THE NUMBER ONE STAR IN THE INTERSTELLAR ERA [BL]

ASTRID accepted the bouquet of flowers from Casey, holding them gently as he stepped aside to let the three Grimaldis into his dressing room. “Thank you for these,” he said, his voice warm. “They’re beautiful.”

“Only the best for you, my dear,” Casey said with a playful grin. He and Thomas sat on the empty couch, while Nicol stayed beside Astrid. Thankfully, the chair was spacious enough to comfortably fit both of them.

Astrid only chuckled at that. Then he glanced at Thomas. “Is it alright for you to come here, Uncle Thomas? You must be busy.”

“Not busy enough to miss my nephew’s first runway show,” Thomas replied, his tone as serious as ever, but with a hint of warmth.

“Thank you,” Astrid said sincerely. While he still wasn’t as comfortable around Thomas as he was with Casey, he genuinely appreciated his uncle’s support.

“It’s a shame that Reas couldn’t be here with us,” Casey said, sounding genuinely regretful.

Thomas leaned back slightly, his expression as composed as ever. “It can’t be helped. The military academy is strict about attendance. If Reas were to skip his classes because he attended a fashion show the night before, they might question his commitment. And that wouldn’t reflect well on him.”

“You know, we could’ve just sent a car for him and had it bring him back right after the show. That way, he wouldn’t have to miss any classes,” Casey said, his tone casual but with a hint of regret.

“It’s alright, Uncle Casey,” Astrid said quickly, before Casey could seriously consider the idea. “Even if Reas isn’t here, I know he’s supporting me.”

It wasn’t that Astrid didn’t want his brother there—he just knew Reas wouldn’t enjoy being in a place like this. In fact, he’d probably spend the entire time glued to Lauren’s side, and then Chris, Lauren’s agent, would really have something to worry about.

“I’m sure you’re right,” Casey said with a sigh, his tone softening. “By the way, do your parents know about your first runway show today?”

“Yes, they video called me earlier,” Astrid replied, a small smile forming as he remembered the conversation. His mother had been calm but clearly excited, asking thoughtful questions about the show and how he was feeling. His father had chimed in with his usual dry humor, making a few teasing remarks about him being a model. “Grandfather was there too. He seems to be adapting well to life on the farm.”

“Ha, maybe the old man will hand you the title, Tommy, and he’ll switch to being a full-time farmer,” Casey said, his voice a mix of amusement and sarcasm.

Thomas’ brows furrowed, but did not respond to Casey’s remark, obviously finding it very childish.

“Brother Aster,” Nicol said, tugging gently on Astrid’s sleeve, his sapphire blue eyes wide and pleading. “Will you come with us after the show? Please, please, please?”

Astrid looked down at Nicol, the boy’s big, pleading eyes blinking up at him. He couldn’t bring himself to say no. “Well, there’s still an after-party after the show,” he began. “But Nikki can’t go because you have school tomorrow. So, I’ll ask Uncle Casey to bring me to the Grimaldi mansion after the party. That way, when you wake up, I’ll be there, and we can have breakfast together. How does that sound?”

Nicol’s face fell slightly when Astrid began explaining, but as he kept talking, the boy’s expression gradually brightened. By the time Astrid finished, Nicol was grinning from ear to ear. “I think it sounds great!”

Casey and Thomas exchanged a glance, both smiling faintly as they watched the interaction between Astrid and Nicol.

Soon, the stylist and makeup artist arrived, both visibly surprised to see the three Grimaldis in the room. However, being professionals, they quickly composed themselves and didn’t comment.

As the three prepared to leave, Casey realized he’d forgotten to ask Astrid about that stalker, White Wolf. He needed confirmation on whether the person behind the handle was truly who he suspected. Surely, Astrid would know. But then, he thought it might be better to ask when Thomas wasn’t around. The last thing he needed was his brother’s judgmental stare if his suspicions turned out to be wrong.

He decided to just ask Astrid later during the party.

Astrid offered a polite smile to the stylist and makeup artist as they entered, and they responded with friendly nods. As he closed his eyes and let the makeup artist begin her work, his thoughts wandered to the conversation he’d had with Wulfric earlier that day, just before leaving his apartment.

=====

“Are you nervous about today?” Wulfric asked. Although he sounded casual, there was clearly a hint of concern in his golden eyes.

“Is it weird if I say no?” Astrid replied with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Wulfric stared at him for a moment, then chuckled softly. “I should’ve known something like walking a runway wouldn’t make you nervous.”

This time, Astrid smiled fully. “Let’s just say confidence comes easier when you’re wearing a six-figure outfit.”

Wulfric raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Shouldn’t that have the opposite effect?”

“Well, clearly not on me,” Astrid said, his tone playful.

For a moment, the two of them just looked at each other, and then they both burst into laughter.

“Damn, I wish I could be there right now,” Wulfric said after a while.

Astrid stared at Wulfric through the screen. The other man’s expression was soft, his eyes holding a quiet but unmistakable longing as he looked at Astrid. It was clear, even without words, that Wulfric would rather be there with him than stuck in Alluna at the moment.

“Even if you’re not here, I know that you’re supporting me from there. That’s all that matters.”

“I wish that was enough for me,” Wulfric said, his voice low and earnest, “but I really, really want to see you walk that runway in person.”

Astrid chuckled lightly. “The show’s going to be streamed live, so you’ll still get to see me.”

Wulfric responded with a small, almost childish pout, which only made Astrid laugh again.

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