Rewind With A Superstar System-Chapter 64: Playing His Game

<🎧 Song Recommendation: Risk by Gracie Abrams>

...

(Saturday, May 4th, 2019)

The air in Miami was filled with humidity as Von stood at the airport terminal, his small carry-on bag gripped tightly in his left hand.

His right hand was hidden in the pocket of his dark hoodie. He wore a cap pulled low and a surgical mask to avoid the prying eyes of the travelers who might recognize his face.

Zack stood across from him. The law student had been the one to drive him here, and Von could say he owed him a lot. He was the sole reason he had survived these two weeks back home.

"This is it," Zack said, breaking the silence.

Von nodded, the fabric of his mask fluttering with his breath. "Yes, I guess... I’m ready for the circus."

Zack reached out, clasping Von’s hand in a bro-to-bro handshake. "Win the whole damn thing, bro! I’ll be watching from the dorm, and I’ll be waiting for you to get us outta the hood."

They shared a brief hug before Von turned and disappeared into the security line.

The flight to Los Angeles was average for Von who spent the hours with his headphones on, the raw recording or his new song, his first composed song, looping in his mind.

Upon arrival at LAX, there was no fanfare. A black SUV with tinted windows was waiting for him at a private exit, arranged by the show’s security team. The driver didn’t speak. The atmosphere was just professional.

Von wasn’t taken back to the main mansion though. Instead, he was driven to a high-end hotel near the studio where the Finale would be held. The producers had cited security concerns and contestant safety, but Von knew the truth: he was being quarantined. They wanted to keep him and Julian apart for as long as possible.

His personal room was luxurious with marble floors and a view of the Hollywood hills, plus a king-sized bed, but it felt like a gilded cage.

He spent the evening in total isolation, refreshing his vocal cords and going over the lyrics one last time. He didn’t order room service, nor watch TV or play games. He just rested, letting his body recover for the war that was less than twenty-four hours away.

***

The sun rose over Los Angeles the next morning. Today was the day.

Von was escorted to the Star Mansion early in the morning. The backstage area was a hive of frantic activity, technicians hauling cables, dancers practicing in the hallways, and PAs running with headsets.

As Von walked through the halls, the chatter died down. People stopped and stared, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and judgment. He was the psycho who had beaten up the favorite after all.

"Mr. Varley, this way," a security guard grunted, leading him toward the executive offices.

He arrived at the door of Michael, the Senior Executive Producer. As the guard opened the door, Von saw a familiar figure already seated inside.

Julian West.

Julian looked impeccable. He wore a light blue designer suit that complemented his aesthetic perfectly.

A small, flesh-colored bandage was visible on the bridge of his nose, a subtle reminder to the world of the assault. He looked up as Von entered, a warm, saintly smile spreading across his face.

He stood up immediately, his palms clasped together in a gesture of peace.

"Von," Julian said, his voice soft and filled with concern. "I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried the pressure might—"

"Julian..." Von interrupted with an even more emotional voice.

Von didn’t wait for Julian to finish. He lunged forward with his hands outstretched. He grabbed Julian’s hands desperately in remorse

"Julian... I’m—" Von’s voice broke with [Emote]. "I’m so sorry. I’m an asshole. I’m a monster for what I did. Seeing you like this... seeing that bandage... I haven’t been able to sleep. I know you can’t possibly forgive me for my behavior, but please... please find it in your heart to try."

Julian froze. His smile faltered for a fraction of a second as he processed the sheer intensity of Von’s performance. He had expected Von to be defiant, or at the very least, silent. He hadn’t expected a public display of worshipful guilt.

Julian’s eyes darted toward the producers in the room, realizing the optics. He quickly recovered, his expression softening into one of mercy.

"Von, please," Julian said, patting Von’s hand. "I didn’t even expect you to feel this remorseful. I truly appreciate the honesty. Thank you. I told the police, and I’m telling you now... I’ve forgiven you long ago. We’re brothers in this, remember?"

"Thank you," Von sobbed and stepped forward and pulled Julian into a tight, suffocating hug.

Von held on for many long uncomfortable seconds until Julian began to squirm, patting Von’s back with increasing urgency. "Okay, Von... okay, buddy. It’s alright." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Sorry, bro... I just got carried away with my emotions. I’ve been in a dark place. Thank you for being the better man." Von pulled back and wiped his eyes.

"Well... Good luck with the finals, Von. May the best man win."

"Yeah..." Von added, already walking forward to his own seat with a satisfied smile.

Inwardly, Julian was bubbling. He could see exactly what Von was doing, trying to rattle him, trying to mess with his composure before the show.

But he had told himself that no amount of amateur acting could save Von from the execution he had planned.

"Alright, boys," Michael said, leaning forward over his desk. He had watched the entire exchange with a neutral expression. To him, this was just better content for the Behind the Scenes reel.

"Let’s focus," Michael continued. "The internet is a circus right now. Ignore it. Your job is to go out there and deliver a spectacle. This might be the biggest Finale in the history of Project: Star. And as with the other rounds, we’ll be filming live. So try to maintain order."

Michael pointed a finger at Von all of a sudden. "Von, you are on a short leash. Security will be off-stage at all times. If you so much as raise your voice at a staff member, you are disqualified instantly. Am I clear?"

"Yes," Von nodded, though he felt confused internally.

"Good. Now, go do your hair and makeup. We go live in three hours."