JUNO'S point of view"I got it!" The man came running down the short staircase while waving a red book in his hand. I chuckled and made a tiny jump, slightly amused 'cause the tattoo artist was just as excited as we are. "Thank you, Sir!" I accepted the tiny notebook he was handing us. "By the way, my name is Juno. And this is my boyfriend, Jupiter. We are guests here and leaving in two days. Thought we'd get a tattoo as a souvenir."The man nodded, smiling. "I see. My name is Joseph. I've been working as a tattoo artist for twelve years now in this beach.""Twelve years? Wow!" Jupiter exclaimed, totally amazed. "Well that's very assuring that you won't mess up the design you'd be inking on our skins."I laughed as I began browsing on the book."Oh, I won't! I'm very passionate and careful about my work."I turned to Jupiter and handed the book to him. "You may choose for us, babe. In the meantime, I'll sit down with Joseph here 'cause I a
JUNO'S point of viewI was seated pretty far from them while facing the tattoo book and waiting for Jupiter's tattoo to be finished. I'm not sure how many times I've already taken a photo of my own tattoo since I was too happy and obsessed with it!I sent a few to Venus although she hasn't responded yet.I looked across the room and smiled as I watched Jupiter wince in pain. The tattoo artist was inking his left arm and I'm assuming that the design was a lot bigger than the ones I have on my wrist. He refused to tell me what it is since it's supposed to be a surprise, as he said.Half an hour later, he waved at me and flashed a thumbs up, to let me know that the tattoo is done. I dropped the book and excitedly sauntered towards them so I can have a look on his little surprise.My eyes widened and I slapped a hand over my mouth in surprise. Jupiter smiled expectantly at me. "Did you like it?""Oh my God, babe! I love it! This is beautiful!" I ex
JUNO'S point of viewJupiter and I were deeply satisfied by the finish design of our matching tattoos. Since it was hard to see it by ourselves, we just take photos of one another so we can take a look of it.Jupiter gave the man a big tip aside from the original price we're supposed to pay. We exited the tattoo shop totally satisfied with the arts now permanently inked on our body.I turned on my phone and saw that it's almost four in the noon. I looked at Jupiter who was wincing from time to time because of the huge tattoo he had inked on his left arm. I laughed and nudged him to get his attention. "That'll heal faster if you would dive in the salt water." I said, pointing at the beach.He glared at me, his lips in a thin line. "That would hurt like a wound being poured on by kilograms of salt, Juno. Do you want me acting like a worm here?"I laughed hard. "Well, maybe not. I don't deserve a boyfriend that'll publicly embarrass me.""You and
JUNO'S point of viewThe following day, we were shocked to see the flat tires of his car in the parking lot. Not just one, but all of them! Which makes it obvious that somebody purposely ruined his car so we wouldn't be able to leave.I held on his arm, feeling even more scared. When my eyes darted around the are, my heart raced nervously when I saw Mike looking at us from afar. A satisfied smirk was on his face. I glared at him, letting him know that we're aware that he's the one who did this. He left after that, leaving me seething on our feet."What are we gonna do now, babe? Do you know how to fix tires?""I know but I only have one spare in the trunk. Maybe let's ask Gerard if there's a nearby car repair shop here?"I nodded as we sluggishly walked back to the house with our luggage."What happened? Did you two left anything in your room?" Matilda inquired when we stepped back inside the house. I sighed wearily, scratching the si
JUNO'S point of viewThe beach house was made in bamboos and woods which made it easier for the fire to spread all over the house. I coughed out loud as the smoke grew thicker inside the room, my eyes getting blurry as they sting so bad from the rising temperature.I reached for the doorknob and flinched when I felt it scorching against my palm. I felt like crying 'cause I'm running out of hope that I'll make it out alive.Where is Jupiter? Where is everyone? Matilda and Gerard? Why didn't they knock on my door when the fire isn't severe yet? I could already hear the woods breaking down from the other side of this door. I hurried towards the luggage and pulled out a thick shirt. I wrapped it around my hand before I marched back to the door to twist the doorknob open. I succeeded in doing so.But the hellish fire that greeted me as soon as I opened the door would be a lot challenging to escape. I bit my bottom lip as I felt my body trembled anxious
Third Person's point of viewThe wind by the beach side blew harder which added more fuel to the fire. Jupiter's heart hammered loudly against his chest as he felt the threatening tears peeking through the sides of his eyes. He tried to dial his girlfriend's number once again but this time, it was sent to voicemail. Unlike earlier where it was still ringing."Please! Let me in. My girlfriend is inside. Please! I need to help her out," he almost begged to the firemen circling the beach house's perimeter. "Sir, please. Step to the side. We are not allowed to let you in unless the fire is completely out. Let us do everything that we can to stop this fire."He glared at the man in uniform. "And what, huh?! Let my girlfriend suffocate to death? Or... or let her d-die into ashes? Nobody is doing anything to save her! All of you are fucking cowards!""Jupiter," a hand pulled him by the shoulder. "Calm down, dude. They're planning to get inside but the fire's growing bigger. They need to me
Third Person's point of viewJuno sat back down on the heated mattress, totally hopeless as the fire began tearing down the walls of the room they were staying at. She whimpered fearfully, tears cascading down her cheeks.She had turned off her phone after firmly telling Jupiter not to risk his life to save her. It's the rightful thing to do instead of endangering both of their lives.Juno rose up from the bed and made her way to the comfort room. Every single steps felt hot against the skin of her toes. The flipflops was useless as it wasn't enough to protect her delicate feet from the burning heat. She quickly turned on the two faucets inside the bathroom, hoping that the tiny amount of water would prolong her life. She washed her face and exhaled painfully. The intoxicating smell of smoke had infiltrated her nostrils and it hurts like hell! It was difficult to breath for her.She then stepped under the shower and let her body soaked in the water. The temperature inside the room ke
Third Person's point of viewTwo days after the fire, another sad news struck the beach of La Paz. Four dead bodies was found floating on the island nearby. One of the bodies was identified to be Gerard. Unfortunately, the authorities found their boat and it was reported to be damaged. Juno wiped her tears as she watched the reporter on the television narrate the tragic story. At least now, she's a bit relieved to know that Matilda didn't leave the world on her own. And Gerard didn't have to suffer in loneliness."They are indeed soulmates," Jupiter whispered to her ear and she nodded in agreement.She's finally out of the hospital and back to her house. Since then, Jupiter haven't leave her side yet. "Indeed. Their story would make a great romance novel."Jupiter chuckled and kissed her on the cheek. "I bet they will. And you'll be a great immortal character in a book."Juno laughed at his joke. "Well what can I say? I'm the main character. Nobody can defeat me.""Anyway, the girls
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.