Hypernova : A Sequel to Supernova

Episode 4.3 - Another Forgotten Face

"Leaving so soon?" The tone of the voice behind him was pointed.

Jorah paused mid-step, his hand instinctively brushing the bridge of his nose as the faint throb in his temples worsened. He didn't turn around immediately, taking a second to compose himself. The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but even that felt like a distant dream and the ache behind his eyes made it hard to place. 

Jorah exhaled as he turned. "Sadly yes, I have another engagement" he said smoothly, as he looked at the man standing before him. 

He was a young man of average height with unremarkable looks—neatly combed dark hair, a clean-shaven face, and simple attire that gave him a professional yet unassuming demeanor. As he looked at him, Jorah could detect a quiet intensity about him but that was it. He couldn't place him.

The man took a step forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Mr. Jindaya," he said with an edge, as if the title itself tasted bitter on his tongue. "How have you been? We haven't seen each other in a long time."

Being referred to by that name at least pointed Jorah in a direction. This was someone he'd met in the years he spent in the entertainment industry. He played along, keeping his posture relaxed, despite the pressure building behind his forehead. "I'm sorry, I've been a bit busy lately."

A tense silence permeated the air and Jorah got the distinct feeling the person standing before him wasn't here for a friendly chat. The look in the young man's eyes told him that much. Jorah forced a smile, despite the growing throb behind his temples.

The man's expression hardened further. "You know, I really thought you were different?" he said with a scoff, his eyes cold. 

Jorah's brows knitted together in faint confusion. His heart pounded harder, but he kept his cool exterior intact. Different? From what? The headache flared, but he forced himself to stay composed. "I'm sorry," Jorah said carefully, choosing his words, "What are you talking about. Have I done something to offend you?"

Not a question he would usually ask since he was sure he'd offended more than his fair share of people both personally and professionally. The circumstances now were different  and he would take  the help from wherever he could to fill in the gaps.

The man's eyes flared briefly, a flash of something close to rage crossing his face before he quickly masked it. "Wow. So he was telling the truth" He laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and cutting. "I knew you were an asshole but this is too cold, even for you."

Jorah's confusion deepened as he watched the expression in the man's eyes shift from anger to pain. "Do you have any idea what he went through?" The man's fists curled at his side.

Before Jorah could respond, the man whose name he had yet to get, stepped closer, his voice low and full of warning. "Let me be clear. I don't know what you're trying to do here but if you try anything—anything—to hurt Nine again, I won't just stand by and watch."

The name landed like a blow to Jorah's chest, his headache flared sharply towards the set at the young man sitting in the chair. He struggled to keep his confusion hidden, fighting to keep his composure as his pulse quickened.

"Look..you must.." Jorah suddenly felt an unusual urge to clarify himself to this stranger. It was Nine again. When had his world become this small that even when he least expected it, he would be presented with that name again.

"Save it," The man snapped, his voice dripping with venom. "You're good at pretending, but I'm not fooled." He paused, breathing hard before stepping back, his gaze never leaving Jorah's face. "Just stay away from him. Consider this your warning."