OFFSTAGE ☆ [Banana & Pear]

I - Meet and Greet

"Not a listener ey?"

To summarise, Pear decides going to a meet and greet to argue with the Dancing Banana. Afterwards, he's left speechless lmao

(919 words)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Today's episode is brought to you by Shovelware foods! If you try hard enough, it's edible."

The announcer ends his last sentence as the face of Shovelware's brain game, dancing banana, makes his way to the door. He bows to the audience applauding aside, before stepping backwards and disappearing into pitch darkness. While the audience praised the wonderful production, a certain green fruit wasn't so pleased.

- Pear's pov -

Finally, glad THAT'S over. I jump out of my respective seat and follow the row of people, leading me to the building's exit. Sounds of laughter and excitement escape the room once we were outside. Everyone else actually enjoyed that? It's unbelievable, even worse when you attend it live.

"Hello, you're the one who sat beside me right?" I hear a familiar voice behind me, tapping my shoulder gently. I turn around and the puffy treat introduces himself. "It's me Popcorn! I just wanted to say, you were pretty bold back there."

Right, he's mentioning the moment I interrupted the event earlier. I'm surprised that he didn't walk up to insult me straight to my face, but I appreciate the compliment. "Thank you very much," I replied formally. "Greetings, I'm Pear."

We exchange the usual small talk and he pauses for a second to question me. "Are you going to the meet and greet tomorrow?" I look at him confused, until he holds up his phone. The Dancing Banana is inviting anyone to attend.

"Pff, I've already spoken to him once and it didn't go well. I see no proper reason to attend!" I snicker in front of the Popcorn. "Who knows, the both of you might get along!"

☆

It's 8:42 PM and I arrived home after the long trip, locking the door behind me. I flump on my desk, reading the positive comments under the same public announcement I read on Popcorn's device.

Should I go? No way, I'm being stupid! I told myself that I wouldn't show up. Yet again, I have nothing better to do the next day. I turn off my own phone, still thinking indecisively. Y'know what? I'm going.

☆

I gaze at the view outside as the driver drops me off at my destination. The taxi leaves immediately, leaving me to enter the building and wonder around. The place is crowded by many adoring fans, so much that I've already lost the entrance. It's wild.

The large group was soon fixated when the CEO and founder of Shovelware stepped into the scene. The Dancing Banana with his iconic orange bowtie could be easily recognised from afar. Without hesitation, I squeezed my way through the tight crowd and walked up to his direction.

"Good day."

- "Out of all people, I wasn't expecting you to come early!" His joyful expression turns to astoundment.

"Look, I had nothing better to do. Going to your meet and greet was the last resort. I don't want to hear you blabber about it...!"

- "Not a listener ey? I'll keep that in mind. It seems that you couldn't wait to talk to me though."

"I'm not here to waste my precious time on simple chit chat, I'm here to knock some sense into you and your awful game show!"

- "Be my guest! What do you have to say, green guy?" That nickname was enough to get my blood boiling.

"First of all, it's the WORST live recording I've ever been to. The contestants are utterly dumb and boring. Second thing is that most of the questions are undemanding, the prizes have zero worth, and lastly..."

"You have a very obnoxious grin beyond belief and your orange bowtie makes you look childish! I don't see what others see in you, but I don't think this TV network of yours deserves all of the fame it's receiving."

- "Woah, that's quite a lot to comprehend."

"In conclusion, the entire quiz show is horrid! BADLY MADE!"

Everyone in the area became dead silent, waiting for Dancing Banana to clap back at me. Unexpectedly, he giggles and adjusts his bowtie.

- "Haha thanks for your feedback, you've been paying attention to my show very well!"

What? I glare in exasperation.

- "I've never met such a great observer, even taking note of my appearance." The crowd ooh's and comments on his response. I look down slightly embarrassed, but choose not to admit it.

Coming up with the words to say next, more fans circled around Dancing Banana and I. All of them were rooting for this idiot, so talking back is useless at this point.

"... Whatever, I'm going to take my leave."

☆

"He's got smiles for miles, it's your host, the Dancing Banana!"

I try to loosen up on my seat, avoiding contact with the yellow fruit host. He taps on his microphone before continuing the short introduction. "That's right! I'm back and doing what I'm best known for; hosting a vaguely educational game show!"

DB follows up his speech, "I would love to thank everyone for joining us live and giving endless support! I appreciate it." He stops for a brief second to look at the audience, almost seems like he's searching for someone specific.

"I see that some of ya are back tonight! I'm an excellent observer too, y'know?"
Quickly realising his eyes are focused on me, I hide myself behind one of the audience members. Ohhh boy he noticed me.