A/N: Heya everyone, sorry for not updating for a while. Apparently, life seems to have a different plan for me since I only get to enjoy my game for a few days before things get very busy.
Also, to anyone who plans on reviewing my story, I'm just gonna say this. If you give me a low-star review, please make sure to give an appropriate reason behind your review. Give me criticism or point out my flaws; I don't care, just give me a reason. If you simply give me a low rating just so you can insult me, my story, or even my readers, then please go fuck yourself.
I took criticism, but I won't tolerate insults and bullying.
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Later
"..." Nicole closes her lips as tightly as possible, looking like her mouth is sewn using an invisible thread, while Caelus gives her a death glare and Astra enjoys her food beside him.
The context? Nicole was planning on selling her book to Astra, who admitted she had bought one before and even ranted about how she would give the writer a piece of her mind for writing such a depressing story. Nicole, who plans on revenge, was about to spill the secret identity behind the Trailblazer himself, but Caelus shuts her up with nothing but glares.
"...I know you were just enjoying your day today, but going on a date?" Phil asks in surprise.
"Not a date," Caelus sighs as he rubs his forehead. "We barely know much about each other. Not enough for us to be close enough to date, so we treat this as hanging out between friends."
"In this day and age, who wants to do something like that? Isn't blind date and exchanging numbers what eventually leads to a relationship?" Phil asks in confusion.
"No offense, kid. But that type of relationship often leads to one side taking everything from the other." Nicole responds. "Trying to get closer to their significant others enough to lower their entire guard, and snatch everything right under their nose."
"...let me guess, you did that while working as Raiders?" Caelus asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Duh," Nicole says shamelessly, flicking her hair. "We need to earn a living, after all."
"...how's your debt?" Caelus asks with genuine concern. Without a single word, Nicole instantly kneels on the ground and hugs Caelus's legs, catching everyone off guard.
"Wah! You are truly a blessing in disguise!!!!" Nicole cries happily, tears falling out of her eyes comically. "You have no idea how much you helped us! We got to pay all of our debts with Phaethons, and some of the gangs have stopped chasing us to demand our debts! We have even managed to pay some of them back, despite their ridiculous interest!!! And introducing us to the boss lady let us get an amazing apartment room for cheap!!!! I'm so happy that all I could do was cry!!!"
"Okay, okay! Calm down, Nicole..." Caelus sweatdrops as he pats her head gently, grimacing as everyone stares at them. "Also, no offense, but how did you even get that much money in such a short time, especially with the price you sold?"
"Heh! That's easy!" Nicole exclaims, and the tears disappear in a blink as Nicole pulls out a phone. Caelus notices her phone seems like it was newly bought as she displays a post on InterKnot. "A lot of people recommend your book with 5-star reviews, even adding the infamous quote 'A romantic story like none other!'"
"...isn't that the famous quote used to describe As I've Written?" Caelus stiffens as Astra stares at him with narrowed eyes. "...no..."
"Yep!" Nicole exclaims excitedly, ignoring the panicked look from Caelus as Astra pulls her fork, aiming at Caelus. "The newest best-selling book in Sixth Street and Lumina Square, As I've Written, written by yours truly, Caelus!"
"Damn it, Nicole!" Caelus exclaims in panic as he activates his forcefield to defend from Astra, using her fork to try to stab Caelus in anger. Everyone nearby laughs at the scene.
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Later
"Do you really have to be that violent?" Caelus mutters while rubbing his head as he and Astra sit on the apartment's roof. After seeing Astra calm down and drop her fork, Caelus decided it would be a good idea to drop his forcefield, only for Astra to smack his head with surprising force.
Sure, Caelus didn't get hurt badly from the attack, but it still hurt him. Who knew those noodle arms had such strength?
"Whose idea was it to write those tragic stories?" Astra responds with a pout.
"To be fair, it wasn't exactly my whole idea," Caelus responds, catching Astra's attention. "Mem chose the ideas, and we decided together to make it seem less tragic."
"...that's the least tragic version?" Astra mutters, staring at Caelus in disbelief.
"Her original plan is to add more details on some of the gruesome scenes so that everyone could feel the pain behind the Chrysos Heir's suffering," Caelus admits, horrifies Astra even more.
"...how is that little girl capable of such thoughts!?" Astra asks incredulously.
"No idea," Caelus shrugs. He knew the reason behind her thoughts, but he isn't planning on telling Astra about it. He is sure she doesn't have the mental capacity to handle the 'existential crisis' level of bombshell.
"You sure have a lot of interesting friends," Astra says, trying to distract herself from the possibility of much grimer 'As I've Written'.
"Well, all of us did meet in a very interesting situation," Caelus shrugs. "Also, does that include you as well?"
"What do you mean?" Astra asks in confusion.
"Meeting someone who turns out to be a famous singer and slowly becoming friends. Isn't that a plot used in TV shows?" Caelus asks as Astra blinks before chuckling.
"I've never thought about that," Astra admits before smiling slyly. "Does that mean you saw yourself as the protagonist?"
"Nah, there's no way I'm a protagonist. You need god-tier luck to even become one." Caelus waves it off, ignoring the dozens of incredulous stares coming from...somewhere.
"Well, I doubt you need that kind of luck," Astra says before looking at the sky. "After all, all of us are protagonists of our own stories."
"Hmm..." Caelus muses as he stares at the sky. He notices the stars are more visible than the ones he saw back in his world. He wonders why he never noticed this.
"Today was fun," Astra admits as she smiles. "I had a lot of fun with you, Caelus."
"Glad you feel that way. I honestly thought you might get bored hanging out with me," Caelus admits as Astra snorts.
"You think having a random woman proposing to you to be her baby-making partner is boring?" Astra asks with a chortle before laughing out loud. Caelus' cheeks turn red before covering his face.
"Do you really have to remind me about that? That woman is not in her right mind!" Caelus exclaims as Astra simply laughs harder. Meanwhile, everyone is hiding behind the door and trying to eavesdrop on them, curious if this one date is enough for their friend to charm the famous Astra Yao.
They sure aren't expecting that statement.
"How does this guy manage to charm another woman while dating Astra Yao of all people!?" Nicole asks in disbelief.
"This is basically a plot of a harem romance story," Anby says monotonously. "Our friend over here has the blessing from one of the Aeons that increases his charm."
"I doubt it," Nekomiya huffs. "That cat-napper wouldn't be attractive enough to attract THEIR attention."
"But it's enough to attract you to stalk him every time you see him," Anby says bluntly.
"I try to stop him from cat-napping other cats!" Nekomiya hisses.
"You think THEY might give some to me? Maybe with it, she might glance at me..." Billy sighs dreamily, imagining a certain beautiful actress.
"Really?" Nicole deadpans. "Why would you even want to experience love?"
"Hey, don't laugh at me! I know it's just a fantasy and there's no way I get the chance, but don't make fun of me about it!" Billy exclaims. If Billy had a human face, he would be pouting. "And besides, can't I be curious? I mean, who doesn't want to experience love!?"
"I don't," Nicole deadpans.
"I didn't even consider it," Anby admits.
"Me neither," Nekomiya joins in.
"Don't lie, you keep tailing Caelus like a lost puppy," Anby says as Nekomiya shrieks.
"No way in hell am I attracted to him of all people! The person who charmed my babies and almost took them away from me!" Nekomiya exclaims as she attempts to attack Anby, but the white-haired girl simply blocks all of the attacks.
"...remind me why I am even here?" Phil mutters blankly as Mem sits next to him, writing everything down at high speed.
"You were also curious about your best friend's love life," Mem says casually.
"...what are you even writing?" Phil asks in confusion before glancing at the book. His expression instantly switches to incredulous. "You wrote your friend's love story into a novel?!"
"Hey, a girl has needs," Mem defends herself.
Meanwhile, both Caelus and Astra stare at the door, clearly hearing everything.
"Do they know we can hear everything?" Caelus sweatdrops.
"I doubt it. They're too busy talking to each other," Astra giggles. "Do you still believe hanging out with you might be boring?"
"I wish these kinds of things weren't the sole reason why I'm not boring," Caelus mutters.
"If that's how I feel even after knowing you more, then I wouldn't be a good friend, am I?" Astra says as Caelus looks at her in slight surprise.
"...I suppose," Caelus says with a smile. They sit in silence for a moment before Astra slowly gets up.
"I should go back now," Astra says while sticking her tongue playfully. "Evelyn has been spamming me with messages, and I forgot to give her a response."
"...oh Aeons, she's gonna kill me," Caelus moans in dismay, earning a giggle from Astra.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure to explain everything," Astra says with a wink. "Besides, it's not like we're on a date. As you said earlier, we're just hanging out as friends."
"I'm so glad being normal for once saved my life," Caelus sighs before falling to the ground.
"I will tell her about the promised date in the future, though," Astra says as Caelus blanches.
"Please, for the love of all gods, don't..." Caelus begs as Astra giggles before walking towards the door. In panic, Caelus immediately gets up and follows her, ignoring everyone panicking behind the door.
"Come on, Astra. You wouldn't want to get your friend killed by your other friend, right? Right? Astra, please say something!!! Have mercy on this poor guy!!!"
To be Continued