Hypernova : A Sequel to Supernova

Episode 4.2 - The Stage Has Been Set

The stage lights dimmed for a moment before exploding back to life, bathing Nine in a wash of gold and electric blue. His voice pierced through the air, crisp and magnetic, each note carrying with it a pull that commanded the crowd's attention. As he sang, his movements were fluid, effortless, like the music was alive inside him, dictating each step and every wave of his hand. His gaze swept over the audience, his eyes catching the light just enough to sparkle under the glow, and the crowd responded in kind—cheers, screams, hands lifted in adoration.

The camera panned over the sea of people, capturing the frenzy of the fans, some jumping with arms outstretched, others clutching signs with Nine's name and face plastered across them.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Nine's lips as he hit the final high note, his voice ringing out clear and powerful. He held the note, eyes closing for a brief moment,his left hand reaching triumphantly towards the sky.

"And..Cut!" the director called, the word breaking the enchantment. The lights brightened to their normal glow. "That's a wrap on Nine's segment! Great work, everyone!"

Nine's shoulders relaxed, his playful grin peeked out as the staff swooped in to refresh him, wiping the slight sheen of sweat from his forehead.

As he stepped off the stage, he gave the actors around him appreciative nods, offering handshakes and quick smiles. "Thank you for being a part of this," he said earnestly, his voice soft but still holding the weight of his gratitude. 

After a few photos and words exchanged, Nine stepped off the stage.

He was still in awe of the scale of the production. When he'd agreed to participate in the infomercials for the NeuroMend Initiative he hadn't expected this kind of production. Even the director was one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Now with a concept and story, he felt like he was working on one of the projects from his past.

Spotting a familiar figure waiting at the back of the set, a grin tugged on the corners of Nine's lips as he approached his manager.

"You really came." He greeted Sean. "You didn't have to come all this way."

Sean raised a brow. "Of course I had to. Nine is putting in an appearance afterall."

"So you're only here to see Nine?!" Nine's eyes widened.

"Of course I'm also here to offer moral support?" Sean batted his lashes.

"Yeah right." Nine rolled his eyes "You're just a slave master." he pouted as he folded his arms over his chest.

Seeing Sean's exasperated expression, Nine chuckled and gave him a light nudge on the shoulder. "Ok I'm just kidding Mr. Manager" He teased. The truth was, Sean was as great a friend as he was a manager and he couldn't imagine anyone else doing the job now.

"Have you been waiting long?" Nine asked.

"No. I got here a little after you started your last take." Sean looked around the set. "This is some scaling. They seem to be pulling out all the stops."

"I know." Nine agreed emphatically. "I didn't expect all of this."

"But you looked like you were having fun out there." Sean observed

"I was," Nine agreed with a grin

"Enough fun to make you want to do a mini concert?" Sean's eyes were hopeful.

Nine eyed his manager, "Not that much fun." He was still enjoying the few months break he still had left from actually performing.

Sean chuckled, "It was worth a shot. Do you know how many calls I still get requesting for you to do shows and make appearances?"