.” He explains, earning him a thumbs up from Astra.

“Ah, I totally did not befriend the wrong person. You are a very very interesting one, Wise. Hehe.” She replied, putting both arms on the table to hold her head up as she looks at him.

“I mean, look at yourself. It’s not like I befriended some random woman too, you’re Astra Yao after all.” He smiled in response as he started dipping meats and mushrooms into the pot.

Astra however didn’t move, simply looking at him for some seconds more as thoughts swirled around her head. One thought in particular surfaced when he mentioned the fact he befriended her.

As she met during the Bangboo contest, Wise has befriended many interesting folks. Some of them, probably even mightier than her, such as the chief of section six to name one example. As such, one thought crept up from the back of her mind. Especially seeing how close they were to him, she can’t help but think about this one possible, but very unfavorable scenario in her mind.

So, as Astra would, she’d just ask him instead of waiting around.

“Say, Wise.” Astra finally spoke, her hands moving to take some raw beef and place it into the soup. “Sate my curiosity for a bit here.”

“Mmm? What is it?” He asked, still mixing up more food for them into the hot pot.

“....this may sound rude but your friends- the ones we met from the Bangboo contest. How close are you to them?” She asked curiously.

“Oh, quite okay. We have a work relationship with me being a proxy, and one out of it where we are friends. Sometimes I meet them, have a chat on the street. Maybe even go out for some lunch or something if they ask me to.” Wise replied, oblivious to what Astra is implying.

“Hmm.” One of her eyebrows twitched for a moment. “Not much else than that?”

“Not really. I’m not the brightest with relationships so I just go with the flow, whatever happens.” Wise shrugged.

Judging from his words, Astra was inwardly very very happy. If what he said is true and his character isn’t a fake, Astra knew she had a chance. A strong chance. All she had to do was to take it.

Imagine that. Holding hands. Walking down shopping malls together. Eating with one another and spending their days together. It sounds like fun, something Astra can do to get her mind off her job as a superstar at times. A place for her to call herself Astra Yao, the woman, and not Astra Yao, the superstar.

“Astra.”

Yes, holding hands with him. Hugging him. Maybe even….putting those lips on hers……how soft and warm that’d be.

“Astra. Hello?”

“Buwh- wha-”

Astra shook her head, Wise’s words bringing her out of her love-drunken stupor. As she refocused her eyes towards him, she did not expect what she saw before him.

Wise, holding a small lettuce wrap with beef and mushrooms, dipped in soy sauce, and holding it right up in front of her. It is quite obvious that he had no intention of eating it himself, given that he was holding it out towards her.

In Wise’s mind, he was expecting Astra to merely take it with a pair of chopsticks. However, he definitely underestimated what effect he had on Astra.

Astra’s mind immediately caught on, leaving her giggling like a lovestruck school girl before she opened her mouth and leaned towards him with a cute look.

Wise, taken aback, went a little flushed to the face. Still, there’s no way he’d make her use chopsticks at this stage, so he merely fed her ever so slowly. Can’t blame the guy, this is probably the first time he has ever had the need to feed someone else like this who isn’t his sister.

Astra munched on the wrap, bringing up the whole thing into her mouth. Wise managed the balance perfectly, the wrap tasting absolutely heavenly while not being too strong on flavor or texture. And cheesy as it sounds, the fact that Wise fed it to her made Astra like it all the more. He could even hear her hum in delight at that.

Wise could only watch her chew with a smile on his face. Even to someone as dense as him, he can find some sort of hidden happiness as he watches her chew.

“Mmh!” Astra suddenly perked up as she had an idea. Good actions should be reciprocated after all, right?

And so, Wise could only watch in mild confusion as Astra gulped the wrap he fed her down before quickly grabbing a slice of lettuce leaf and then some meat, mushrooms, and little bits here and there all while giggling to herself. It only became apparent to him when she finished, dipping it in sauce before holding it up towards him with a goofy smile.
“Your turn~” She says, her voice as sweet as silk yet containing a playful undertone.

Wise tried to say something, perhaps a way to get out of this rather embarrassing situation, but he couldn’t. Not with how her eyes are looking at him, practically almost pleading with him to accept. And really, what did he have to lose?

He relented in the end, opening his mouth to accept the food from her. Astra was elated as she gently fed him, watching him enjoy the wrap she made.

“How was it? Good?” She asked.

“As delicious it can ever be, from you of course.” He replied, muffled by the food.

As the pair ate together, feeding one another every now and then like they did, the pair were in their own little world. Astra pulled Wise in with her into their little bubble, only focusing on one another on the table as they ate. What they didn’t notice was the fact that they had drawn the ire of most of the other guests in the restaurant, seemingly ever so slightly annoyed by their romantic antics out in public.

So much so that no one really recognized Astra as, well, Astra. All they focused on was the couple being too lovey-dovey with one another.

Perhaps it is a blessing that Astra felt way too comfortable with him now.

A little while later, the pair got out of the restaurant, all sated after their lunch and ready for part 2 of their little day out. Despite being out for several hours, Astra showed no signs of energy shortage, not when Wise keeps recharging her on accident. “Shall we go now? The clothes store is next!” Astra says, her voice barely able to contain her excitement..

“Yes, a walk will do us good to burn the food off. You’re not too full after all that?” Wise asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I am, truthfully. But being with you is all I need to push on! Let’s go!” Astra says, latching onto Wise and locking her arms with his.

Wise could only sigh and nod, though he didn’t sound displeased. If anything, the faint smile on his face tells the world that as much as Astra is enjoying it, Wise is enjoying it too.
—--------------------------------------------------------
Wise sighed. Never in his life could he have imagined himself wearing a beach shirt and some swimming pants in a department store. Not only that, but with some sunglasses to boot. Seems like Astra is hell bent on buying clothes for him too, even if he argues that he’ll probably look bad in them or that they aren’t his style.

Especially because he probably won’t be going to the beaches anytime soon, not with his job or how busy he’s been these days. Still, he obliged. Astra can be incredibly persuasive in many ways, not helped by the fact that somewhere along the lines of their friendship, she knew how to convince him into something.

Still, Astra has never really convinced him into doing anything he didn’t like, and he must admit that today has been incredibly fun with her. This one should be no different, right?

“Wise~ I’m done.” He heard her call out right as the changing booth opened up.

“Oh, what did….you………….”

His voice trailed off as he went silent.

Astra’s giggle was all he heard as his brain struggled to process what he’s looking at. “Like what you see? Your silence is a yes to me, Wise. Hehe.”

There in front of the changing room is Astra Yao, wearing a black and red bikini with a translucent blue unbuttoned crop top and a summer hat on top, her shades still on her glasses. There’s a bowtie on the lower half of the bikini, but it left very little to imagination in terms of what her body would look like.

One that left Wise quickly scrambling to restart his brain and look away before he looked like a creep. Poor guy.

Or as many would say, lucky guy. Getting a swimsuit shot of Astra herself? Damn.

“Judging by your reaction, I’d say you like it.” Astra teased, casually walking up to Wise and leaning in close before putting her arms behind her back. She had never been this brae or playful before, but her heart told her to do so at this very moment. “So tell me Wise. Do you really like it?”
“..........” Stuck between a wall and the divine beauty that is Astra Yao in a bikini, Wise couldn’t escape this one. “.......Astra, please don’t tease me. I do like it, it is impossible to find something that doesn’t suit you, as I have said before. Come on…….”

“Hehe, as long as you like it.” She smirked, before standing up straight and relenting the tease as she turned around, walking back to the changing room.

Wise had to admit, she looked really good. Astra’s dresses and outfits always flaunted her figure but letting it all out bare like that showed him just how good it is.

Ahem.

After taking some time to calm his nerves back, Astra was quick to drag him to another spot. This time, she’s the one waiting after showing him a nice gala dress she thought would fit her. Unlike custom made ones, the premade dress wasn’t too stylish, but Astra liked the simplicity. Going for elegance doesn’t mean it has to be too expensive or over-the-top, and she looked good in it anyways.

Still, if she has to go to a gala with Wise, she’ll wear a custom made one. Ain’t no way she’s going with him and not showing off her best. She has to let everyone know who he’s with, and make sure they know his place with her and her place with him.

“Astra? I’m done….not sure how this looks.” She heard Wise say as he exits the changing room.

“Oh, cool! Lemme see………..”

Astra trailed off, her voice catching in her throat, her mouth agape, and her brain suddenly finding itself overloaded with sensory processes and thoughts. There Wise as in front of her, wearing a black tuxedo with matching pants, a nice white undershirt with a red tie out front. The simplest of colors, standard yet still relevant even in this day and age of fashion. He even had his hair done slightly more than usual in the changing room, though it’s just a single hair comb.

However, that was enough to immediately send Astra Yao into another world. Even as Wise awkwardly checked how he looked in a nearby mirror, Astra was utterly quiet.

Not because she had nothing to say, but because her brain was utterly and decidedly fried.

One could even see some Ether steam slowly float out from her ears, before cold sweat is seen forming slightly on her face from how hard her nervous system is trying to reboot itself to function properly. And before long, you could even see how hearts were slowly forming on her eyes, or how drool was slowly pooling.

“Ugh….I feel a bit awkward. How does Lycaon wear this stuff on a daily basis?” Wise asked himself, slightly confused before he turned to Astra. “Huh? Astra? Are you alright?”

As soon as her eyesight finally registered that Wise is looking at her and addressing her directly, her brain instantly got jump started, and right on time too before her thoughts fully wandered into the adult section. Truth be told, it was already getting there, seeing as how she suddenly had the thought that the suit would be better on the floor.

Luckily, she woke up before that thought manifested too much.

“Bwuh- Wise! Sorry, I was- uh- ah- daydreaming a bit, yeah! You look so good in that!” Astra quickly replied, though she couldn't quite hide how red her cheeks were getting. Wise wasn’t focused on that though, as he was more focused on making sure she was alright.

“You sure? You looked out of it?” He asked, concerned.

“I’m good, I’m good! Totally good, I didn’t just black out for a moment because you are too handso- I mean, because I ….uh…….brain fat moment! Yeah, that!” She had to quickly backtrack. That would’ve been too big a blunder.

“....okay, so long as you’re good.” Wise sighed, before looking at the mirror. “Still, is this too much? Like….I don’t know, I feel like it doesn’t suit me.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” Astra patted him on the shoulder. She is thankful for him being such an eye candy right now. “You look good. Hell, I’d want you by my side in events like this. Trust me, you’re more than fine, Wise. Maybe even too fine.”

Wise couldn’t help but chuckle, feeling her complimenting him like this. To him, he felt some sort of confidence boost now from her words and that’s more than enough to convince him to getthe suit he’s wearing right now.
“Hehe, come on, let’s go! We got a few more to check out!” Astra says, before quickly throwing Wise into a changing room and closing the door, herself quickly going to th adjacent one to change.

Her poor heart can’t take much more of him in that suit. She’d really do the unthinkable if it continued.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------
“Dear me…..I didn’t realize it was so late……..”

Astra stretched her arms out, sighing as she looked at the night sky. Indeed, it is in fact almost midnight by the time the pair made it back to the car park. Wise sat beside her, chuckling in response to her words.

And around them, several hundred thousand dennies worth of shopping goods.

“Time tends to fly when we are having fun, no?” Wise asked, looking up at the night sky as well. “And I must admit, it was fun.”

“You don’t mind doing this again with me when the time comes?” Astra asked, turning to look at him with a expectant look in her eyes.

Wise looked back at her, smiling slightly. “I don’t mind. Perhaps your energy is starting to rub off on me now.”

“Hehe, awesome! You’re my go-to now!” Astra exclaimed happily, quickly grabbing his arm and locking it with her own. Wise didn’t flinch one bit; he was already getting quite so used to her now latching onto him throughout the day.

“Still, am I going to get in trouble with Evelyn for being outside this late with you? Or maybe even your parents, wouldn’t they be worried?” Wise asked, concerned.

Astra giggled. “Oh Wise, you’re too cute you know, caring about me like this. Relax, I told Eve to pick me up at home tomorrow, and I told my parents I would potentially be out until the next day or two. Astra’s got it all covered.”

“.......did you bring a house key? Don’t wanna awake your parents up.”

“...............” The smile on Astra’s face vanished instantly. “.....oh shoot, I knew I forgot something! Dang it.”

“It’s alright.” He gently patted her head, for once starting the affectionate touch himself. “You can stay over, I’ll explain to Eve tomorrow. Just be sure to put a good word in for me so that I don’t have to suffer her wrath.”

“Psht, no way. Wise, she’s never going to do that to someone I treasure more than anything else, and that’s you!” She smiled at him. “If she wants to make you suffer, I’ll be sure to stand in her way, though I know she won’t.”

Wise smiled at her. “Thanks Astra. That’s actually a bit reassuring to me.”

Astra nodded with a smile before the pair fell into a short silence, both looking up at the moon.

“The Hollow disaster.” Astra mumbled, Wise raising an eyebrow and humming to tell her he’s listening. “You didn’t say specifically but when the old capital fell, you lost something to it, didn’t you?”

“You can tell?” Wise asked.

“Not really, but I had a hunch. There’s no way someone like you would be diving into this kind of a job with no reason other than money.” Astra turned to him with a smile. “You’re not that type at all Wise, and I’m honestly grateful I got to know someone like you as a proxy.”

She turned back to face the moon. “But, i f you ever get tired from all the chaos of the life you’re living, please make sure to share them with me, yeah?”

“I’ve shared with you a lot of the hard stuff of my life……and you’ve even taken me out to keep my mind fresh and spirited, a place for me to be myself.” She added, one hand still locking onto Wise’s. “So……yeah……just be yourself with me, kay? And stick around please, people like you are not so easy for me to encounter out in the harsh world.”

Wise turned to her slightly, watching as Astra keepsher eyes on the moon above before she turned to him slightly and smiled. He smiled back after a bit. “I’ll stay, don’t worry. You’ve shown me more fun than most and, Belle wanting you around as a reason aside, I do genuinely enjoy being with you. Since we both like it this way, I don’t see how there needs to be a change between us.”

Astra looked up at the moon again, this time her free arm curled into a small fist and she clenched it ever so slightly while closing her eyes.

“.......Astra?” Wise noticed the contemplation in her face.

“You know what, screw that, I can always keep it down low anyways. You’re too much for me Wise.” She turned to him. “Look- I’ll be upfront because I’m not a woman who beats around the bush. Me….hanging out with you is probably one of the happiest things I can think of. Eve told me before I go that I should act out how my heart tells me to and not the world.”

She cleared her throat. “And after all this, there’s no more doubt for me. My company and job don’t allow all this, but I’m Astra Yao, I’ll figure a way out, and this will work. Besides there’s you in it too~”

“Astra? What are you-”

She put a finger on his lips to silence him with a smile. “When you said you’re happy with how we are right now, I’m…..contemplating it. But now, it’s as clear as day.”

“Wise, you’re single, right?”

“Eh? Ah…yeah?”

“You don’t have a girlfriend? Or anyone you’re seeing?”

“N-no? No one at all. Why-”

“And if someone you’re close to comes in and asks you to be hers, you will accept, right?”

“...huh?” Wise raised an eyebrow with a confused look. “I mean…I guess if it happens.”

Astra blinked a few times and laughed, arm still attached to his arm. “Oh, Wise~ I forget you can be so dense sometimes. Here, I’ll show you what I mean.”

“What do you- mmmhh?!”

That was all the preparation he had before Astra yanked him close and met her lips perfectly to his. All that pent up emotion from the whole date came rushing out, and she let the floodgates open as she decided to let her actions speak her heart out and not her words. She closed her eyes, gently feeling the warmth from his side.

Wise was confused and didn’t know how to react. He froze for a second before, as Astra’s emotion finally reached his dense-ass mind, he decided to go along with the flow and not change anything. Astra led him, and there was no need for that to change. Not to him, not to her.

It lasted for a brief second or two, but the fact that he didn’t pull away was all the answer Astra Yao needed to confirm. As they separated, Wise couldn’t help but smile at Astra, even as she displayed the widest smile she had ever seen her give.

“Well, you said you had no girlfriend. Guess you have one now~”

“Oh, hush.” It was his turn to look away, embarrassed. “Still, you sure? Being an idol and such……..”

“You can keep your proxy work down low, so I suppose I can learn from you to keep our relationship down low, no?” She winked at him. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I’m sure it’ll be fine in the end. Besides, I wouldn’t have kissed you if I wasn’t sure. Since I did, I am 110% sure.”

“You never cease to surprise, Astra.” Wise replied.

“What can I say, that’s me~” Astra replied back, prompting the pair to laugh.

The pair were stopped as a nearby clock on the wall of a closed shop rang, showing that the time has indeed passed 12, meaning it is now the next day.

“Well….we should be going but I have one more thing before that.” Astra says wit a smile, before unlocking her arms and turning around to take something from her bag.

“Eh? But it’s late. Should we go?”

“Yes, yes, but this has to be first.” She replied, barely able to hold a giggle as she turnd around to face him again. “I want to be sure that I’m the first to do this today, and since you’re now mine, it is an obligation for me.”

She took a deep breath, before bringing out a love-shaped small box in the palm of her hand, tied neatly with a maroon red bow tie and a small drawing of Bangboo on top of the box that looks quite like Eous, hand drawn by Astra.

Wise’s eyes went to the box. And then back to Astra.

She smiled.

“Happy Valentine’s Day~”