The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

Gage gave Wulfric a sideway glance. "Don't push it, kid. I'm already regretting the fact that I only punch you once. Don't make me regret my decision."

Wulfric didn't take offense. In fact, he felt oddly pleased by the exchange. Aster's father wasn't addressing him as 'Your Highness' with that biting sarcasm anymore. For once, their conversation felt almost... normal. That had to be progress, right?

"Do you think she will also feel my sincerity?" he asked instead.

"No comment," Gage said.

Although he wanted to argue that he didn't actually feel the prince's sincerity, that would be a lie. So, it's better to stay silent rather than to inflate this guy's ego.

Wulfric didn't press the issue. He had just started to get on Gage's good side, and the last thing he wanted was to be pushed off it just as quickly.

"I wasn't here during your first 'visit,' but I heard you left quite the impression," Gage said after a moment. "You're such a piece of work that my wife is convinced you're nothing but a menace. So, brace yourself—winning her over is going to be way more difficult than the fight we just had."

Hearing that, Wulfric suddenly felt nervous. No, it wasn't really sudden. Let's just say that it only intensified what's already there.

He knew dealing with Aster's mother would be tough. But being reminded again that one of the reasons she might oppose his potential relationship with Aster was because of his past actions only made him feel more uneasy.

Surely, it wouldn't be a complete disaster, right? After all, his conversation with Aster's father had gone surprisingly well. That had to count for something. Maybe this was a sign he shouldn't be so pessimistic.

"I'll do my best to change Aunt— I mean, Mrs. Townsend's opinion of me," Wulfric said, quickly correcting himself, but his sincerity was clear in every word.

Gage only raised his brow at him. "Good luck with that."

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"By the way, is there a chance I could see some of Aster's childhood photos?" Wulfric asked, his tone a mix of hesitation and hope.

It was something Wulfric had been looking forward to ever since he found out they were coming here. He'd always been curious about what Aster looked like as a child, but never found the right moment to ask for a photo. Now that they were visiting Aster's home, he figured it was the perfect chance to finally catch a glimpse of at least one childhood picture.

Gage glanced at Wulfric and noticed the hopeful look in his eyes. If it had been anyone else, he might have been tempted to pull out his Terminal and show a few of Astrid's childhood photos right then and there. But considering it was the prince, temptation was the last thing he felt. In fact, he wanted to punch the other once again. But he held himself back and said instead;

"So, how did you fall for Aster? Was it love at first sight?"

It was something Gage had always been curious about. Given the prince's notorious reputation, it was hard to imagine him in connection with the word 'love.' Yet here he was, clearly head over heels for Astrid. Naturally, Gage couldn't help but wonder how it all happened.

Wulfric hadn't expected Gage to ask such a question. But since it involved his feelings for Aster, he knew he needed to give a thoughtful and genuine response.

"I'm not sure if it was love at first sight. What I do know is that, somewhere along the way, it just happened. One day, I woke up and realized how much Aster meant to me—how he had become the most important person in my life. And from that moment, all I could think about was spending the rest of my life with him."

Gage had expected an answer along those lines, but it still caught him off guard. Maybe it was the way the prince said it so bluntly, without hesitation, or the fact that he didn't even flinch as he spoke. It was surprising how straightforward and certain he sounded.

But maybe he shouldn't have really been surprised. With the way this guy seemed to forget half his intelligence when it came to Astrid, it made sense. It was like all logic went out the window whenever Astrid was involved.

Though Gage appreciated the honesty, that didn't mean it didn't irritate him. They were talking about his son, after all. As a father, it was only natural to feel a bit annoyed at the person trying to steal his child away.

"Let's just hope Aster sees the light and tells you to piss off soon," Gage said. His tone was serious, but if you listened closely, there was a hint of teasing beneath it.

Wulfric wanted to argue, but in the end, he simply said, "When Aster sees the light, it'll be the moment he finally accepts my feelings."

Gage looked at him for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. It was so exaggerated that Wulfric couldn't tell if it was real or fake.

Gage's laughter cut off abruptly, his expression turning serious as he looked Wulfric dead in the eye. "You're really making me want to punch you again."

"You can punch me again. I promise not to dodge," Wulfric said seriously.

Gage only shook his head at that.

Soon, they reached the house and headed for the back door. As they stepped inside, they were surprised to find Emmy standing right there. It looked like she had been on her way out, pausing mid-step when the door swung open.

She looked at Gage, then at Wulfric. Particularly at the redness on Wulfric's cheek. Arching a brow, she turned to her husband and said;

"Just one punch?"