Supernova||Book 1 [Wattys 2024]

Episode 8 - A Slow Change

"I don't think this is a good idea." Jorah's patience was wearing thin. He usually didn't need to convince anyone of anything nor did he care to since there were not a lot of things he gave two shits about.

"I have to do it." Nine insisted, standing his ground.

"Can't you just cancel? I'm sure everyone will understand. What's the big deal?"

Nine's eyes widened. "What's the big deal? Do you know how much work went into this? I can't just cancel at the last minute. On the day!"

"You had an accident three days ago," Jorah pointed out. "The director gave you time off to rest."

Nine nodded. "Right. I have a break from shooting but I still have other things to do. Acting is only one aspect of my career. I have my official album launch in a little while. I don't have time to just lay around."

Those words caused Jorah to flinch. Like an unexpected prick by a thorn. In his mind it was 'just laying around'?

"So that is what you think you've been doing?" Jorah frowned "Taking care of yourself is just laying around?"

Nine sighed. "No..I didn't mean that..it's just.." His words trailed off. The pair was obviously at an impasse.

Jorah gritted his teeth. He'd even used his status as the angel investor to have the shoot schedule rearranged so Nine could rest, yet he insisted on working.

"Haven't you been complaining about headaches?" Jorah asked. "Maybe you should go back to the hospital."

"I don't need to go to the hospital." Nine objected. "I'm fine."

Jorah paced with his hands on his hips. He didn't understand why Nine was acting like a woman whose husband insisted she give up her career to be a housewife. It wasn't that dramatic. Just a few more days of rest.

The pair locked eyes and Nine sighed. "My Manager will meet me at the venue. Sean will be there. He's coming to pick me up. I'll be fine."

"And they think its a good idea for you to do this?"

Nine nodded. "My manager doesn't see anything wrong with it." he replied. "In fact. He actually encouraged me. Said it would be a good show of my love to my fans."

"That fucker." Jorah gritted his teeth. He wasn't surprised he would say that. For the days when Nine had been at home, he'd heard him multiple times on the phone with his Manager. He had no idea he'd been discussing keeping his schedules.

Did he really see Nine as nothing more than a client to manage? Precious cargo?

"Of course he would." Jorah replied sarcastically. "To hell with it if your body can't handle it right?"

Nine looked at him. "Who says my body can't handle it? For the millionth time. I feel fine."

For Nine to go to a fanmeet so soon after his accident was crazy. It was loud, the lights were hot, the crowds were also another thing to contend with, even if he did have security.

Jorah clenched his fists, "You're being so stubborn."

Nine finally stopped what he was doing to look at him. "What do you want me to do?"

"Seriously?" Jorah asked. Nine nodded. "Don't go. Are your fans that selfish that they won't understand? You're sick."

"I'm not sick" Nine countered. "Besides..In this business, there is no getting sick. You just power your way through."

The two locked eyes, something fierce in each pair.

Nine sighed and bit his bottom lip. What was he supposed to say to him?