Hypernova : A Sequel to Supernova

Episode 1.2 - A Reunion

The terminal buzzed with the familiar hum of travelers—families hurrying toward their gates, businesspeople glued to their phones, and tourists chatting in a mix of languages. Wheels dragged on tile while the occasional overhead announcement came through the PA. 

In the middle of this lively scene, a figure by the arrivals board drew stares and passing glances. Jade stood with head turning confidence ,his oversized beige trench coat hung over a fitted black turtleneck, and wide-legged trousers swept the floor. Oversized sunglasses masked his expression but his fingers drummed against his thigh, betraying  a flicker of impatience in the rhythm.

Ignoring the curious stares and whispered speculations Jade's eyes scanned the arrivals board. New York City-- on time had flashed across the screen more than fifteen minutes ago. Yet there was no sign of him.

"Where is he?" Jade furrowed his brow as he bit his bottom lip. His foot tapped unconsciously, a barely contained energy brimming beneath his cool exterior. 

Why was he this anxious? Was it because they hadn't seen in each other in so long? Jade's mind wrestled with the knots in his stomach as he craned his neck towards the throng that was still filtering out until a familar figure caught his eye.

"Avalon." The name rolled off Jade's tongue. His heartbeat quickened — had it really been a year?

Time seemed to slow as Avalon came into view. The buzz of the airport faded to a murmur, and for a split second, Jade's breath was suspended.  

As the figure Jade's eyes was locked on sharpened in focus, his eyes squinted in scrutiny. As he strode towards him, Jade noticed Avalon's once neatly groomed brown hair was now a mess of jet black curls, falling over his eyes. His glasses were gone, exposing sharp features that had always been there, but now seemed more striking in their clarity. Ripped jeans, a graphic tee and a light jacket adorned his lean frame and Jade couldn't help but notice the healthy glow of his skin.

Avalon stepped to the side and swung his bag to the front, fingers deftly slipping inside to retrieve his phone. Jade watched as Avalon's eyes scanned the terminal before glancing at this phone a second time.

With a smile pulling on his lips, Jade sauntered over to Avalon, "Excuse me sir. Do you need a ride?"

Avalon's eyebrows shot up, eyes widening in surprise, "Jade? What--- are you doing here?"

Jade's grin morphed into a pout, exaggerated for effect. "That's how you greet me after we haven't seen each other for so long?" 

Avalon blinked, his expression still caught between shock, embarassment and something else that made Jade's heatbeat quicken. "Uh..Sorry." He apologized. "I--- just didn't expect you to be here. Where's Luke?" He looked around Jade's shoulder around the terminal.

"I told him I'd pick you up instead." Jade answered Avalon's query about his assistant. When Avalon gave him an incredulous look, Jade raised a brow, "Why are you so surprised?"

Avalon glanced at Jade. "I guess...I just thought you would be busy." 

"Is that why you didn't tell me what day you were coming back?" Jade folded his arms over his chest.

"I didn't want to bother you." Came Avalon's matter of fact response.

Jade rolled his eyes. "Really Avalon?"

"But you still found out anyway." Avalon pointed out as he  began to roll his suitcase forward.

"No thanks to you." Jade sniped. He looked at Avalon with a hint of mischief in his eyes, "You know when it comes to me you should never try to hide anything."