The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

So, he simply stared and enjoyed the view.

Of course, Chris didn't miss this, and the suspicion circling in his mind only strengthened. His desire to stay and accompany the two grew even stronger.

"Why are you just standing there and not pressing the doorbell?" Lauren asked Reas, obviously not noticing the undercurrent in the air.

"Well, I was waiting for Mr. Taylor to leave," Reas responded, remembering that he had to make this third wheel leave them alone. "But he said something weird, like wanting to accompany us or something. Maybe he's worried you'll do something to me."

Chris sharply turned his head towards Reas. What was this kid up to? When did he say anything like that? But because Reas said it in such a monotonous manner, without a change in his expression, it only appeared much more believable. Because that's just the normal way the other talked. Did Astrid teach this brother of his to act?

No, instead of 'act' the words 'lying naturally' would be more apt.

He looked at Lauren, and sure enough, the other's brows were furrowed.

"No, Lauren, that's not it. I'm more worried about--" 'him doing something to you'.

But Chris wasn't able to finish what he was saying because Lauren cut him off.

"Brother Chris, do you really have such little faith in me?"

"No! I told you, that's not--"

"Still, you can't accompany us here," Lauren continued. "Did you forget that you have to accompany Gwen today for a very important audition?"

Chris wanted to argue more, but at the mention of one of the artist he's handling, he had no choice but to give up. "Fine, I'll go. Just... be careful, okay?"

He gave Reas, who still had the same 'I don't really care, I'm just here to hang out' expression, one last glance before getting into his flying car. That guy was definitely not some naive kid who didn't know anything. He's a wolf, through and through. Maybe if given a chance, he would not hesitate to 'eat' Lauren whole.

If Reas heard his thoughts now, he would definitely argue about being compared to a 'wolf'. He would welcome the comparison to any kind of beasts, just not one that sounded the same as the general's name.

Chris just shook his head. Honestly, if he wasn't certain that the kid was not the type to force himself on someone, he wouldn't leave the two alone no matter what Lauren might say. But since he could still tell that Reas had an upright character, he only have Lauren a warning. Which the other would most likely not take seriously.

With one last sigh, he started the car and drove off.

Lauren watched the car leave before turning to Reas. "I apologize for Brother Chris, he's just such a big worry-wart. Probably because of all the troubles I caused him throughout the years."

He opened the door of the villa and gestured for Reas to follow. Reas did that, and as soon as he entered, the door behind automatically closed.

"No need to apologize since he's just doing his job," he said as he looked around the villa.

The interior of the villa exuded a simple yet captivating charm, with its open floor plan bathed in natural light from the large, airy windows. The whitewashed walls and exposed wooden beams created a cozy, rustic feel, while the polished hardwood floors added warmth to the space.

Comfortable, minimalist furnitures in neutral tones were accented with vibrant, handwoven rugs and cushions, giving the rooms a touch of color and personality. A stone fireplace served as the focal point of the living area. The kitchen, though modest, was beautifully designed with sleek, modern appliances and open shelving displaying an array of dishware.

Just looking at the interior, one could see that this looked very much like a home, instead of just a house.

"But seriously, I don't understand why he's so worried," Lauren continued. "I mean, it's not like I'm going to attack you or anything."

"I think he's not worried about that."

Lauren stopped walking and turned around to look at Reas. "What do you mean?"

"Actually, I lied earlier," Reas started, walking towards Lauren and stopping just a step away from the other. "Your agent is actually not worried that you will do something to me."

Lauren automatically looked up. With them this close, he only now truly realized how tall Reas was. He subconsciously gulped. "T-then what is he worried about?"

Reas gazed down. Looking at Lauren's bare face without any shred of make-up, his natural beauty just struck him. The absence of any artificial enhancements made Lauren's features appear even more delicate.

For a moment, Reas was just captivated. It made him say and do something he wouldn't say or do if he was in the right state of mind.

"He's worried that I will do something to you."

Lauren blinked, and then he felt his whole face heating up. "Y-you— what do you mean by that?"

"Maybe something like this?"

Lauren's eyes widened when he saw Reas slowly closing the gap between them. For some reason, he closed his eyes tightly just as quick. As if even his brain was expecting Reas to do... something.

But what he was expecting did not happen. Instead, he felt a slight squeeze on his cheek. That made his eyes automatically opened. Then he saw Reas smiling amusedly at him. His gaze was like that of someone looking at some adorable creature.

"Silly. What do you think I will do?" Then he let go of his cheek and walked towards the kitchen. "Let me use your kitchen for a while. I'll make us lunch."

Lauren could only stand there stupidly and looked at Reas' back.