The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

Looking at the other's very serious expression, Reas honestly said, "We're friends."

And that's the truth: their relationship could only be called 'friends'—at least for now.

He saw the agent let out a visible sigh of relief after he said that.

"I'm sorry for asking you such a weird question. It's just that, you know how big of a scandal attractor Lauren is. If someone saw you going to his private villa, they would definitely assume you're his latest fling. The media always misunderstand Lauren's friendliness as him being a flirt.

Even though I know that he's just being friendly most of the time, as his agent, I still have to make sure, just in case. Especially since this is the first time he has invited a friend to his private villa. I just had to ask to clear any potential misunderstanding."

After hearing Chris' long winded explanation, the only thing that stuck to Reas was the fact that he was the first friend to be invited to Lauren's private villa. His heart skipped a beat for a second at the thought that he might be someone special to Lauren.

"But Lauren has so many friends. Am I really the first one?" he asked, showing no extra expression on his face. As if he just asked the most mundane thing in the world. "Surely, he had some friends over for a small gathering or something."

"Ah, for those types, he would just invite them to his apartment suite at the city center," Chris said. "His private villa is more like a sanctuary for him. That's why I was very surprised when he invited you there. He must consider you a very close friend."

It took everything in Reas to stop the corner of his lips from turning up. "Yes, I think of him the same way."

Chris looked at the young man, who seemed like he wouldn't be fazed by anything. Although the other said that he and Lauren were only friends, there's still a lingering doubt in his mind. If he was correct, then things might lead to an even bigger problem later on. But if he was wrong, then he had to clear the misunderstanding he's having now.

"Can I ask you another question? I just really have to get it out so I could stop overthinking things," he started.

Reas raised a brow, but still nodded. "Go ahead."

"Are you perhaps being romantically pursued by Lauren?"

Reas blinked, as if he couldn't understand the question. And then, for the first time since their conversation started, he laughed.

Chris felt a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry. That probably sounded like such a big joke to you."

"No, it's a good question, actually." With a boyish grin still on his face, Reas added, "Can't it be the other way around, though?"

"...What?"

"Can't I be the one romantically pursuing Lauren?"

Now it was Chris's turn to be left speechless. He felt as if he were living out one of those memes where the brain explodes in disbelief.

What did Reas mean by that? Was he saying that he was the one who liked Lauren in that way? Or that he was planning to pursue Lauren in the future? But wasn't he only 18? No, he's already 19 since the year had passed. Nevertheless, he was still at the age where he's still being supported by his parents.

And he was saying that he would pursue someone who's already an established actor and years older than him?

Although the age gap between them was relatively small given the longer lifespans of this era, they were currently in very different stages of their lives. One was still studying to achieve their goals, while the other was already living theirs.

Chris was ready to lecture the young man about that, to make him understand that pursuing Lauren right now would be a big folly, but before he could, the other continued;

"Relax, it's just a joke."

Although Reas said that with a smile, it didn't really reach his eyes. It's like he only said that to pacify him and not because it was indeed just a joke.

Chris's concerns deepened even further.

-----

After an hour of travel, they finally reached Lauren's private villa. It was located quite a few miles away from the city center. It was in a mountainous area, with the surroundings filled with trees and flowers.

The villa's exterior, though simple, exuded a timeless beauty that harmonized perfectly with its natural surroundings. It had a porch adorned with vibrant flowers, and a well-maintained garden that added a splash of color to the tranquil landscape. The villa's pristine white walls, bathed in the golden glow of sunlight, reflected a sense of elegance and serenity.

Large windows framed by ornate shutters offered glimpses of the inviting interior, while a graceful arched doorway hinted at the warmth and comfort awaiting within. A stone pathway meandered through the lush greenery, effortlessly guiding any visitors to the entrance.

It was a simple yet very charming place. Much like Lauren.

He was about to walk forward when he noticed that Chris still hadn't left. He turned to the other.

"Aren't you going to leave, Mr. Taylor?"

"Ah, I was thinking of just joining you two," Chris said, his smile tinged with awkwardness. "Wouldn't it be livelier with a few more people?"

Reas barely managed to control himself from frowning. Did the other took what he said seriously and was now hellbent not to let him and Lauren be alone together? Then he had a great instinct. Because it's not like he was lying. But that didn't mean he would let the other intrude on his rare alone time with Lauren.

Should he just knock him out?