JUNO'S point of view"Why was the ketchup red?" I laughed out loud 'cause I already know the joke but I kept going and pretended I didn't know it. I leaned back on my chair while clutching my stomach. Jace has been telling corny jokes the whole time we're in the restaurant and he's totally unstoppable!"Okay, why?" I answered, nearly tearing up."Because he saw the salad dressing," I chorused with him and he glared before I burst out laughing once again. We're on our second bottle of wine. He seemed to have a strong control over his alcohol like me. We're already flushed on our seats and the restaurant was nearly closing as the customers are slowly leaving. "Hey, that was mean! Stop stealing my thunder, Juno. You're supposed to shut up while I'm telling the joke.""Sure, Jace. You corny ass!"I looked at my phone to check the time. I haven't touch and look into it since Jace arrived. I was extremely disappointed of Jupiter 'cause he
JUPITER'S point of view I let out an exhausted sigh as I leaned back tiredly on my swivel chair. My eyes felt so heavy and I feel like I'll pass out anytime in front of my computer and all these papers that needed an urgent attention.I barely got any sleep. And I barely have time to go home so I just sleep on the couch of my office and wakes up really early to continue whatever was left on my table the day before.I glanced at my wrist watch and saw that it's nearly twelve in the afternoon.My stomach grumbled and I realized that I only had a cup of coffee since I woke up this morning. I reached for my personal phone to send Monica a message. My eyes lit up when I saw some unread messages from Juno that she sent an hour ago.I clicked on her message first before texting Monica. Juno:Babe! Good morning! I hope you're eating well. Please take care of yourself.Juno:By they way, I'm in class right now and I just finished this art
JUPITER'S point of viewVenus hasn't uttered a single word since I arrived in the hospital. She's just crying and very unresponsive. And I totally understand. I, too, is still in a state of shock after the news. We're very lucky that Jacob and Monica were both there to assist us.We have decided to cremate our father's remain instead of purchasing a casket for his burial. I heaved out a deep sigh before fishing out my broken phone inside my pocket. I nearly faced palm when I remembered my dinner date with Juno tonight! Oh, fuck! I've been late for more than an hour! I typed in a short reply informing her about my father's death, and that I wanted her to be here so I can personally apologize for leaving her hanging in the restaurant. Also, I badly need her right now. Her presence calms me down and I feel sane whenever she's around.We signed a few papers and paid for the hospital bill before contacting a cremation center that would handle my fathe
JUNO'S point of viewI sat down silently inside the car, watching as the guests leave one by one after the burial ceremony. It's been two hours since they buried Sebastian Acosta's cremated remains. But Venus, on the other hand, remained kneeling in front of the black marble tomb of her parents.Jacob and Monica were both beside her. Jupiter, meanwhile, was the one entertaining the guests who are all on their way out of the cemetery."You sure you don't want to approach them?" Leo asked who's also seated inside the car with me. We've been here before the ceremony even begins, just watching them from afar.I couldn't approach them since I'm afraid that Jupiter is still mad at me. I'm afraid he'll just drive me away again like the last time. And Venus... is she mad at me as well?I expelled a deep sigh before pushing the door bravely. I know Jupiter is aware that I'm here since we're not even hiding to begin with. The fact that he didn't make any eff
JUNO'S point of viewI wasn't sure where is he taking me but I didn't mind at all as I set there on the passenger seat silently beside him. My eyes darted out the window. And clearly, we are not heading to their house, or his condominium. The car is actually taking the route out of the city.Where is he possibly taking me? Why do we need to go out of town for this 'talk' to happen?I licked my bottom lip and gave him a quick glance. His forehead was slightly creased as his eyes were deeply focused on the road. I noticed how he isn't taking care of his self really well these past days. It clearly shows physically on him.His body got a little thinner. The stubbles in his face are growing thicker and there dark bags under his eyes. I sighed and pursed my lips. I want to touch and hug him to my chest right now. I want cuddle him up and run my fingers along his hair and tell him that everything will work out eventually in the end."Jupiter... wher
JUNO'S point of viewI wasn't sure how long did we just sat there on the bed in silence. But I cried with him. While he was soaking my shirt, I was doing the same and crying silently on his shoulder. I patted his back before pulling away from him slightly so I can see his soaked face. I smiled weakly as I wipe away the traces of tears on his face. His eyes were both bloodshot red and puffy, as well as his nose. I shifted on my seat and pulled him with me towards the center of the mattress so we can lay down for a bit and have a more comfortable position.Jupiter laid his head close to my chest as I wrapped my arm around his weak and trembling body. "So this is how it feels like? Losing both of your parents?" He heaved out a shaky breath before snuggling closer to me. "I couldn't imagine how painful it was for you back then, Juno. You were young and alone. Your parents' death were sudden unlike mine that is subtly preparing me and Venus for the worse.
JUNO'S point of viewAfter our joyful lunch by the seaside, we slept through the whole afternoon. It was nearly six in the evening when a knock woken me up from my deep slumber.I yawned drowsily, pulling my body out of Jupiter's warm embrace. I stretched shortly before swinging my leg off the bed. "Coming!" I said as the knocking continued. Jupiter stirred on his sleep as his arm and eyes immediately searched for me. I chuckled as I walked towards the door, reaching for the doorknob. Matilda's face greeted me and she quickly flashed me an apologetic face upon seeing my newly woke up puffy eyes."I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep, dear. I came here to invite the two of your for dinner. Would you like to join me and Gerard on the backyard?""Oh!" I exclaimed, smiling in excitement. "No problem, Matilda. Of course, Jupiter and I will be there in five. Please give us a minute to prepare.""I'm glad to hear that! I'll see you two downstairs."
JUNO'S point of view"Thank you so much, Matilda and Gerard. We loved the dinner. The foods are amazing and well cooked. We hope to eat meal with you guys again for the next days of our stay here." "Of course, dear! Let me know if you two want something in specific. I'll see if I can cook it for you guys," Matilda said."Oh, I love crabs, Matilda! I hope you have some special recipe for delicious seashells?" Jupiter kidded and Gerard quickly answered."Oh, there is! My wife knows a few recipe and they're the best. I'm gonna have a look at the wet market tomorrow for crabs. Or maybe in the fish landing for cheaper price.""We'll then, I'm looking forward to it."I cling my arm around Jupiter's as we finally headed back upstairs to our room. We'll get our wallets so we can have a look around the beach for some casual clothes."Tell Venus, or Jacob, that we'll be gone for a few days." I reminded him as we arrived back to the second floor. "I'm wor
SIRIUS"You know you can fool anyone here but not me, Sirius." Johnny blurt out of nowhere. We were in my room and he's helping me to pack up my luggage since tomorrow is my flight to Munich with Astra. My forehead creased at his vague accusation. "What do you mean?" He chuckled maliciously before zipping up my travel bag. "You like Astra."I froze for a moment before arching a brow at him. "I do, yes. You won't catch me hanging out with someone I don't like. Duh?""Hmm... I meant romantically, idiot! You like her more than you're supposed to like her!"I shook my head and headed towards the door, trying to escape his bullshit. "You're imagining things in your head now, huh? Can't a closeted gay man be friends with a dumb annoying woman anymore?""Oh, please!" He tailed behind me, laughing manically. "We both know— oh, wait! Maybe you don't! Oh, poor thing! Maybe you have yet to confront your own feelings. You're in the confused and in-denial stage just yet!""You sound ridiculous.
ASTRAI was about to call our family driver when I saw a familiar red car zooming in to the parking. I immediately recognized it was Sirius' vehicle and I rolled my eyes when he stopped in front of me. The window rolled down and I looked at him sharply before opening the door to the passenger seat and sliding in.I threw my bag to the back seat and glared at him."Where were you? You went out to grab a barbecue?""I need to take you home quickly. I have to go somewhere," his voice sounded urgent and my forehead crumpled in curiosity."What? What is it? What happened?" I said in panicked. Is there a major emergency? Life and death situation?"Reclaiming my image back because Harrison just delivered the best news ever today."My eyes widened and a joyful squeal came out of my throat. "Oh my! I want to be there!""No, Astra. I'll take you home. We're heading to the police station today. I'll just tell you about it when I get home." "But-""No buts! Let's go!" And the car zoomed fast out
ASTRAThe conference room was empty when we arrived in the floor. We went inside and sat in silence before Michelle stood up to finally say her farewell."Do you need anything? Perhaps I can bring you something to drink while waiting for the old hags to arrive?" I stifled my laughter before nodding my head. "Indeed. I'd love some soda right now."She smiled at me before finally leaving me alone in silence inside the meeting room. I looked around the place and sighed reminiscing the times where I used to sit here before to discuss the positivity of my career with the executives. The huge glass-made walls of this room and the neighboring buildings surrounding us were a witness to that. Now, it is time to say goodbye to everything. I sighed deeply and shifted anxiously on my seat when I heard the door creaked open. A sigh of relief escaped my lips when I saw Matt walked in, and behind him was Michelle carrying two cans of orange soda. Matteo glared at me before taking the seat beside m
ASTRAAfter all the long hardwork these past years, and the previous predicament I've entangled myself with, I've decided that a cute long month break is more than what I deserve.I sighed deeply while sitting anxiously beside Sirius in his car. He insisted to drive me to my destination today; and the said destination is my entertainment company. This is actually a surprise visit. I never told anyone, not even Matteo, that I'm coming today. I would like to discuss my final decision about my contract renewal.And I hope they understand my decision, the fans as well..."Hey! Stop sulking," Sirius said as he started the car engine. I sighed for the second time before turning to him."What do you think I should do after this? How do you think the fans will react once the management put out an official announcement?"He shrugged. "Go out and have fun. For the latter question, of course, the real ones that stick with you during your darkest moment would be sad and disappointed. And it's nor
SIRIUS"Goodness! Wake up!" I groaned sleepily before forcefully opening my eyes to find Astra glaring hard at me."Get up and move to your own sleeping space which is the floor. I already made your bed, your majesty. Now move away 'cause I would like to rest," she demanded with a hard glare."Huh?" I said absentmindedly as I was too consumed by sleepiness. "What time is it?""It's one! The nurse just left to check on Dad. And you slept throughout the third episode! Remind me to kick your ass in the morning.""Oh, please. Cringey ass show," I mumbled as I groggily get off the sofa and straightly launch myself on the floor where my bed mat and pillows are already waiting for me."You're welcome, dummy.""No probs."It was too late. So of course, it's only reasonable I'd wake up later that morning as well. I felt disoriented and utterly shock to open my eyes to Astra's father already in his conscious form and even glaring down at me!I quickly rose to my feet and hurried to the bathroom
ASTRAIt is what I deserve. Have fun and have a good time. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. "Your boyfriend seems like he need a ten hour sleep," the man said out of nowhere while wrapping up my order. It's been three hours of constant walking and stopping by in every shop we bumped into. And now, I'm hungry. I decided to buy us a burger meal while Sirius sat down on the bench nearby as he's been repeatedly complaining about going back to the hotel. Annoying! I want to stay some more! I chuckled at the man's assumption about my relationship with Sirius. I handed him my payment while I grab the tray of food from him."He's my husband, actually. But you're right, he looked tired as always," I giggled at my own lies before turning my back from the stall and walked towards Sirius. As I expected, he began complaining about his aching feet and the shopping bags. Of course, I'm not that heartless so I let his complains won this time. We can always go back in the following d
SIRIUSAstra snatched the paper bags in my hand as we headed towards the living room of her apartment. Which, by the way, looks like a total mess as if a tornado just passed through the place. My eyes watched her took a sit on the white stained sofa in front of the television playing a cartoon show. So this is what's keeping her busy these past days? Unbelievable woman!"When was the last time you took a bath, dumb ass? It seems like a lightning just struck your hair," I shook my head in disbelief as I took a sit on the much cleaner single couch beside the sofa. "And what is this place? Can you call a fucking room service? You pathetic woman!"I heard her snorted at my ranting. Her eyes were fixated on the television while one of her hand was reaching inside the paper bag. A silent grunt escaped her lips when she found a burger in there."Really? This is what I've been eating for the past days, Sirius. Couldn't you have bring anything else aside from this? A fancy meal from a steakho
SIRIUS I glanced at Astra beside me. We’re at the dive bar and drinking for a bit. But it seems to me that she’s not very good in handling her alcohol. My forehead creased watching her eyes blinking slowly. “Dumb bitch. Go home,” I whispered to her after taking a sip on my canned beer. Why did she even have to tag along with me?! I’m here to find myself a guy right now! She shouldn’t be getting in my way! Now I’m sure everyone here thinks she’s my girlfriend! I snatched the beer in her hand and grabbed her on the arm, getting up on my sit. “Let’s go, I’m walking you back to our villa. Go to rest now.” “That sounded dark,” she joked chuckling, and just letting me drag her without any protest. “You’ll come back here?” She asked as we finally stepped out of the bar. I shook my head as I glanced at the louder pub just two shops away from the bar. There’s a dance club, too. That’ll be my target. “No. I’m going to see the club.” She giggled and clung onto my arm, a gesture she’s alwa
ASTRAI dove straight on the soft mattress of my queen sized bed after taking a long shower. My body feels drain from all the shoutings I did today in the ride park. It was honestly a very fun experience with Sirius, and I hope it isn't the last time we'll hang out.A satisfied and contented sigh escaped my lips. I feel refreshed. For days, all I did was cry and feel anxious about everything. Nobody was there for me so I'm truly grateful having his sassy ass with me right now, even though I'm not sure how long he'll be staying to tolerate my presence.I yawned sleepily when I slowly felt the heaviness creeping up on my eyelids. I turned to face the other side of my bed and switched off the lamp on the bedside table, then I pulled the blanket up to my chin. The loud ringing of my phone woke me up the next morning. I groaned and tried to sleep through the noise but it just won't stop until I'm irritated! With a sigh, I sat upright on my bed and scratched my eyes while blinking rapidly.