Staying Outside, Not

Present time…

Now that June thought about it, he had heard a voice when he fell down that time. Even if he was rescued quite promptly, June didn't put too much attention to it. He had even forgotten about it because the movie's premiere night was suddenly decided on that very day. Even while walking, he was having a hard time recalling this matter about Lantis Castelli.

It was because his movie was launched on the same day as another certified blockbuster hit. It was a movie where another rising star was featured… and the very one where he had to make sample takes for the hardest scenes. He would indeed receive payment and royalties, but he still hated the posters to the core. The movie was supposed to be his; he only let them off because it was a hit.

June pulled on his hood tighter, letting the shade keep his face from being seen. He swam through the hordes of fans blocking the exits… as the two main stars were having a photoshoot as they walked outside the cinema. June only clicked his tongue before fighting for a chance to leave.

Disgusting… he found the sight really disgusting.

"…hey, yeah, I'm asking for a reservation under the name… Lantis Castelli? I just want to double-check the time specified. I don't want to run late for our meeting." June made a call to the restaurant while he was waiting for a cab. "At eight? All right. Thanks a lot."

June ended the call and finally hailed a cab to go home. There was no way he would consider appearing in a five-star restaurant such as DuMonte in his hoodie and jeans. He had no reason to meet this Lantis Castelli, but since the restaurant had the reservation, he wanted to see if the same man would be there. He wanted to make sure that he was not hallucinating.

Moreover, he wanted to know what he unleashed that day.

…

He still had five minutes before eight, but June was already standing outside the glass doors of DuMonte. He wanted to see if he could catch Lantis walking through the glass doors of the restaurant. However, what he saw was… his collateral enemies.

The media was racing to get photos of the phenomenal stars of the year. It was Alexander Reed and his leading lady, Prudence Lang. They were also the stars that he ran into at the cinema during the premieres of the two movies. What a very distasteful sight. Seeing them only made June want to puke and leave, passing on the dinner with Lantis.

It's just that while the two stars were making their way to the restaurant, a sleek black limo arrived at the roundabout for the guests. The earlier car was already moved by the valet, so the limo could stop right in the middle. Surprisingly, the man that stepped out was…

"No way…" June whispered as he saw the strange man alight from the car. The media actually took a look, confused by the supposed awkward entrance. Actually, June knew that it should have been an awkward entrance, as two stars were on the carpet toward the restaurant.

"Mr. Castelli!" The owner of the restaurant suddenly got out and went to welcome the man. However, he was shocked by the number of people crowding, not letting him or Lantis pass without difficulty. He then frowned before seeing the two stars at the side. "Oh, it's Mr. Reed and Ms. Lang. I… I'm sorry, I have to accommodate a VVIP."

Alexander was visibly stunned at suddenly being thrown to the side, but Prudence only chuckled. "It's okay, Mr. Ricci. I also think your restaurant is befitting to host the Castelli."

The owner only made a small smile before walking and parting the crowd. As the people made a clear path for Lantis, the owner only met him halfway through. "Mr. Castelli, welcome! Welcome! Thank you for your patronage—"

As if finally noticing him at the side, Lantis stopped walking and turned in June's direction. With a slight smile and discreetly glinting eyes, he spoke, "June, why are you staying outside?"

"I got bored waiting inside." June wondered at the seemingly strange yet friendly approach. He only glanced at the two other stars who were left stunned before walking up to the man.

As he did, Lantis only glanced at the owner, who knew what the look meant. He then followed behind the two as they seemed to chat like friends. Soon, the three vanished from sight, and none of the media men remembered Alexander and Prudence anymore.

…

"Damn, that felt so good!" June laughed out as soon as they were let into the private room. He even did a twirl before pumping his arms.

Since June was a good actor and that Lantis was only nodding as if the actor was saying true things earlier, it was easy to appear like they knew each other. That even added another level of finger flip to what Alexander received.

Lantis only watched the man celebrate a little. He then took a seat and poured wine for himself. "Thank you for coming to meet me. I didn't think I can get you to come the first time."

"There are things that I wonder about. Of course, I'll go." June took his own seat and reached out his glass for Lantis to fill. "My life is plunging down to the deepest it can get. Even if you kill me today, at least you gave me the chance to screw up Reed's night. So…

"What kind of responsibility are we looking at?"

Lantis moved his hand to keep overfilling his glass. His reddish eyes then stared straight at the actor's smiling face. "Why is this very easy? I figure it'd be a bit harder… given that your fire hasn't burned out just yet. Are you sure?"

At this, June slowly recalled his stretched-out hand. He placed the glass down before looking away. "What's the use of having this… fire if I continue going down the drain? Heh, guess I really don't want to go this way, but… no one can change that."

"Neptune Verrier," Lantis called out his name, and the man got up from his seat. He walked behind June and reached down his vacant hand, combing June's hair with his fingers. When June looked up, Lantis smiled down at him. "Do you know who you just released from a millennium of slavery?

"I am Lucirien, a demon that changed the fate of millions. Whose future can I not change?"