Echoes of Fame

Chapter 29: Fanservice Resolution and Reflective Conclusion

The weeks following the public reveal of Babe and Billy's relationship were a whirlwind of media coverage, fan reactions, and speculation. While most fans celebrated their connection, a few voices persisted with whispers of "fanservice" and staged romance—an assumption that, despite their sincerity, clung to them like a shadow.

Babe knew this would be the final piece of his journey. After facing so much, he wanted to end the speculation in his own way: openly, honestly, and with Billy by his side.

Scene 1: The Interview

Babe and Billy agreed to a live interview with a reputable talk show host known for honest, thoughtful conversations. As they sat side by side under the studio lights, Babe noticed how Billy's hand rested naturally near his—not an orchestrated gesture for cameras, but a habit formed from genuine comfort.

The host, Min-ah, a sharp but kind woman with a reputation for asking hard questions, smiled as she turned to them. "So, Babe, Billy—let's address what everyone's been discussing. The industry has seen its share of... promotional relationships. Some claim your interactions are just well-executed fan service. There was even a viral clip comparing your moments to other BL couples who later admitted to staging their chemistry. How do you respond to these comparisons?"

Babe met Billy's gaze before turning back to Min-ah, his fingers unconsciously fidgeting with his sleeve—a nervous tick Billy had often teased him about. "I understand the skepticism," he started, his tone gentle but firm. "Our industry has a... complex relationship with fan service. I've seen couples who seemed perfect on camera, only to reveal it was all staged. It hurt their fans, and it hurt the trust people have in genuine connections."

Billy shifted slightly, his presence commanding even in stillness. "Fan service," he said, the words carrying a hint of disdain, "is a marketing strategy. I run multiple successful businesses. If I wanted publicity, I have better ways to get it than pretending to be in love."

The directness of Billy's statement drew surprised murmurs from the audience.

"Then how do you explain the moments fans capture?" Min-ah pressed, displaying a compilation of their candid interactions on the studio screen. "The industry expectations—"

"Industry expectations," Babe interrupted softly, surprising even himself with his firmness, "shouldn't dictate how we express our feelings. Yes, I've done fan service before. Most actors have. But there's a difference between playing to cameras and living your truth." He glanced at Billy, a small, private smile forming. "When you're actually in love, you don't need to calculate every touch or plan every look. It just happens."

Billy's hand moved then, covering Babe's in a gesture so natural it couldn't have been choreographed. "The irony," he added, his voice carrying that subtle authority that had first drawn Babe to him, "is that real moments often look less perfect than staged ones. We mess up, we have awkward moments, we forget cameras exist. That's the difference between performance and reality."

The host nodded, visibly impressed by their candor. "And for those who might still have doubts?"

Babe took a deep breath, speaking directly to the viewers. "I've always believed in being honest with my fans. They deserve that respect. So here's the truth: what Billy and I have isn't a fanservice strategy or a publicity stunt. It's just us. Sometimes messy, sometimes perfect, but always real. And while I respect the role of fan service in our industry, I won't let anyone reduce our relationship to that."

The studio fell silent for a moment before erupting in supportive applause, the authenticity in his words resonating with the audience.

Billy's thumb brushed against Babe's hand—not for the cameras, not for the fans, but because it was what felt right in that moment. And somehow, that small, genuine gesture said more than any staged interaction ever could.

System Notification: Public Trust Restored. Reputation Solidified.

Bunny appeared briefly, bouncing with pride. "Look at you, Babe! You're shining your own light~bun!"

After the interview, Babe and Billy retreated to a quiet spot in the city, a rooftop garden overlooking the sparkling skyline. They sat together, the city lights casting a warm glow over them.

Babe leaned back, feeling a rare sense of peace. "It's strange to think how much has happened. There were times I thought I'd never get to this point."

Billy nodded, his gaze steady and reassuring. "You did this. You fought through everything—your family, Ivy, Gab—and came out stronger."

Babe smiled, resting his head against Billy's shoulder. "And I finally feel like I'm free. Free to live, to be who I am, without anyone's expectations weighing me down."

Billy's hand rested on Babe's, a silent affirmation of the bond they shared. "That freedom is yours now, and no one can take it away."

As they sat in comfortable silence, Babe's phone buzzed with notifications—messages from fans, friends, and supporters congratulating him on the interview and expressing their joy at seeing him so happy.

One message caught his eye:

Fan Comment: "I've been a fan since the beginning, and seeing Babe reach this point makes me so proud. He's shown us all how to be true to ourselves."

Babe felt his heart swell with gratitude. Everything he'd gone through—the betrayals, the heartbreak, the struggles—had brought him to this moment. He was living on his own terms, with people who valued him for who he truly was.

Turning to Billy, he smiled, a quiet determination in his eyes. "Whatever comes next, I know we'll face it together."

Billy's gaze softened, and he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Babe's forehead. "Always."

As they looked out over the city, Babe knew that his journey was just beginning. With Billy by his side and a renewed sense of purpose, he was ready to embrace the future—whatever it held—with open arms.