Echoes of Fame

Chapter 25, Part 3: Memory Maze

The lights dimmed, and the host stepped forward with an excited smile. "Welcome back, everyone, to Love or Lie! Now, it's time for a segment that really puts our couples' knowledge of each other to the test. This is... the Memory Maze!"

The crowd cheered as the host explained the rules. "Each couple will face three levels of questions. Level 1 covers basic facts about each other; Level 2 focuses on important relationship milestones; and Level 3 delves into more detailed, shared experiences. And remember, other couples can challenge an answer if they think it's inaccurate, risking points if they're wrong but stealing points if they're right!"

Babe stole a glance at Billy, who gave him a small nod. The steady reassurance in Billy's eyes settled his nerves. Meanwhile, Ivy and Gab exchanged quick, conspiratorial smiles, clearly eager to pounce on any slip-ups.

The first round began with easy questions.

"Billy, what's Babe's favorite color?" the host asked.

"Dark Blue, Black, White" Billy replied smoothly.

"Correct!" the host confirmed with a smile as the audience applauded.

When it was Ivy's turn, she answered without hesitation. "Gab's favorite food? Easy—spaghetti carbonara."

They scored a point, but Gab's nervous smile suggested he wasn't as certain about Ivy's answers for him.

System Notification: Reputation Boost: Initial Success. Audience Engagement Increasing.

Bunny hopped beside Babe, its eyes sparkling. "You've got this, Babe! These basic questions are just warm-ups~bun!"

The crowd leaned in as the questions gradually became more specific, moving into Level 2.

As they entered the second level, the questions grew more personal.

"Babe, what was the date you first met?" the host asked, a sly smile on her face as if daring him to falter.

Babe's mind flashed back to that night and answered confidently, "It was February, after Valentines Day."

Billy nodded in agreement, and the audience cheered, impressed by his quick recall.

When Ivy and Gab faced a similar question, their answer was less convincing. Gab stammered slightly before giving a date that Ivy hastily confirmed. A few couples onstage exchanged skeptical looks.

Audience Comment: "Ivy and Gab seem off. Did they even agree on their own story?"

System Notification: Audience Perception Shift: Suspicion toward Ivy and Gab Increasing.

The questions ramped up in difficulty as they entered Level 3, and the tension in the room became palpable. Each couple's knowledge of each other was being tested in finer detail, and Ivy's eyes gleamed, watching for any misstep.

"Billy, describe a specific moment that made you realize Babe was someone special to you," the host prompted.

Billy looked thoughtful, his gaze fixed on Babe. "It was the moment we first met. I remember seeing this boy with blond hair step into the room, and it was like there was a halo around him, something that just... brightened the whole space. He didn't even know it, but he had this way of drawing everyone's attention without trying. That's when I knew he was someone different."

The audience let out a soft murmur of admiration, and the host gave a warm smile. "That's a beautiful answer, Billy."

Ivy's hand shot up with a challenge card, her face feigning confusion. "Sorry, but isn't that different from what Babe said in the first segment about his 'slump'? How was he even at a charity event if he was struggling?"

Babe felt a flash of irritation at her feigned innocence but kept his expression neutral. "Everyone has ups and downs, Ivy. Just because someone's going through something doesn't mean they stop showing up."

The audience seemed to catch the passive-aggressive tone in Ivy's challenge and murmured in disapproval, clearly sensing her attempt to undermine him. The host moved on without awarding Ivy's team any points for the challenge, a subtle but clear sign that her interruption had backfired.

System Notification: Audience Sympathy Boosted. Challenge Failed.

Bunny whispered encouragingly, "You're showing them what's real, Babe! They can't twist the truth~bun!"

When it came to Ivy and Gab's turn, their question was similar: "Gab, describe a specific experience where you felt close to Ivy."

Gab blinked, clearly unprepared for the depth of the question. He fumbled for words, offering a vague answer about a shared vacation, but Ivy's expression faltered as he spoke, realizing he hadn't remembered the story the same way she did.

The host raised an eyebrow. "Not quite the heartwarming tale we were expecting, but let's move on."

Ivy's face turned red as the audience chuckled, catching on to the tension between them. Meanwhile, Gab's forced smile suggested he felt the pressure of Ivy's simmering anger beside him.

Audience Comment: "Ivy and Gab seem... strained. Definitely not as natural as Babe and Billy!"

System Notification: Public Perception Updated. Support for Babe and Billy Increasing.

As the Memory Maze concluded, it was clear that the audience had picked up on the contrasts between the couples. Babe and Billy's answers may not have been perfectly rehearsed, but the honesty behind their responses won the audience's sympathy. Ivy and Gab's tense exchanges, on the other hand, left a growing sense of doubt about their authenticity.

Babe exchanged a relieved look with Billy as they stepped offstage for a break. "Ivy really thought she could catch us off guard with that challenge."

Billy gave a slight nod, his expression as composed as ever. "She's not used to people who don't play her game."

The host's voice echoed through the studio. "Stay tuned for the next segment, everyone! Our couples are just warming up!"

As they prepared for the next challenge, Babe felt a renewed sense of determination. He was there to be himself, no matter how many obstacles Ivy and Gab tried to throw in his path.