Chapter 283 A BLOOMING WARMTH

”Hi, Aster. Have you read my message? It’s quite late, I didn’t disturb your sleep, right?” Wulfric started.

Astrid smiled and shook his head. “No, I just came back from meeting with friends.”

Wulfric didn’t respond immediately. His expression seemed to be thinking of something serious. “Why wasn’t I invited? Aren’t I also your friend?”

If Astrid was drinking tea at that moment, he might have choked a bit. Especially since Wulfric’s tone sounded like he was genuinely sulking. Instead of finding it weird, he just thought it was cute. If one would think of Wulfric’s usual personality, who would have thought that he would even know how to sulk?

”I just thought that you would be too busy to go even if I invited you. Besides, people would definitely recognize Wulf. It might just cause problems for you and I don’t want that.”

”You don’t have to worry about that. I have a lot of method to not be recognized by people.”

In short, the other was telling him that it’s alright to invite him anytime because he had a lot of ways to disguise himself.

”Yes, yes, it won’t happen again,” Astrid simply said.

After hearing Astrid’s tone, Wulfric directly snapped out of his sulking mood. Why did it suddenly feel like he was a wife being coaxed by her husband? Heat crept up his face at that thought. He cleared his throat to hide the embarrassment he’s feeling.

”Anyway, have you read my message?” he asked, changing the topic. “Can we meet sometime this coming week?”

Astrid chuckled at the obvious change in topic. But he still indulged the other and answered, “Sure. You can pick the day.”

He was basically free this coming week. He would only start to get busy the week after since that’s the start of his filming of [The Great War].  So, Wulfric’s invitation was very timely. 

”How about Saturday? I’ll pick you up at seven in the morning,” Wulfric said, a bit excitedly. He was obviously very happy with Astrid’s answer.

Astrid raised one of his brows. “So, early?”

Wulfric scratched his cheek, appearing shy. “Well, I want to spend the whole day with you. Can I?”

Astrid was silent for a second. He didn’t expect the other to be so straightforward. But he didn’t dislike it. In fact, because it came from Wulfric, he only found it cute. 

Seeing that Aster didn’t answer, Wulfric suddenly started to get nervous. Was he too forward? Did he offend Aster? Should he take it back and apologize? But he really wanted to spend that day with Aster. Who knew when he could have another chance like that? 

Honestly, if he could, he wanted to stay longer here at the capital. At least here, he would only be one call away from Aster. But his army’s stay here had already been extended. If he tried to extend it one more time, Leland might really court martial him. 

So, reluctantly agreed to leave the capital and go to their next mission by the end of this coming week. But he couldn’t just leave like this. He at least had to meet with Aster. You know, so he could enough good memories to go back on while he was doing missions for this Empire. 

”Is- is it alright?” he asked tentatively.

Astrid looked at the other’s nervous look. Seeing such an expression on the other, it could only mean that he was really looking forward to his answer. A touch of warmth bloomed in his heart. 

A smile crossed his lips. “Yes.”

A similar brilliant smile appeared on Wulfric’s face. “Then, see you on Saturday!”

———-

The next day, when Astrid arrived at Redwood Academy, he noticed that the attention he’s getting was more than usual. He didn’t question it since he knew that it was because of his guest role in [Blind Justice]. 

All morning, there were much more people trying to get close to him. Some asking about his experience filming while some asked how he got the role. He only smiled and didn’t really say anything of import. Just gave them vague answers that wouldn’t make them think that he’s just being perfunctory.

After the end of the morning class, Astrid and Snow met up to go together to the greenhouse to have lunch with Kiran.

”Snow, is there something bothering you?” Astrid asked.

During one of their classes together, he saw Snow being in a daze. And now, it seemed that the other was still listless. If Snow said that there’s nothing wrong, he wouldn’t believe it.

Snow was startled hearing this question. But when he thought back to how he was acting all morning, an observant person like Astrid would definitely find something was weird.

He tried to show a relaxed expression, but only an awkward smile came out. At the end, he could only sigh. “It’s something personal. Sorry, I really can’t say it.”

”It’s fine,” Astrid quickly said. “Just say if you need any help in something.”

Snow could only smile back. Because his problem was truly something personal that he couldn’t just go and tell anyone. Even though he already considered Astrid as a friend, he still couldn’t open up about that part of his past. That small part where Assil was concerned. 

After all, the one at fault for why the two of them ended in this situation was him. And even if he knew that, he was selfish enough to feel hurt when Assil didn’t recognize him. 

He closed his eyes briefly, trying to hide the emotions within. Since it’s his fault, then he should bear the whole consequence.

Astrid observed Snow’s change in expression. He didn’t say anything. He should respect the personal boundary of the other. Forcing Snow to tell him the problem wouldn’t really help. He would just be here, silently supporting.

The two of them walked to the greenhouse in silence.