The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]-Chapter 718: RELATIONSHIP TALK

THE five of them crowded around the table, eating and talking over each other. They reached for food without thinking, the conversation jumping from work to stupid stories as easily as hands moved between the food on the table.

"By the way, congrats you two on the movie's success," Lauren said, lifting his beer can toward Astrid and Snow. "It's doing really well in theaters. I heard it might even get an extended run."

In this era, most movies only stayed in theaters for about a week. After that, they'd eventually get a HoloDisc release—though not always right away. But if a film did well at the box office, it could earn an extra week in theaters. For massive hits like [The Sleeping God], the run might stretch past a month. So, [Serendipitous Summer] getting an extended run was a testament to its success.

"Yes, thankfully, fans of the original novel liked our adaptation, so there wasn't much backlash," Astrid said in response.

"What's not to like? It's way better than other adaptations we've gotten these past few years," Lauren said between sips of beer. "At least your director stayed faithful to the source material."

"I think having a solid cast helped too," Kiran added. "Especially our very own Aster and Snow."

Snow scratched the back of his neck, his tone a bit self-deprecating. "I'll give you Astrid—he was amazing. As for me? Well, let's just say I've got a lot more room to improve."

"Quit being so hard on yourself," Lauren said, knocking his shoulder against Snow's. "You're allowed to bask in this, you know. You're among friends, after all."

Kiran nodded. "Just let us hype you up properly."

"They're right. You don't need to let me hog all the praise," Astrid said teasingly. "Besides, you really did amazing in this movie."

Snow gave a small, helpless smile. "Then... thank you."

Kiran picked up a mini-pizza and took a bite, his gaze drifting to Lauren and Reas. Lauren leaned back against Reas' chest like it was the most natural thing in the world, while Reas' arm draped loosely over his shoulders, fingers absently tracing circles on Lauren's sleeve.

The two of them were so different that Kiran couldn't help but wonder how they'd gotten together. Finally, his curiosity got the better of him. "How did you two end up together?"

Snow secretly looked at the couple, eyes bright with curiosity. While Astrid continued to eat, by his expression, it's obvious that he already knew the answer to this. Lauren and Reas didn't even flinch at the question—if anything, they exchanged amused glances, like they'd been waiting for someone to ask.

Lauren raised an eyebrow at Reas. "You should answer that one."

"I confessed and strong-armed Lauren into saying yes," Reas replied in a deadpan manner.

Lauren tapped Reas' arm playfully, his voice dripping with mock outrage. "Hey, don't make it sound like you're being forced to say that!"

"I'm not. This is just how I talk," Reas said, his tone flat but his eyes bright with amusement. He was clearly enjoying winding Lauren up. Then he turned to the others. "But I meant what I said earlier. I confessed first, and he had no choice but to say yes."

"Well, who can say no to this handsome face," Lauren said, pinching Reas' cheek.

Reas leaned in close until their noses touched. "I knew it. You're only after my looks."

"Now I'm regretting even asking," Kiran grumbled, rolling his eyes as he watched their public display of affection. He looked thoroughly exasperated with the two of them.

Snow let out a soft chuckle at Kiran's grumbling. His gaze drifted back to Lauren and Reas, who seemed far more interested in each other than the food in front of them. Like Kiran, he'd been completely surprised to learn about their relationship. And now, hearing that Reas had been the one to confess first? That made the whole thing even more unexpected.

Reas just didn't seem the type. Most of the time, he either looked serious or completely disinterested. So seeing him act so indulgent, so openly sweet with Lauren—it was more than a little disorienting.

As he watched the two of them, his mind inevitably wandered in a direction he'd rather avoid—back to a time when someone had looked at him the same way Reas was looking at Lauren now. He shook his head. No, he wouldn't go there. If he let himself drown in those memories, he'd only be left with regret and self-blame. Maybe even envy, an emotion he had no right to feel. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

So he couldn't let himself think of Assil. Not here, not in front of his friends who'd gathered to relax and enjoy themselves. The last thing he wanted was to kill the mood if they noticed his sudden sadness—and he was sure they would notice. Instead, he pushed thoughts of Assil to the back of his mind. He could mope and cry all he wanted later, when he was alone in his room.

"What about you three? No secret boyfriend or girlfriend hiding somewhere?"

Lauren's question nearly made Snow jump out of his seat. His answer came out in a rushed burst. "No--!" But he caught himself almost immediately and added, "I mean, no, I'm too busy to think about... that."

"Same here. I'd rather focus on making money than dating," Kiran said. "Not that there's anything wrong with relationships. It's just not my thing right now."

Lauren nodded. "That makes sense. You're all still young, after all."

Reas set his chin on Lauren's shoulder. "Don't talk like you're so much older than us."

Lauren gave his boyfriend an amused glance. "But I am older."

Snow quietly let out a sigh of relief as he watched their playful back-and-forth. At least no one seemed to have noticed his slip-up.

"What about you, Aster? Any secret crushes I should know about?" Lauren asked, his tone playful.

When Lauren asked, Astrid suddenly remembered he'd meant to tell him about Wulfric today. This conversation was the perfect chance to bring it up.

"Not exactly a crush. But there's someone who confessed to me, and I'm considering it."

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