ASTRA (flashback part 1)I crossed my legs together as I remained sitting stiffly on my armchair, silently observing my classmates who are all excited for tomorrow's school activity: Art and Science Fair.And then I looked at the Prada bag perched up on the other chair just beside me. Of course it's mine. And then there's another empty chair just beside it. Nobody actually sits in this row aside from me. I love it here, actually. Away from the big board and the teacher. Nobody's speaking to me as I initially don't get along well with anyone. It's currently homeroom and we're told to use this time to finalize our class presentation for tomorrow. I didn't really understand what they were trying to create so I didn't bother participating anymore. And even if I try to give my own ideas, they wouldn't let me. So instead of wasting my time talking to them, I just contributed some money, twice the amount they're collecting per student, so they wouldn't complain about me not sharing my id
ASTRA (flashback part 2) When I was a mere kid, back then when I wasn’t even in high school just yet, the bookstore is my favorite hangout place for so many reasons. I love reading! I love discovering new ideas! It is also my mother’s work place after she quit designing for a high end brand. But most importantly, there’s this particular type of reading material I always love to check out during my free time. A visual book. A magazine. In those pages, there are beautiful tall women wearing elegant clothes. They look mysterious and intimidating. My mother calls them a model. She then mentioned that she use to work with those kind of women before. Ever since I learned about models, I dreamed of becoming one as well. I learned to dressed up properly though my closet used to consist of average looking clothes. I’ve learned to fix my posture, and copied how models walk on the videos I used to search on the internet. It was a ridiculous dream I thought I wouldn’t be able to achieve. I th
ASTRA (flashback part 3)I nodded eagerly at him and he walked near the door where a tiny mirror is hanging by. He grabbed it and walked back quickly to me. I also fished out my phone so I can start taking selfies!He grinned widely at me before placing the mirror on my lap. And then strangely, he quickly gathered his things and zoomed out of the room, wearing a stupid smirk on his face. What was that?And then slowly, my lips parted as I grip on the mirror, my suspicion rising again. Don't tell me that brute fooled me about the face paint?!I gulped and shook my head. Of course not! He's been extra nice today.Extra nice. Nice.Oh, fuck! I'm doomed! When is he ever nice?! That man was born with fucking horns in his head!A loud scream emerged out of my throat when I finally saw the finished drawing he made on my face! Pink and purple poops with eyes and mouth! Like the keyboard emojis!This is ridiculous! I touched it and it quickly smeared all over my cheeks since it's still wet. I
ASTRAI hit him on the arm and rolled my eyes, slightly laughing now after reminiscing that day. "Of course, I remember. How could I forgot?" I said, shaking my head smilingly. I then turned to the old man before putting the design book back on the table. "I'd like a butterfly here on my arm!"Sirius chuckled but I ignored him as I sat on the customer chair facing the tattoo artist. I was in awe while watching the process of it. The old man have a gifted hand. He's very good and a pro, very expert in detailing. After nearly fifteen minutes, it was finished! "Wow! This is pretty, Sir. You have an amazing talent!" I complimented, eyeing the finished henna tattoo on my arm. "A poop would look better on your skin."I looked up at Sirius and glared at him. I also attempted to kick him on the leg but he quickly dodged it."Kidding! I'd like one too, Sir.""Really?!"He eyed me sternly, both hands now on his hips. "Yes, so leave the chair, please. It's my turn."I quickly got up and let
SIRIUS (flashback part 2)Astra Fontanilla is such a funny mystery to me. She have one of the richest surname in the country beside her name and yet she’s a loner at school, being bullied by everyone. Well, technically, they’re not bullying her physically. But then, the subtle judgement from the school mates’ stares would be enough to kill off someone’s self esteem and affect them mentally and emotionally.Ah, well… she’s just like me. But the difference is, she’s pathetic at it. While I, on the other hand, was okay being alone. I love being on my own and not being bothered by these low class idiots.But that was I initially thought before I even had my first interaction with her. Surprisingly, she’s a lioness! Was my observation incorrect all this time? Her words are harsh and her yes could kill. Definitely not someone you would easily get along well with.“Wow. And here I was pitying you for being bullied and a loner in this school. Turns out you’re just a plain bitch who deserved i
SIRIUS I smirked, shaking my head while reminiscing those times. I can’t lie, those were the happiest and most fun memories of my life. Astra, somehow, was the constant source of joy in my life during high school. When college came, we rarely see each other anymore. I was graduating college and she was just a freshman. And during those times, she was already receiving so many offers to be a model so she’s even more busy to even throw a single glance at me. I glanced at Astra beside me. We’re at the dive bar of the resort 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! Ugh! I snatched the beer in her hand and grabbed her on the arm
ASTRAI pulled my luggage out of the room and left it in the living room before walking my way towards Sirius' bedroom door. I knocked twice before pushing it open to check if he's ready to leave."All done?" I asked, watching him comb his wet hair as he stood at the side of his bed wearing a black jeans and yellow flannels with a white shirt underneath it.I, on the other hand, was wearing a white basic crop top and denim jeans. I wore a cream colored three inches sandals to partner it. My hair was also in a messy bun. He nodded before stashing his comb quickly inside his bag. I turned my back and walked back to the living room. The bellboys are already outside to escort out of the resort."Aww. I'm gonna miss this place! By the way I haven't seen the photos you took of me here.""I'll show you in the plane later. Come on, the staffs are waiting."We pulled our luggage together outside and was greeted by warm farewells from the staff. They already called a taxi for us that'll take u
ASTRAI was deeply anxious in my window seat the whole duration of the flight. It's about four hours long and I couldn't catch even a twenty minute sleep. Even if I want to, I just couldn't. I just closed my eyes and pretended to be sleeping beside Sirius so he wouldn't worry tpo much about me.Thankfully, he found an early available first class flight back home. He even joked that he'll rent us a jet if he wouldn't find any. Though, I know it's half meant somehow but I wouldn't want to trouble him more. Where the fuck would he even find a jet to rent here in Athens? He doesn't know anybody in this land!Few hours later, the plane finally landed safely. My anxiety tripled up the moment I stepped out of the plane. For my father's health, the airport paparazzi, the fans, my free falling career, everything! It's hurting my head!"Hey," Sirius called behind me. I then felt him wrap an arm over my shoulder. "You okay? I know you didn't sleep in our flight."My brow arched at him. "That mea
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.