Echoes of Fame

Chapter 25, Part 2: Love Language Laboratory

The studio lights dimmed as the host announced the next segment, "Love Language Laboratory." The crowd leaned forward with anticipation, eager to see how each couple would fare.

"Now, couples," the host explained with a grin, "this round is all about communication without words. We'll test how you connect through subtle actions and natural touch. You'll have to convey specific messages to your partner without speaking in a little game we call 'Silent Connection.' Then, we'll move on to 'Touch Timer,' where we'll see how naturally you keep contact while carrying out a few everyday tasks."

The audience buzzed, knowing that the cameras would capture both intentional and unintentional interactions, revealing which couples shared a genuine bond.

First up was Silent Connection. The couples each faced each other, tasked with conveying pre-assigned messages using only expressions and gestures.

Babe and Billy's Turn

Babe and Billy locked eyes as the first prompt, "I'm proud of you," appeared on the monitor for Babe to express. He let out a small breath and then looked at Billy, his eyes warm. Gently, he placed a hand on his heart and then pointed at Billy, his gaze soft with admiration.

Billy's expression softened as he took in the gesture, a small, rare smile crossing his lips. He nodded, understanding perfectly.

The host, catching the exchange, laughed lightly. "Looks like someone didn't need words for that one. A perfect score for Babe and Billy!"

Bunny bounced around on Babe's shoulder, thrilled. "That was perfect, Babe! You've got this~bun!"

Next, Ivy and Gab stepped up, tasked with expressing "I need you." Ivy attempted to convey the message by touching Gab's arm and looking intently into his eyes, but her forced smile and overly dramatic expression seemed out of place. Gab gave a small, uncertain nod, his hesitation noticeable even to the audience.

A few people in the crowd murmured, picking up on the strained exchange, and Ivy's smile faltered ever so slightly.

System Notification: Audience Reaction: Suspicion Raised. Reputation Points for Ivy and Gab Decreased.

The host continued, "Silent Connection has its challenges, as you can see. Let's see how our couples handle the next part, 'Touch Timer.'"

The Touch Timer round began, where each couple was asked to maintain contact while performing simple tasks like passing items to each other and organizing a small space.

Babe and Billy's Natural Ease

As the timer began, Babe instinctively reached for Billy's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as they started working together. Whether passing a bottle of water or rearranging items on a shelf, they maintained casual touches without seeming forced. A few times, Babe caught himself smiling at Billy's focus, and Billy's small, grounding gestures seemed to relax him.

The hidden cameras captured moments when they thought they weren't being directly observed, showcasing how their touches were unselfconscious and unpracticed.

The audience reacted positively, sensing an undeniable ease between them.

Ivy and Gab, on the other hand, struggled to keep up the same act when they thought no one was watching. They held hands initially, but Gab's hand slipped away more than once when Ivy wasn't paying attention. In moments where they believed they were off-camera, Gab appeared distracted, and Ivy shot him frustrated glances.

As the host watched the footage, she gave a subtle nod, signaling to the audience that the hidden camera moments were revealing more than the couples realized.

Audience Comment: "Wow, Babe and Billy seem so natural! Ivy and Gab... not so much."

System Notification: Audience Sympathy for Babe and Billy Boosted. Points Increased by +15.

Bunny did a little victory hop. "They can't fake what you two have, Babe! You're winning them over~bun!"

As the segment wrapped up, Ivy's smile had grown noticeably tight, and her frustration was palpable. She exchanged a glance with Gab, muttering something under her breath. It was clear that the natural chemistry between Babe and Billy was throwing her off, and her subtle irritation wasn't lost on the viewers.

Just as the couples were leaving the stage for a brief intermission, Ivy leaned over to Babe, a falsely sweet smile plastered on her face.

"You're putting on quite the show, aren't you?" she whispered, her tone laced with barely hidden bitterness.

Babe raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Maybe it's just easier when you're not pretending, Ivy."

Her eyes narrowed, and she shot him a glare before walking away, clearly rattled. Babe couldn't help but feel a small surge of satisfaction—seeing Ivy's composure slip was proof enough that their facade was starting to crack.

As he rejoined Billy backstage, Babe felt a newfound confidence. Their performance had been natural, effortless even, and the audience had seen that. He glanced over at Billy, who gave him an approving nod.

"You did well," Billy said quietly, the warmth in his voice grounding Babe.

Babe smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude. "We both did."

The host's voice echoed through the studio, announcing the next round after a short break. Babe knew the toughest challenges were still ahead, but with Billy by his side, he felt ready for whatever Ivy and Gab threw his way.