Chapter 717 - 717: KIRAN'S HOUSEWARMING PARTY

TIME passed quickly as Astrid wrapped up the last of his [Serendipitous Summer] promotions. These final promotions were actually enjoyable—probably because Snow was there with him. Having a close friend around actually made the experience better.

A week since the movie’s release, [Serendipitous Summer] had climbed into the top 30 of the weekly box office list. For a film led by rookie actors and directed by someone stepping into movies for the first time, it was a remarkably good outcome. Honestly, it was probably the best result anyone could’ve realistically hoped for.

Astrid was certainly satisfied with the result. It wasn’t just about the numbers—though those were good—but the fact that people were actually watching and enjoying something he’d poured his heart into. Seeing the positive reviews and hearing fans talk about the movie made it all worth it.

“Aster, I’m heading out to pick up Lauren!” Reas called from the doorway. “We’ll go straight to Kiran’s place after.”

“Got it!” Astrid called back.

He turned back to the food covering every inch of his kitchen counter. There were mini pizzas dripping with cheese, honey garlic and spicy barbecue wings, sausage rolls, loaded potato skins, a tray of bacon-wrapped dates, and candied fruit skewers. Now that he saw it all together, even he had to admit this was ridiculous for five people. But hey, at least no one would leave hungry.

He started packing the food into different containers. Today was Kiran’s housewarming party. Just like they’d talked about during EMMA’s afterparty, he, Snow, and Lauren—with Reas obviously joining as well—would celebrate Kiran moving into his new apartment.

Astrid volunteered to handle the food, which everyone immediately agreed to. Snow said he’d bring the wine. Lauren would get drinks—a few six-packs of beer and some sodas. Kiran had tried to refuse at first, saying they didn’t need to bring anything. But what kind of party would it be without food and drinks?

He stored the containers in his space ring and left his apartment. He took the elevator down one floor—Kiran’s place was just below his, so it didn’t take long. When the elevator opened, he walked straight to Kiran’s unit and rang the bell.

The door opened quickly. Kiran stood there, and the moment he saw Astrid, his face relaxed with relief. Before Astrid could even ask what was wrong, Kiran had already pulled him inside.

Kiran let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples. “Thank god you’re here,” he said, voice strained with exasperation. “Your brother and Lauren have been all over each other since they arrived. I swear, I almost short-circuited just watching them. And they’ve only been here for, like, a minute.”

“Hey, we’ve been here at least five minutes,” a familiar voice chimed in from the side.

Kiran rolled his eyes. “I wish it had only been a minute.”

Astrid turned toward the voice and blinked—Lauren was perched on Reas’ lap. He raised an eyebrow at his brother. Reas just shrugged helplessly, like he had no control over the situation. But the way his arm was wrapped snugly around Lauren’s waist told a different story.

Okayyy…

Was this really his brother? The same guy who couldn’t be bothered with anyone showing an interest in him during secondary school? Astrid almost wondered if he’d been body-snatched. But no—this was probably just Reas being in love. That, and the fact they were still in that honeymoon phase where they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

“I’m with Kiran on this one,” he said, grinning. “Try not to scar us for life, okay?”

This time, it was Lauren’s turn to roll his eyes. “Alright, alright. We’ll spare your delicate feelings,” he said, sliding off Reas’ lap to sit properly beside him.

Astrid chuckled, then took the chance to glance around. The layout of the area was familiar. There was an open kitchen, dining area, and living space all connected, much like his own apartment. But Kiran had added his own touch. A sleek sound system sat in the corner of the living area, and a glass display cabinet nearby held a collection of old vinyl records, their colorful sleeves neatly lined up.

“I’ll set out the food,” he said, heading to the small dining table.

“Let me help,” Kiran offered, following close behind.

Astrid began pulling the food containers from his space ring. Kiran worked beside him, arranging everything neatly. By the time they finished, Kiran’s small table was completely packed with all the dishes.

“Uh, you really didn’t hold back,” Kiran said, blinking at the mountain of food in front of him.

“I told him to take it easy, but he got carried away with the cooking,” Reas commented from the living area.

Lauren hopped up and joined them at the table. He eyed the food and let out a low whistle. “Actually, I’m glad you went all out.” He grabbed a sausage roll and took a bite. “Definitely glad.”

It was then that the doorbell rang.

“Oh, that’s probably Snow,” Kiran said, rushing towards the door to open it.

As expected, when he opened the door, Snow was standing there, already holding a very expensive-looking wine.

“I’m not late, am I?” the other asked.

Kiran shook his head. “No, you’re right on time. Please come in.”

Snow stepped inside, offering quick hellos to everyone as Kiran shut the door behind him. Snow moved to set the wine on the table, then paused, blinking at all the food. There was barely enough room left for the bottle.

“That’s… a lot,” was all Snow could say.

Lauren grinned. “Right? We’re eating like royalty this afternoon thanks to Astrid.”

Astrid cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Should we toast to Kiran’s new home?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Kiran quickly fetched glasses while Snow uncorked the wine and filled each one. They all gathered around the crowded table, drinks in hand.

Kiran lifted his glass, looking around at everyone. “I just… I’m really happy to finally have my own place. And I’m glad I get to share this moment with all of you. Thanks for being here.”

The rest of them raised their glasses in unison, clinking them together with Kiran’s.

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