Echoes of Fame

Chapter 22: Ivy's True Colors

Babe could feel the pressure mounting. Every step he took seemed to be shadowed by the persistent, invisible hand of his family, Ivy's manipulations, or the subtle but growing wave of fanservice speculation.

As he scrolled through his latest social media mentions, he noticed the beginnings of doubt creeping into some comments. It was small, but there.

Fan Comment: "Is it just me, or does it seem like Babe's success is more because of connections? I mean, it's all moving a bit fast..."

Fan Post: "Babe's always with Billy. Not sure if it's genuine or just... part of the image? #JustWondering"

System Notification: Public Perception Alert. Reputation at Stake.

Bunny appeared, ears drooping in frustration. "They just don't get it, Babe! But don't worry, we'll prove them wrong~bun!"

Babe sighed, his resolve hardening. The fanservice rumors didn't bother him personally—he knew the truth—but he hated that they cast doubt on his hard work. And somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew Ivy was likely behind some of these subtle smears.

As the week continued, Babe noticed delays creeping into his latest project. The production team was growing tense, worried about budget cuts and unexpected challenges. Finally, his agent Sarah called him into her office, her expression strained.

"It looks like someone's been speaking out against you," she said, tapping her fingers on her desk. "Nothing direct, but I'm hearing rumors from Ivy's circle questioning your professionalism. It's not just the typical gossip—she's making people nervous."

Babe clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath his calm exterior. "She's really going this far?"

"Seems like it," Sarah replied, looking at him with a mixture of sympathy and frustration. "And she's pulling a few powerful people into the narrative. You're not getting pulled from the project, but they're hesitant to go all in on promotions, just in case."

Bunny floated beside him, tiny nose twitching. "This is low, even for her! She's trying to pull the rug out from under you~bun!"

Babe took a deep breath. He knew reacting out of anger would only add fuel to Ivy's narrative. "Then we'll focus on the work, not the noise. I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of a reaction."

Later that evening, Babe was scrolling through his messages when he saw a surprising text from an old friend in the industry.

"Hey, just a heads up—I heard that your ex, Gab, has been dropping hints about your relationship. He's saying things that make it seem like your success is... well, tied to his influence."

Babe's pulse quickened. The idea that Gab would stoop to spreading lies about their past infuriated him, but the tactic made sense. If he couldn't have him, Gab would try to control how others viewed him.

On top of that, a rising tide of fanservice speculation had caught fire, with more fans questioning his authenticity. It felt like every supportive gesture from Billy, every moment captured on camera, was twisted into a strategic move.

Fan Post: "Babe's interaction with Billy just seems too... perfect? Are they actually close, or is this just to boost his image?"

Fan Response: "Please, Billy doesn't need fanservice to keep his status. And Babe's been genuine from the start! #BillyBabeIsReal"

Bunny's ears perked up as it noticed the comments. "Your fans are standing up for you, Babe! Even if some people doubt, the truth will shine through~bun!"

He smiled, grateful for those who saw him as he truly was. But he couldn't deny the frustration simmering under his skin—Gab and Ivy were slowly chipping away at his reputation, and he needed to find a way to counteract it without getting dragged into their schemes.

Babe met Billy for dinner, hoping a calm conversation with someone he trusted would clear his mind. Billy, as always, listened intently, his gaze steady and reassuring.

"Ivy's been spreading rumors about my professionalism," Babe said, voice tight with frustration. "And now Gab is hinting that my success is because of him. It's like they're both determined to undermine everything I've worked for."

Billy's expression hardened. "They're trying to destabilize you, make you second-guess yourself. But remember, rumors are a short game. The truth stands longer."

Babe nodded, his resolve strengthening with Billy's words. "It's just... the fanservice stuff is starting to get under my skin. I don't want people to doubt me or think I'm using you."

Billy's mouth quirked into a small smile. "Let them think what they want. If they're focused on appearances, that says more about them than it does about us."

System Notification: Special Bond with Billy Strengthened. Motivation Boost +15.

Bunny, watching from the table's edge, nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Babe! People who really matter know you're genuine~bun!"

With Billy's steady support, Babe felt more secure. He wasn't alone, and he wouldn't let Ivy and Gab's schemes throw him off course.

Determined to push past the noise, Babe threw himself into his work. He showed up early, stayed late, and gave everything to his performances, refusing to let his focus waver. Despite the whispers and Ivy's continued interference, he knew that his dedication would prove itself louder than any rumor.

But he couldn't ignore the fatigue creeping in, the weight of having to constantly prove himself. As he looked around at the set, he caught a few wary glances from some of the crew members—people who'd likely heard Ivy's narrative and were buying into her story.

Bunny floated beside him, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "They'll see the truth, Babe. Just keep shining~bun!"

Babe's lips quirked into a small smile. He'd make sure his work spoke for itself. If they wanted to doubt him, he'd give them something undeniable to talk about.

As the day ended, Babe found himself more resolved than ever. Ivy and Gab could play their games, but he wouldn't be swayed by their underhanded tactics. His path was his own, and he'd make sure the world knew it.

The fanservice rumors, Ivy's sabotage, and Gab's toxic influence were only small bumps in his journey. With Billy, Bunny, and his fans behind him, he'd press forward, no matter what.

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

Bunny gave him an encouraging hop. "We're unstoppable, Babe! Just keep being you, and no one can tear you down~bun!"

With one last glance out at the city lights, Babe felt his determination solidify. He wasn't about to let Ivy, Gab, or the industry's whispers keep him from what he'd worked so hard to achieve.