Echoes of Fame

Chapter 18: Masks and Mirrors

The surge of public interest from Babe's recent premiere was more than he could have imagined. News outlets were covering his rise, fans were flocking to his social media, and even the industry insiders who'd once dismissed him were starting to pay attention. But with every spotlight came a shadow, and Babe knew his family wouldn't stay quiet for long.

System Notification: Notoriety Boosted. Fame Points +20.

Bunny appeared beside him, clapping its tiny paws. "You're shining, Babe! Everyone's talking about you~bun!"

Babe gave a small nod. "Feels good to be noticed. But I'm not naive—people like Ivy won't let this go unnoticed."

That evening, a notification on his phone caught his attention. Ivy had posted a lengthy interview on social media, positioning herself as Babe's "supportive sister." The piece painted a picture of Ivy's "concern" for Babe's well-being and hinted that his sudden fame might be overwhelming for him. The comments were already a mix of praise for Ivy's "kindness" and curiosity about her relationship with Babe.

Excerpt from Ivy's Post: "It's not easy to see someone you care about suddenly thrust into the public eye. Fame is a heavy burden, and I only want the best for my dear brother."

Babe clenched his jaw, recognizing the subtle manipulation behind her words. Ivy's message was less about support and more about positioning herself as the wiser, more experienced sibling. She was laying the groundwork to overshadow him, even as she pretended to support him.

Bunny: "She's trying to play the hero, Babe! But your fans know who the real star is~bun!"

As the hours passed, Babe noticed the interview gaining traction, with news outlets reposting Ivy's quotes and fans discussing the supposed bond between them. While some were supportive, others were beginning to speculate about Ivy's intentions, sensing the underlying tension.

Fan Comment: "Something feels off. Ivy's always trying to get in the spotlight when Babe's rising. Doesn't seem genuine."

Entertainment Blog: "Babe's fame seems to be stirring up family dynamics. Ivy's supportive, but is there more beneath the surface?"

Babe sighed, feeling the weight of Ivy's posturing pressing down on him. The narrative she was crafting threatened to complicate his image, painting him as someone incapable of handling fame alone. But Bunny bounced beside him, its expression determined.

"Don't let her steal your moment, Babe! You've come too far for that~bun!"

Later that night, Babe met Billy for dinner at a quiet restaurant. The public tension with Ivy was heavy on his mind, and he knew he couldn't ignore it much longer. Billy's steady presence, however, was a calming force amidst the storm.

"She's trying to set herself up as the protective sister," Babe said, frustration evident in his tone. "It's like she's waiting for me to slip."

Billy regarded him thoughtfully. "Let her play her games. You've built your career on talent, not connections. People will see the difference."

Babe met his gaze, the reassurance in Billy's words grounding him. "It just feels like every move I make, she's there, ready to twist it."

Billy's expression softened, a rare warmth in his eyes. "Then don't give her any room to twist it. Show them who you are, not who she says you are."

System Notification: Special Bond Strengthened with Billy. Confidence Boost +10.

Bunny nodded approvingly. "He's right, Babe! Let's show everyone the real you~bun!"

With Billy's support, Babe felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to face the scrutiny head-on, determined to prove himself without letting Ivy's games define him.

The next day, Babe decided to make a subtle but bold statement. Instead of directly addressing Ivy's interview, he posted a video sharing his personal thoughts on his journey and the meaning of independence. The message was clear: he was proud of his path and grateful for the support of his fans, and he didn't need anyone speaking on his behalf.

Babe's Post: "Every step in this industry has been one I've chosen for myself. I'm thankful for everyone who believes in me, and I promise to stay true to who I am."

The response was immediate, with fans rallying behind him. They appreciated his authenticity and praised him for speaking directly to them instead of engaging in any family drama.

Fan Comment: "This is why we love you, Babe! You're genuine, and that's what makes you stand out!"

Entertainment Blog: "Babe Tanatat's quiet clapback to his family shows maturity beyond his years. The rising star isn't letting anyone else define his journey."

Bunny did a triumphant hop. "That was perfect, Babe! You're setting the story straight~bun!"

Babe felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He hadn't needed to call Ivy out directly; he'd let his own words speak for him.

The aftermath of Babe's post sent a ripple through Ivy's carefully crafted narrative. Her attempt to position herself as a guiding influence backfired, and the fans' support for Babe only highlighted her manipulative tactics. By staying silent, she couldn't escalate the situation without risking backlash.

Meanwhile, Babe's message continued to gain traction, reshaping public perception of him as someone mature and self-reliant. It was a subtle victory, but one that marked a turning point in his relationship with Ivy.

System Notification: Rival's Attempt Undermined. Fame Points +15.

Bunny looked at Babe, its little nose twitching in satisfaction. "You handled that like a pro, Babe! No one's taking this from you~bun!"

As the day went on, Babe noticed whispers of upcoming projects from influential figures like Celeste Jiang. Industry rumors suggested that she was already scouting for fresh talent and planned to launch a high-stakes project with her family's backing. The thought of someone as powerful as Celeste eyeing him—whether as a target or an asset—set a thrill of anticipation in his mind.

Bunny floated beside him, looking both excited and cautious. "She's a big name, Babe! But whatever she has in mind, we'll be ready for it~bun!"

He knew Celeste's presence in the industry would only intensify the pressure, but it also represented new possibilities. This was his chance to test the strength he'd built, to prove himself against opponents with more power and influence than he'd faced before.

That evening, Babe received a message from Sarah, his agent, congratulating him on the response to his post. She'd seen how well his fans had taken it and encouraged him to keep leaning into his authenticity.

"You've got something rare," she wrote. "People see you as real, and that's what makes them love you. Keep holding onto that."

Babe felt a surge of gratitude, knowing that the people supporting him were in it for the long haul. And as he looked at the city lights from his window, he realized that, despite the challenges, he was finally becoming the person he'd set out to be.