Echoes of Fame

Chapter 21: The Public Threat

The headlines the next morning were relentless.

"Rising Star or Family Outcast? The Tanatat Family's Painful Truth."

Babe scanned the article, jaw clenched as he read his parents' carefully crafted victim narrative. They painted him as the rebellious son who abandoned his family for fame, claiming he no longer cared about his roots now that he was in the spotlight. The picture they painted was one of disappointment, of sacrifice, and of unreciprocated love.

Excerpt from the Article: "All we've ever wanted was the best for Babe," his mother shared tearfully. "But fame changes people. We just hope he remembers where he came from."

System Notification: Reputation Threat Detected. Confidence Check Initiated.

Bunny appeared beside him, nose twitching in anger. "They're twisting everything, Babe! How can they say that when they're the ones trying to control you~bun!"

Babe took a steadying breath, knowing that lashing out would only make things worse. "They're desperate. And when people are desperate, they'll say anything."

But he knew he couldn't just ignore it; the story was spreading, and while his true fans were supportive, the public's perception was harder to sway.

That afternoon, he met with Billy to talk through the situation. Billy's presence was a balm to the tension simmering inside him, his calm demeanor giving Babe the reassurance he needed.

"They're trying to paint a sympathetic picture," Billy observed, his voice measured. "It's a classic move—control the narrative and let public sympathy do the work for them."

Babe sighed. "It's working too well. People are already questioning if I've changed because of fame."

Billy's gaze was steady. "The people who matter know the truth. The rest—well, they'll see what they want to see until they're shown otherwise."

Babe nodded, feeling the weight of the situation lift slightly. "Thanks, Billy. You always know how to keep me grounded."

Billy's mouth quirked in a small smile. "That's because I know you haven't changed. Don't let their words shake you."

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

With Billy's support, Babe felt ready to face the public eye. He couldn't let his family's narrative define him; he had to prove that his path was his own.

As the day went on, Babe noticed a swell of support from his fans. Many were quick to question the validity of his parents' claims, recognizing the manipulative undertones. Hashtags like #StandWithBabe and #IndependentBabe began trending, with fans rallying around him in defense.

Fan Comment: "Something about this doesn't feel right. Babe's worked so hard, and his family suddenly plays the victim?"

Fan Tweet: "Fame didn't change Babe. Maybe his family just can't handle that he's succeeding on his own terms. #StandWithBabe"

Bunny floated beside him, practically glowing. "Look at that, Babe! Your fans see through the lies~bun!"

Babe smiled, his confidence growing. His fans' support was more powerful than any public statement he could make, and their loyalty meant everything to him.

But as soon as he started feeling hopeful, Ivy's influence began to creep into the narrative. Her subtle hints in interviews and social media posts cast shadows over his success, making it seem as though his achievements were due to family support and not his own hard work.

Ivy's Post: "Fame comes at a cost, but family should always be worth it. I'll be here when he remembers."

Babe couldn't ignore the bitterness in her words. Ivy was taking advantage of their family's claims, playing up her role as the "supportive sister" while implying he'd forgotten those closest to him.

System Notification: Rival's Manipulation Detected. Reputation Defense Boosted.

Bunny gave a frustrated huff. "She's playing dirty, Babe! But you're stronger than her tricks~bun!"

Babe straightened, his jaw set. He wouldn't fall into Ivy's trap. Let her twist the story however she wanted—he had his own voice, and he'd use it in his own way.

Determined to set the record straight, Babe scheduled an interview with a respected entertainment journalist, someone known for fair reporting and genuine interest in the industry. When the day arrived, he walked in with his head held high, ready to tell his side of the story.

Interviewer: "There's been a lot of public interest in your family lately. How do you feel about everything that's been said?"

Babe kept his voice steady, but firm. "I come from a family with high expectations, and that's something I've had to live with. But I've chosen my path, and I'm grateful to the people who support me. Fame didn't change who I am—it's simply given me the chance to be myself more openly."

The interviewer nodded, impressed by his poise. "You've spoken about independence in the past. Is this your way of confirming that you've built your success on your own?"

Babe didn't hesitate. "Everything I've achieved has been through my own hard work. I love my family, but my career is something I've built myself. I hope people can respect that."

The interview went viral, with fans and supporters applauding Babe's honesty. His words resonated, cutting through the manipulations and showing the world the real person behind the fame.

System Notification: Public Perception Boosted. Fame Points +20.

Bunny gave a satisfied hop. "You did it, Babe! The truth always shines through~bun!"

Babe smiled, feeling lighter. His voice was out there, his truth undeniable, and his fans only grew more loyal.

Later that evening, Billy sent him a simple message: "Proud of you."

The words made Babe's heart swell. He'd faced down his family, Ivy's schemes, and public doubt, and still, Billy was by his side. With each challenge, their connection grew deeper, a bond that went beyond fame or appearances.

Feeling bold, Babe typed back: "Thank you, Mumu."

He waited, half-expecting Billy to question the nickname, but instead, his phone buzzed with Billy's response: "Tofu, you did well."

Bunny squealed with excitement, bouncing around in a circle. "He called you Tofu! That's so cute, Babe~bun!"

Babe laughed, warmth flooding his chest. It was a small moment, but it was theirs, a reminder that he was loved for who he was, beyond the public eye and industry drama.

As the night settled in, Babe looked out at the city lights, feeling a rare sense of peace. He'd confronted his family's twisted narrative, Ivy's manipulations, and the relentless pressure of fame—and he'd emerged stronger, surrounded by those who believed in him.

System Notification: Daily Goals Complete! Rewards: +20 Fame Points, "Unbreakable Will" Effect Unlocked.

Bunny floated beside him, beaming. "We're just getting started, Babe! No one can stop you now~bun!"

With a quiet smile, Babe prepared himself for the journey ahead. The road would be long, but he was ready. He was finally standing on his own, and no amount of family drama could take that away.