Chapter 682 - 682: A LITTLE CELEBRATORY DINNER (II)

DINNER was a relaxed and enjoyable affair, filled with warm conversation and the clinking of utensils against plates. The flavors of Astrid’s carefully prepared dishes blended harmoniously, each bite rich and satisfying. Kiran, always appreciative of good food, eagerly complimented every dish, while Snow, though more reserved, showed his enjoyment through the way he savored each bite, occasionally nodding in approval.

The lasagna was perfectly baked, the cheese golden and bubbling, while the fresh salad balanced the richness with its light, tangy dressing. The garlic bread disappeared quickly, and by the time they reached the tiramisu, all three were thoroughly content, laughter flowing freely between them.

After dinner, they moved to the living room, where Astrid poured them each a glass of the wine Snow had brought. The wine was smooth, carrying a subtle sweetness that complemented the lingering flavors of their meal. Snow leaned back against the couch, his usual composed demeanor softened by the relaxed atmosphere. Kiran stretched his legs out, swirling his glass thoughtfully before taking a sip.

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“Wow, drinking a wine this expensive makes me feel like I’ve just leveled up in life,” Kiran remarked with a playful grin. “No, maybe my real level-up happened the moment I became friends with you two.”

Astrid and Snow chuckled at Kiran’s remark, amusement flickering in their eyes.

“It should be the other way around—we leveled up when we became friends with the future music god,” Astrid said, raising his glass in a playful toast.

Snow nodded in agreement.

Kiran’s face flushed a deep red at the unexpected compliment. Flustered, he huffed, “Oh, come on! Don’t tell me a few sips of wine have already gone to your head—there’s no other reason you’d be spouting such nonsense.”

Astrid chuckled, shaking his head. “How could that be nonsense? You’re incredibly talented, Kiran. You may be just starting out, but every song you’ve composed and produced has already charted. And trust me, this is only the beginning—you’re going to achieve even greater things in the future.”

Snow took a slow sip of his wine before setting the glass down. “And didn’t the current ‘god of music’ already recognize your talent? That alone speaks volumes. You should have more confidence in yourself.”

Kiran groaned, covering his face with one hand as if to shield himself from their praise. Flustered, he quickly downed the rest of his wine in one swift gulp, as if hoping to wash away his embarrassment. Setting the glass down with a small thud, he cleared his throat. “Alright, that’s enough—let’s switch to a topic that’s a little less likely to make me combust.”

Astrid tilted his head slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Oh? And what topic do you have in mind?”

Kiran shot a glance at Astrid, who seemed far too amused by his flustered state. Noticing that, a grin crept onto his face as an idea struck him. Leaning forward, he said casually, “Alright, how about this—why don’t you give us an update on your relationship with the prince?”

Snow raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Now that sounds like an interesting topic.”

This time, it was Astrid’s turn to be caught off guard. But he quickly regained his composure. After all, he wasn’t a real teenager who would get embarrassed or shy over a topic like this.

“I think I’m getting there,” he said honestly.

“You’re getting where?” Kiran asked, his brows furrowing in confusion. Astrid’s response felt completely unrelated to the topic he had just brought up, leaving him wondering if he had missed something.

“Sorry, I should’ve been more straightforward,” Astrid said with a soft chuckle. “What I meant is—I think I’m on the verge of falling in love with Wulf. If I haven’t already.”

For a moment, both Snow and Kiran just stared at Astrid, their expressions completely blank as they processed his words.

Snow was the first to react. He slowly set his wineglass down on the table in front of him. “Well, that was certainly straightforward.”

He had expected Astrid to admit some level of interest, but not something this deep. From what he knew of him, Astrid wasn’t the type to entertain someone like the general unless there was at least a spark of attraction or interest. But for him to admit his feelings so openly and without hesitation—that was unexpected.

Kiran’s reaction was much more animated. He blinked rapidly, as if trying to make sure he had heard correctly, before leaning forward with wide eyes. “Wait, hold on—you mean really fall in love? Like, head over heels, butterflies in the stomach, actual romance kind of love?”

“I said ‘on the verge,’ but yes,” Astrid admitted with a small smile. “It’s that kind of love.”

“Wow. Just… wow.” Kiran stared at Astrid, his hands gesturing wildly. “How can you just say that so casually? Shouldn’t you at least be a little embarrassed? I mean, you’re not even blushing!”

“Because I’m not embarrassed about my feelings for him,” Astrid said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Snow stared at Astrid, a flicker of envy stirring within him. If only he could be that honest—if only he had the same courage to face the truth head-on. Maybe then, he could go straight to Assil and finally tell him everything. But deep down, he knew that the deal he had made with his father wasn’t the only thing holding him back.

It was fear.

Fear of Assil’s reaction. Fear of seeing anger or disappointment in his eyes. Fear of what might happen once the truth was out.

Maybe he could learn something from Astrid—maybe honesty was the path forward. But acknowledging that was one thing; acting on it was another. And for that, he needed a little more courage than he had right now.

Kiran leaned back with a dramatic sigh, looking as if he had finally given up trying to make sense of it all. “Great. Now I also have the urge to fall in love too.”

And for some reason, the beautiful face of Shir Atkins suddenly flashed in his mind.

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