THEY arrived at the site of the music video shoot with Astrid’s head on the clouds.  All he could think of was the prince’s unexpected reaction to seeing him. 

He knew that once he became famous, the prince would definitely know that he was just acting in that video.  He would probably even reach the conclusion that he knew about the presence of that camera that’s why he purposely acted that way.  From what he had heard about the prince’s temper, and as well as what he had seen during that short time at Delryria, he was certain that the other would get back at him.

But he was confident that he could get around that.  He could just genuinely admit that he was afraid that his interest with him would increase even further.  That’s why he acted like that.  And then just say some shit like having the prince’s interest would get in the way of his dreams or something.  But based on the reaction that guy had shown earlier, he probably wouldn’t have the chance to use those excuses.

If Astrid didn’t see the surprise on the other’s face when their eyes met, he might have thought that he had forgotten him.  So, did that mean that he had already lost interest in him and his action was like telling him that he wasn’t even worth his time?

This kind of attitude was the exact polar opposite of how he acted when they first met.  He couldn’t wrap his brain around it.  It had only been a little more than a month since then.  Was he really so forgettable?  Or was his acting simply too convincing that the prince was disgusted by his ‘crying’ and ‘begging’?  So, after watching that video, all his interest in him just vanished?

Astrid suddenly felt a tingle in his chest.  Like one would feel when they were annoyed. 

Then he stopped and almost slapped his face.

Just what the hell was that?  What tingle?  What annoyed?  Wasn’t this the best possible outcome for him?  Why would he ever be dissatisfied?  No, wait- when did he say that he was?

He shook his head and threw all those unnecessary thoughts away.  What’s important right now was the music video he’s starring in.

But it was probably still too late for him to take back the dull expression on his face because he heard Reas asking;

“Aster, are you okay?”

He turned to his brother and smiled.  “Of course.  Why wouldn’t I be?”

But what he didn’t know was that his smile looked force.  Especially to Reas who grew up seeing his real smile.

“Are you worried about that prince?” Reas asked.  Because the only possible reason why Astrid would have that expression was because of the presence of that person here.  “Don’t worry, if he troubles you here, I’ll do my best to be your shield.”

Astrid chuckled when he heard that.  All the weird things he felt just turned into amusement.

“Then I’ll also do my best to hide behind your back,” he said, following along. 

The two of them jumped off from their horses and pulling them towards the beach.  There was a two-floor wooden cottage there just before the shore.  It was surrounded by flowers and there were vines filling its walls.

They hadn’t entered yet when a male AI robot wearing some kind of butler’s outfit with matching coat tails and half-moon glasses.

  “Dear guests, welcome to our seaside cottage.  Are you a party with the people from Kaleido Entertainment?” the robot asked.

“Yes,” Astrid answered.

“Then, please, go inside.  Some of the people from your group are already inside,” the robot said with a smile.  “You can just leave the horses here and I’ll have someone take care of them.”

The two did as they were told and walked inside the cottage.  Even though the outside looked like some cottage one would find during the Georgian era of England, the inside was like a modern Earth hotel.  There was a lounge and a reception desk, an AI robot behind it.

Just like what that butler-like AI said earlier, there were already people in the lounge area.  All their attention turned to them.  No- more accurately, their attention was focused on Astrid.

Astrid took the initiative to introduced himself.  “Good morning, I’m Astrid Townsend.  I’ll be working with all of you today as a part of the music video.”

The part of the crew who was there already had a feeling that the teenager who just arrived was the one they’re going to shoot today together with Miria Lane.  With that appearance, it would be such a waste if he was just here as an additional help for the crew.

They greeted him back enthusiastically.  How could they not?  He not only looked good, he was also very polite.  Anyone would like a person with a good work attitude.

“Huh, so, you’re my star today,” suddenly said by a woman’s voice behind them.

Both twins turned back and saw a tall woman standing at the entrance of the cottage.  He had short dark purple hair with blue highlights on its fringe.  She was wearing all black with smokey make-up that only popped up because of her pale complexion. 

Astrid couldn’t help but be reminded of one of those rocker girls in his past life seeing her.  But he made sure not to show any reaction on his face. 

He only smiled and greeted, “Good morning, Director Hale.”

Yes, this woman was the director for this music video – Harper Hale.  Miria had long told her that this person would be responsible for directing them in this video.  So, he had plenty of time to research information about her.

She was a budding director that only started her career three years ago.  She had only been shooting advertisements, music videos, and short films.  But despite that, she had been continuously gaining recognitions for her work.  One could see that she was very passionate with her craft.  Astrid was glad to work with someone like that.

  Director Hale looked at him from head to toe.  “Astrid, right?  I hope you won’t disappoint me today.”

“I won’t, Director,” Astrid said without hesitation.  “I will do my best to even go beyond your expectation.”

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