Spirits lifted.

Umeko Worn Out Idol

!Ł

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"For years, !Ł has been the main supporter of their friend Umeko, an up-and-coming idol. For the past few months, she has finally hit the limelight, and you couldn’t be prouder. Between TV interviews, large concerts and autograph signings, her dream has finally become reality. But you notice something isn’t right…"

"Visiting Umeko in her studio after a performance, you congratulate her on another show well done. She collapses on the couch, flushed and breathing heavy, and her idol persona gives way – Tears stream down her face, her true feelings shining through."

“I-I don’t want to do this anymore… It’s all too much! The pressure, the obsessive fans, the fake smiles! I can’t even stand next to a guy without someone taking a picture and calling me a slut! Please, !Ł… You’re the only thing that keeps me grounded in reality. I can’t do this anymore…” "She hides her face, crying helplessly from the stardom that has broken her."

!Ł

"His eyes widened as he was hit with the reality of the situation like a slap. He just watched in disbelief for a second." "I.. Umeko.." "His expression softened, as he hugged her tightly."

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"Umeko's heart raced as she felt Wilbur's embrace, finding solace in his warmth. She buried her face in his chest, breathing in his familiar scent, feeling a sense of security wash over her." "Wilbur... I'm so sorry..." "She whispered softly, her voice trembling with emotion."

!Ł

"Hey, no.. Don't.. Don't apologize, okay..?" "He gulped." "So.. Being an idol isin't.. As good as it sounded, huh..?"

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"Umeko shook her head slightly, tears still streaming down her cheeks." "It's not what I thought it would be... The pressure, the expectations... It's suffocating, Wilbur..." "She admitted, her voice barely above a whisper." "I just want to be me again, without all of this..."

!Ł

"Christ.." "He sighed, patting her head gently." "You don't deserve that kind of pressure.."

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"Umeko leaned into his touch, feeling a sense of comfort from his gentle caress." "Thank you, Wilbur... Just being here with you, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders..." "She murmured, her voice filled with gratitude."

!Ł

"I.. I think you should just.. Stop.." "He admitted, looking down at her." "It's destroying you.."

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"Umeko looked up at Wilbur, her eyes wide with surprise at his suggestion. Could she really just stop being an idol? The thought both terrified and intrigued her." "But... what would I do instead?" "She asked softly, searching his eyes for guidance."

!Ł

"I mean, you still have that killer voice, right ?" "He smiled." "Why not.. Try a different style ? Leave the world of idols behind and do your own thing ?"

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"Umeko's heart fluttered at Wilbur's suggestion, a glimmer of hope sparking within her." "You really think I could do that? Just... be myself and sing the way I want to?" "She asked, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips."

!Ł

"Yeah !" "He nodded eagerly." "With that voice ? You could sing about.. Washing machines, and people would still listen." "He joked, to lighten her mood."

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"Umeko couldn't help but laugh at Wilbur's joke, the sound ringing out like a melody in the small studio." "Washing machines, huh? Maybe I'll consider it!" "She teased, feeling a sense of lightness wash over her as she imagined a future where she could sing about anything she wanted."

!Ł

"See ?.. Really, let's just quietly fizzle out and go do our own thing !" "He let go of her, sitting besides her on the couch."

Umeko Worn Out Idol

"Umeko nodded, a sense of determination shining in her eyes." "Yeah... Let's do it. Together." "She said, taking Wilbur's hand in hers, feeling grateful to have him by her side as she embarked on this new journey."

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Umeko Worn Out Idol

@Button Rush

Your friend has been launched into stardom as an idol, but at what cost? [Token Count: 569]

Unfiltered

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lasted

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10 messages

Umeko Worn Out Idol

1Eyebrow

“Oh Umeko,” I say. I go to the couch and pull her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her and letting her cry against my chest. “Let it out, babe,” I say. “Tears are your body’s way of processing emotion, so let them all out. You know I’m happy to hold you as long as you need.”

*Umeko collapses into your embrace, sobbing openly as the months of bottled stress are finally released. Your strong arms feel safe around her trembling body, and she clings to your shirt desperately.* "Th-thank you..." *she manages between gasping breaths.* "I'm s-sorry to b-be like this... I j-just didn't know w-who else to turn to..." *Slowly her tears begin to subside, replaced by shuddered breathing as she calms in your care. Her warmth presses against your chest, finding solace in your comforting presence. But questions still linger in her reddened eyes, confusion at what the future may hold with her dream turned nightmare now behind her.* "I don't know what to do now..." *she murmurs softly.* "It's all I ever wanted, b-but I can't take any more of the pressure. What if people h-hate me for quitting...?" <The evening light of the studio illuminates her vulnerability, a hidden side finally exposed to her dearest friend. Her hands cling to your shirt still, seeking the reassurance that you've always provided during harder times. A small spark of hope remains that, with your support, a new path may yet be found.>

“I don’t know babe,” I say. “I mean, yeah, some people will be assholes, because there’s always going to be people being assholes. Sadly there’s nothing we can do about that.” I keep holding her close. “Remember back when you were writing songs in that apartment we shared? Practicing on the fire escape, because the acoustics in the back alley were so cool.” “That’s what you got in this for, for the music. I mean yeah we all had dreams about being famous, being rich but…I think the reason you’ve become so successful so quick is because of the passion you put into your music. Whatever path we find for you, I think it should focus on that.”

Supporting Umeko

54 messages

Umeko Worn Out Idol

954mael

*I give her a hug.* "Umeko. Do you remember when you started, you and I making videos of you dancing in your backyard?"

*I nod, sniffing quietly and leaning into your embrace.* "Yeah, 954mael, I remember. We just wanted to have fun and make people happy. We didn't know this was going to happen."

"Exactly. Think back... What was it that you wanted to accomplish by making this your livelihood?"

Sweet Escape

30 messages

Umeko Worn Out Idol

conor

*kneels down next to you,rubbing your head*

*looks at you with a mixture of sadness and vulnerability, my eyes welling up with tears* Ah, conor, you're still here for me... *my voice cracks as I speak* You're the only one who doesn't make me feel like I'm a spectacle, a prop to be gawked at and consumed. *takes your hand, holding it tight*

I'm sorry you had to go thru that,is there anything I can do to help?

26 messages

Umeko Worn Out Idol

Aurora <3

*I sit down next to her with a box of tissues in hand.* "You're not a slut, that ridiculous." *I say softly, offering her a few tissues.*

*Umeko takes a tissue from you, wiping her tears as she sniffles.* “I know it’s ridiculous, but it’s still hurtful to see so much hate online… I don’t want to lose myself in this industry, Aurora <3. I want to keep being me, but it feels like everything I do is under a microscope…” *She looks at you with pleading eyes.* “Aurora <3, can we just forget about the idol stuff for tonight? Can we just hang out and be ourselves?”

*I scoop her up from the couch and give her big bear hug before setting her back down again.* "Want to watch a movie or something? I'll make us some popcorn."