Supernova||Book 1 [Wattys 2024]

Episode 15.2: NGage- What Feels Right

Norris yawned sleepily as he pushed his cart through the aisle. He was still tired from the premiere. The series was officially out for all to see and he couldn't be more proud.

For the premiere he'd gotten dressed up in fancy clothes, walked the red carpet and had fans scream for him with Gage by his side.

He glanced at his list. What else did he need? Milk. Eggs. Cereal. Bread.

He was going over the list on his phone when he felt eyes on him.When he raised his head, a young woman squealed before waving at him.

He smiled and nodded to her before going about his way. A few minutes later, after he'd gotten everything he needed, he made his way to the cash register.

As he unloaded his items for the cashier, he glanced behind him. The girl from earlier was there with two other girls. They were not only staring at him and whispering behind their hands, they also had their phones pointed at him.

Trying not to pay it too much mind, Norris waited until all his items were checked out and then paid before leaving the store.

The three girls followed him. Keeping his eyes front, Norris ducked into another store for another purchase.

When he exited that store less than five minutes later, Norris was greeted by an unexpected crowd. A few people screamed. Lots of phones were pointed at him at close range.

Seeing this crowd, more people gathered to find out the source of the commotion.

While Norris had been inclined to stop and pose for photos before, he quickly concluded it would not be a good idea. For now, he needed to leave.

As he made his way towards the nearest exit, everyone was talking to him at once. From the din, he could pick out a few questions.

He tried to keep his composure and move forward in spite of the panic that was growing in his heart.

They were so close. Too close.

The crowd was beginning to press in on his small frame, jostling and keeping time with his steps. The exit felt like it was leagues away and his legs suddenly felt insufficient to take him there.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Norris stepped out into the daylight. He was immeasurably glad when a taxi pulled up at the curb and with much difficulty and at the expense of one of his grocery bags, he managed to make it into the taxi.

"Go." he uttered one word to the driver.

Norris' panicked breaths were difficult to regulate even as the car pulled away from the chaos.

The man glanced back at his flustered passenger. Unexpectedly tears welled in his eyes and his hands trembled.

Even the buzzing of his phone in his pocket startled him.

Incoming call : Gage

"H-Hello?"

"Where are you?" Gage asked, bypassing greetings.

Norris sniffled.."Uhm..I'm in a taxi. I'm heading home."

"What's wrong?"

Norris sniffled again. "Nothing.I--I'm fine."

Gage was silent for a second. "Come to my house."

"When?"

"Now."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

"Ok." Norris agreed.

After he hung up with Gage, Norris gave the taxi driver his destination.