I can't wait to go to Central Crew again tomorrow.

Six days had passed since Central Crew's orientation. Ever since, Aster had been anticipating the next session, not just because he would get to see Calix again, but also because he genuinely enjoyed his time with the other members of Central Crew too.

I still can't believe Nahekoy knew the name of every species of flower that was in the garden! Just how much time does she spend looking at them?

Aster's mind had been replaying what happened during orientation in his head whenever it strayed. Though Aster was punctual for class, his teacher had spent the past fifteen minutes preparing something on his computer.

And how is Lila able to touch her tongue with her nose?

A small chuckle escaped Aster's mouth as he remembered the moment Lila showed that off- it garnered a scream from Hazel (which he expected), but it had even managed to get a startled glance from the usually aloof Calix. Aster smiled as he recalled his crush's exact look- he had never seen Calix look remotely concerned about anything at all. Aster's reminiscing was cut short by feedback from the microphone at the front of the room.

It was Aster's first time in one of the school's many computer labs. Six rows of computers lined the room, which had beige painted walls- not very artsy for an arts school. Though several weeks at school had passed, it was the first lesson for the module.

"Good morning, class. Welcome to sound design 101. As we are borrowing this lab from the music production course, remember not to touch any files on the workstations that aren’t yours…"

In true Aster Lux fashion, his focus diverted almost instantly from what his lecturer was saying. He was a man who looked to be in his mid-forties, in a light blue button-up shirt, spewing words in a droning, monotonous drawl. Not exactly the right person to hold Aster's attention. Aster's eyes moved to his computer screen, which he had just switched on. 

The desktop was an absolute mess. A multitude of files and folders littered it, and Aster couldn't help but scan through their names. 

No way.

The name of one of the files caught Aster's eye immediately: Calix_Frost_01.

I never believed in fate until today.

Aster was in disbelief. Out of all the labs and seats that he could be in, it was the one that Calix used as well. He had to feed his curiosity. The file called out to him; simply seeing Calix's name was enough to seduce him, like a moth drawn to a flame. Although his lecturer had instructed the students not to meddle with any of the files that were not theirs, Aster simply could not resist the temptation. 

I'm not tampering with it, just having a listen is all.

While the lecturer rambled on, Aster plugged his blue earpiece into the computer's headphone jack, slipped the left side into his ear, and clicked play. Instantly, he was transported to another universe. The lyrics didn't matter to Aster. Listening to Calix's silky, soothing voice was enough to elevate him to a higher plane. He closed his eyes and let his imagination paint a picture for him. 

Aster envisioned himself standing on the surface of a lake. The clear water reflected the infinite number of stars that were in the night sky above. A few steps in front of him was Calix, wearing the same outfit that he wore at the start of Central Crew's orientation. He was seated on a gorgeous, jet-black grand piano, playing and singing the song that Aster was listening to. 

Aster walked to the piano and leaned on it. He kept his eyes fixated on Calix and rested his head on his hand.. He couldn't help but smile in appreciation and adoration at the heavenly sight. Then, Calix turned his head towards him. His eyes mimicked the colour and intensity of the night sky above them. Aster swore that as he leaned closer to Calix, he saw the reflection of a shooting star travel across those gorgeous night-sky eyes.

I wish we could be together like this.

The rest of the class flew by. Listening to Calix's song on loop really motivated Aster to power through the assigned tasks. 

"Ok, class, see you all next Thursday."

The room was filled with the sound of chairs creaking as the students got up and began to leave. Aster stepped outside and spotted Calix talking to his friends amongst the chattering crowd of students.. 

How can I face him after what I just did???

A nervous gulp instinctively surged through Aster's throat. Aster's flight reflexes took over, and he was prepared to sneakily make his leave.

Please don't notice me…

He had barely taken two steps away from the classroom when Calix turned around, and they made eye contact once again. Aster was once again reminded of what he did, listening to Calix's assignment without permission, and his face began to turn red. 

Calix nodded to Aster in acknowledgement. That simple action was enough to send butterflies through Aster's stomach. Even though Calix did not smile, he recognised Aster's presence, and that satisfied Aster. 

Don't fumble it this time.

Aster smiled, waved and uttered a single syllable

"Sup"

Aster internally celebrated his flawless execution. He started to walk away from Calix and the classroom, to head home, continuing to silently praise himself.

Good job Aster!! As long as I don’t make a fool of myself, I-

Bump!

Aster should have paid more attention to where he was going. He slammed headfirst into a pillar. The "BONK" his hollow skull made as it hit the concrete made the sounds of chatter die out, being replaced by a pin-drop silence that made Aster the focal point of everyone in the vicinity. Calix took a half-step forward towards Aster, whose embarrassment was through the roof.

"I’m okay! I gotta go!!"

Aster dashed off, rubbing his head as he went.

***

Aster opened the door to his house. Still flushed red from the awkwardness of the situation earlier, he lay down on the sofa to process his emotions.

Despite what happened earlier, I still think today was a good day. After all, I'm one of the rare few who have listened to a Calix Frost original.

He recounted how, during the alumni talk a year ago, Calix sheepishly admitted that he wouldn't be performing an original song because he didn't think they were good enough. 

Now I've listened to his song, and it's the best thing I've ever heard.

As if the amount of coincidences that day wasn't bewildering enough, one final thing happened. Aster's phone vibrated, and two messages came in at the same time.

Hazel: Reminder to everyone that our second meeting is tomorrow, 5 pm!! There’ll be an exciting announcement, so look forward to that! See you :)

Ash: Can’t meet up tomorrow, something last-minute’s come up. Let’s do Wednesday.

It's been two weeks now that Ash hasn't been free on Fridays. Maybe I don't need to deal with this issue so soon, or ever…