511 [CABIN IN THE CITY]
WULFRIC was surprised when he heard Aster’s suggestion. Truthfully, it never crossed his mind that the other would invite him to meet his friends. It wasn’t even his goal to get invited when he offered him a ride. But that didn’t mean he would decline his invitation.
“Is it alright if I meet them?”
Of course, he wanted to meet them. Aster was not the type who would just casually befriend people. If he became friends with someone, they would be part of his life in the long run. Unless some problems occurred in the middle. Which was highly doubtful. Because if they were Aster’s friends, then they were most likely stand-up people.
If he would be part of Aster’s life, then he would meet them sooner or later. So, what difference would it make if he met them now?
But he still had to ask Aster. It’s better to make it clear. He didn’t want to impose himself when the other might just be asking out of politeness.
“Yeah,” Astrid said.
“Okay. And don’t worry, I’ll go once I’m done introducing myself,” Wulfric assured the other.
Astrid chuckled. “At least drink tea.”
The corner of Wulfric’s lips turned up. “Okay.”
“But first, you need a disguise.”
“Well, I do have a mask and cap here,” Wulfric said, taking out the two items from the space stone of his ring. “Not that I came prepared or anything.”
Astrid took the cap and put it on Wulfric. “Of course you didn’t.”
———-
Kiran was waiting at the table he reserved at [Cabin in the City]. The table was on the third floor, inside a cute little nook. He picked this spot so it could at least give them a bit of privacy.
The nook was nestled against one of the rustic wooden walls, creating a sense of intimacy and seclusion. Above, a vintage-style pendant light with a warm, soft glow hung down, casting a gentle light on the table below.
The table itself was made of rich, dark wood with an ornate design, evoking a sense of old-world elegance. A lace tablecloth draped gracefully over the table, adding a touch of vintage charm. At the center was a vase with fresh flowers.
The inside of the nook had carved vines and flowers, painted in a very lively color, making them look real. It continued on to the windowsill, giving a certain magical charm to the nook.
The whole restaurant had the same kind of vibe. That’s why when he saw this place for the first time, he immediately liked it.
He knew the place because of Miss Rose. She asked him for a favor one night if he could play at this restaurant for a night. There’s a special event in the restaurant and they needed live pianist. The one they hired suddenly had an emergency and couldn’t come. So, the owner asked Miss Rose if she knew someone. And Miss Rose, in turn, asked him.
Kiran couldn’t reject her. Not after how kind she had been to him. And that’s how he got to this place.
His first thought after playing music here for a night and tasting their food was to invite Astrid and Snow here. He was sure that they would like the place just as much as he did.
He had planned to invite the two as soon as he could. But they had been all busy, with their schedules not really lining up. When he received his paycheck from Polaris, he thought that maybe they could finally go here. Especially since their schedules had not been that hectic as of late.
But they still ended up rescheduling. Anyway, the important thing was they were finally able to have the same free day. He hoped that both Astrid and Snow like the place.
As he thought that, he saw Snow coming up the third floor, following a waiter. The waiter led him to the nook. When his eyes met with Snow, he immediately waved his hand. The other also gave him a small smile.
Snow sat down beside him as soon as he arrived at the nook.
“This is a pretty place,” Snow said while looking around.
“Right? And the food is also just as great,” Kiran followed. “But is it alright for you not to wear a disguise? People might recognize you.” ????????????????????????????xt.????????????
“No, they won’t,” Snow said with a little chuckle. “I’m not yet in that level of fame.”
“Well, people will still stare at you because you’re too good-looking,” Kiran said matter-of-factly.
Snow laughed. If he didn’t know any better, he might think that the other was flirting with him. But he did know better. And he knew Kiran didn’t mean anything by it. He was just stating it as it was.
Just then, they both received a message from Astrid. Telling them that he was in front of the restaurant and that he brought a friend to introduce to them. And that this friend would leave after.
“A friend?” Kiran asked, confused. “Do you know who could it be?”
Snow shook his head, wondering as well who this ‘friend’ might be.
It didn’t take long before they found the answer.
They saw Astrid, with disguise and all, being led by another waiter. Behind him was a tall man with a very imposing aura. The man was wearing a cap and a mask, covering most of his face. They couldn’t even see the man’s eyes.
Snow and Kiran both had the same thought when they saw the other – ‘is this the friend?’.
Astrid waved at them and walked towards the nook. The imposing man followed.
“Sorry I’m not late, am I?” Astrid apologized as he sat down on the opposite seat.
“No, you’re just in time,” Kiran said, before not-so discreetly glancing at the man.
“I also just arrived,” Snow said, as he also did the same, just more discreetly.
The man sat down beside Astrid. Then, the other pulled down his mask a bit and slowly raised his head to face them.
“Hello. I’m Wulfric.”