Hypernova : A Sequel to Supernova

Episode 3.3 - Time To Work

"Let's do this." Nine ecouraged himself quietly.

After his outing with Jade, he'd spent the rest of the weekend preparing for his first official day working on the NeuroMend Project.

Clutching the strap of his backpack, he felt a mix of nerves and excitement. During his outing with Jade, he had picked up a small gift for Ontae as an apology for ditching him at the gala and canceling their outing the following day.

He was still getting used to the idea of forming a friendship with someone outside the entertainment industry—a normal friendship, which felt like a refreshing change.

Nine bit his lip thoughtfully, hoping Ontae would understand without requiring too much explanation. He cringed at the thought of having to explain why he actually fled the gala.

I was freaking out because I saw the man I loved who vanished from my life without a word 18 months ago suddenly reappeared- with the woman he's engaged to right by his side.

When had his life become the plot of a telenovela? He mused to himself.

A story like that had to be seen to be believed, yet it was his current reality.

With quiet determination, Nine pushed Jorah out of his mind. Even if he showed up, his focus had to be solely on the project at hand. The past was over.

After passing through security, Nine headed to the lab. A few team members were already gathered at their stations, and Ontae was among them.

Exhaling sharply, Nine strode over to where Ontae was scrutinizing something on his tablet.

"Oh hey!" Ontae greeted him warmly, his smile brightening the room as he looked up.

"Hey." Nine returned the greeting, uncertainty creeping in as he shifted the strap of his backpack, trying to gather his thoughts. Ontae's warm smile relaxed him a bit, but the lingering guilt from disappearing the other day still weighed heavily on him.

"Here we are." Ontae glanced around. "Ready to get to work?"

"Uh... yeah," Nine confirmed, trying to shake off his lingering doubts.

"Then let's do it," Ontae replied, taking another look at his tablet.

Ontae's bright smile and positive attitude after how he'd treated him only made Nine feel worse inside. "Ontae," Nine's voice was soft and tentative, but it caught Ontae's attention. The young man looked up, his eyes neutral but polite. "I... uh, I just wanted to apologize for the other night. I didn't mean to disappear like that, and I'm sorry for canceling our engagement."

Ontae gazed at Nine before his lips curled into a brief smile. "It's okay. I was actually more worried about whether you were alright. I couldn't reach you that entire night, and then you said you weren't feeling well."

Nine blinked, a new wave of guilt washing over him. He'd ditched him and made him worry.. Rubbing the back of his neck, he replied, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."

Seeing the concern etched on Nine's face, Ontae placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's fine, as long as you're okay now." He held Nine's gaze, waiting for confirmation.

"I'm fine," Nine replied, slipping his backpack from one shoulder and swinging it to his front as he fished out a small box. "Actually, I got you something. It's to say I'm sorry."

Ontae raised an eyebrow but accepted the gift, curiosity flickering across his face. "You didn't have to." He unwrapped it slowly, revealing a set of custom pens engraved with intricate patterns. "Wow... These are nice. Thanks." he looked at Nine with concern, "They look expensive. I can't--" he quickly covered the box and attempted to hand them back.