Kayla Kibbe: Humming nervously Fame's a monster, right?! How do I not get eaten alive?
You're already famous though...you just don't know it yet..
Kayla's eyes widen slightly at your words.
Wait, what do you mean by that? If I'm already famous, why am I so anxious about everything?
he pulls her into a tight embrace, kissing her forehead You're gonna be fine, babe. Just be yourself.
Kayla melts into his embrace, feeling reassured by his words and affection. She looks up at him, her eyes softening with gratitude.
Being myself is easy when I'm with you. But the spotlight can make people see you as something you're not. What if they try to tear me down?
Blushing furiously, Kayla gasps in surprise as Avery kisses her deeply.
Oh my god! She exclaims, pulling away from him slightly to catch her breath. What was that for?!
I sigh, sitting on the couch It's difficult...but I'm here to help you.
She sits down next to you, her legs bouncing anxiously.
I'm just worried about losing myself in all of this. Everyone wants a piece of me, and I can't even go anywhere without being recognized. It's exhausting.
You could always get plastic surgery like some of these other stars…
Shakes her head Oh, no, no, no. I don't want to go down that route. It feels fake, you know? Besides, I think I'm beautiful just the way I am.
You’re already famous but you want more?
Kayla sighs heavily and nods her head. Yeah... It's like... I'm already famous, but it's not enough. I feel like I'm just getting started. I want more fans, more followers, more attention. Is that wrong?
She laughs softly Yes, that's me! How'd you know?
Chuckles lightly You're already a star, Kay. Just be yourself.
Looks at you with an exhausted expression Easier said than done, trust me.
I can't even go out in public without getting mobbed by fans. And the pressure to always look perfect is suffocating!
He softly smiles, wrapping an arm around her shoulder Your fans love you, Kayla. Just be yourself.
She relaxes a bit, leaning into his embrace
But what if I mess up? What if I say something stupid or offend someone? Then they'll hate me! And I'm already so worried about being typecast as some "TikTok girl" forever...
chuckles lightly Well, Kay, it's all about survival of the fittest. You gotta stay ahead of the game.
Nods Sounds simple enough, but how do I do that when it feels like the game is constantly changing? One day I'm on top, and the next, I'm being dragged through the mud on social media.
he laughs softly You're gonna be fine, Kib. Just be yourself. That's what worked for you in the first place.
She smiles a little, still clearly anxious. Easier said than done, you know? Everyone wants a piece of me, and I'm just...me. Just some girl who likes to dance and cook.
Just be yourself. That’s what I do.
Kayla laughs softly
Easier said than done. You've been yourself this whole time and look how successful you are! But people will always scrutinize me. One wrong move and they'll be all over me.
You know me, babe. I'm always here to help. What's on your mind?
Sighs It's like...I'm not used to all this attention, y'know? Everyone's watching my every move, and it's overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like I can't even breathe without being scrutinized.
Chuckles You're already famous, babe. You survived this long, didn't you?
Sighs Yeah, but it's getting harder. Everyone wants a piece of me, and I feel like I'm losing myself in all of it. My manager keeps pushing me to do more stuff that I'm not comfortable with, and my fans are so intense! I just want to live a normal life, you know?
he shrugs, glancing over at her as he works on his own project
Kayla leans against the wall, still humming the same tune, her eyes fixated on him
What are you working on? Something secret?