Hypernova : A Sequel to Supernova

Episode 5.2 - Motives and Games

The soft murmur of conversations filled the room, mingling with the muted clinks of cutlery against plates . Nine stood by the window, gazing out at the sky painted an intricate blue and grey, his heart heavy with the weight of the day.

The chatter ebbed and flowed around him. He offered occasional greetings to people who approached him. He had intended to speak with Jade from the moment he arrived, but the wave of guests had swept him away and he'd lost track of Jade altogether.

He was about to put his drink on a passing tray and leave when suddenly he spotted Jade across the room. Upon Jade's re-emergence to the gathering, he was immediately approached by people.

When their gazes met, Nine waved politely, a flicker of warmth igniting in his chest when Jade acknowledged him with a nod. He watched, waiting, as Jade made his way over, offering polite smiles and exchanging brief words with those who stopped him on the way. 

"You made it," Jade greeted Nine, his smile muted, the corners of his mouth twitching but failing to lift the weight in his eyes.

"Of course I did," Nine replied, stepping forward and pulling Jade into an embrace. The warmth of their friendship was a stark contrast to the chill in the air. When he pulled away, he searched Jade's face, looking for something—comfort, perhaps. "I'm really sorry for your loss. Your father seemed like a really great man."

Jade's gaze drifted around the room, absorbing the somber atmosphere. He nodded solemnly, his voice barely above a whisper. "He was."

Nine hesitated, studying Jade's expression, which seemed to oscillate between sorrow and a stoic mask. "How are you feeling?" he finally asked, the question tinged with uncertainty.

Jade's lips pressed together as he looked down, taking a deep breath. "Honestly?I feel lost." he admitted, his voice barely audible over the distant chatter. "I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. I didn't expect him to go."

Nine felt a pang in his chest at the admission, his heart aching for his friend. "It's never easy, I know," he offered gently. "And you don't have to figure it all out today." He squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "I'm here for you, whatever you need."

Jade met his gaze, and for a moment, the weight in his eyes lightened, revealing the vulnerability beneath. "Thanks, Nine. It just... it feels like everything is changing so fast."

"I get it," Nine said softly, placing a comforting hand on Jade's shoulder. "You'll get through this, I promise."

"Mn." Jade nodded. His eyes darted around the room, "How are you?"

"Me?" Nine was taken aback "I'm fine. I've just been busy with school and NeuroMend and all of that."

"Okay." Jade replied as he continued to look about.

"Are you looking for someone?" Nine asked curiously

"Hmm?" Jade appeared startled, "No..I'm not."

Though Nine wasn't entirely convinced, he didn't press the matter further, choosing to say instead, "Oh, I saw Avalon. He looks great."

Jade gave his attention back to Nine.

"There was someone else with him, who was that?"

Jade's facial muscles tightened, "His friend Gentry."

"The one from the US?"

"Mn." Jade grunted an affirmative.

"Did something happen?" Nine asked, noticing the change in Jade's demanour. "Did you talk to him about what we talked about?"