From Skid Row to Superstardom: An Idol System Novel

"Why the heck is he on the evening news?" Pink Puma muttered to herself as she sat in the waiting room of the veterinarian clinic while waiting for Fat Boi and the person who had found him.

While browsing TokTik on her phone, the random news channel that was playing in the background suddenly displayed a video of the familiar person with the striking facial features and a bruised eye that was diligently picking up trash, pulling weeds, and scrubbing graffiti from walls.

It was the same person who didn't take her seriously and had tamed that large, black beast of a cat.

While the clips played on one side of the screen, the perfectly measured voice of the news correspondent sounded out.

- Celebrating our community heroes. Local Valedictorian of LA Central High School, Ariel Matisse. When he's not acing his exams or killing it on stage, he spends his off day uplifting the community.

From volunteering at a soup kitchen in Skid Row to helping to clean up the city's sidewalks and benches, to planting trees and native wildflowers to help prevent drought and wildfires, the local high schooler is not just doing well on the academic test sheets; he's also good on the streets and on stage. Currently a contestant on the highly rated and watched idol survival show Pop Star Academy, Ariel is ranked in the top 20 and is one of the most talked-about contestants due to his unique personality and beauty.

"So his name is Ariel? And he's on an idol show? Wonder how good he is."

As if to answer her question, Pink Puma watched open-mouthed as a clip of Ariel ripping off a motorcycle helmet with a familiar cheeky smile appeared before he began singing and dancing with crazy intensity, before the clip transitioning into a clip of him holding an extended high note as his white clothing slowly turned black one feather-like pattern at a time, and then transitioned into him dancing as crystal like droplets of water flew everywhere.

His voice was not only distinct, but despite the clarity, it had a slight raspiness that made you want to listen more.

"He said he's something like an aspiring singer? He's a dirty liar. He already sings and dances so well. What the heck is he aspiring to be? A superstar? And what the heck are they feeding them on that show?"

While she had heard about the show claiming to create the greatest global boy group of all time, as someone who had worked hard to build her own musical career without depending on gimmicks like shows, she never bothered to watch it or take it seriously, thinking that groups manufactured through such programs were there because the people lacked the talent to succeed individually.

But if a single person had this much talent, maybe it was something she should look at.

At the very least, if Ariel were only ranked 20 and was this talented, then the people within the top 7 must be phenomenal singers and dancers.

It wouldn't be bad to collaborate with them once the group was actually formed.

"Didn't my manager say they were looking for songs to perform without copyright? I could ask if it's too late to submit something and try to form a relationship now."

As the news segment finished, Pink Puma went back to browsing on her phone before she got a call.

Just as she was going to instinctively ignore it, she realized that it was her manager.

Preparing herself to get nagged, especially after suddenly taking the day off to find Fat Boi, Pink Puma prepared all the excuses she could. Still, the conversation ended up on a topic she didn't expect.

"Why are you cheating on Jacob? And publicly?"

"Huh??"

Cheating? Her? What was that about?

"I know you're at the vet clinic with your new boo and Martin's Cat. This is a sensitive time in your career, Pink; you shouldn't be cheating. Even if he has a pretty face, you must know that he's using you for clout."

"What are you talking about? Cheating? With who? And how do you know where I am?" Pink Puma asked in complete confusion, and she heard her manager's exasperated sigh before they answered.

"Just search your name on Twitter. Message Jacob not to be drastic. And call me back. Immediately."

Pink Puma opened the app and searched her name as instructed, only to see a video of her and Ariel walking in together with the cat.

As she scrolled, she came across other video snippets of Ariel manhandling the large black cat and smiling at her, with a couple of shipping edits already made.

Across all the numerous posts were speculations that she was cheating on her boyfriend, Jacob, a young actor, and that they were trying to figure out who Ariel was.

Furious, she glanced around the waiting room, finally noticing two girls sitting in a corner and secretly recording her even now.

How had they figured out it was her when she was disguised?

And why would they share the video and address without even speaking with her first?

Meeting their eyes, she only said one thing.

"Really? Starting rumors when I'm right here?"

"Sorry."

"Yeah, sorry."

They didn't look very sorry at all and were still recording her, so she quickly looked away and texted her boyfriend the truth of the situation.

He tended to overreact, be clingy, and behave quite sensitively when she was hanging out with someone of the opposite sex.

She didn't want him to do something drastic after she had ignored his calls earlier. Mainly because this was a complete non-issue.

All she wanted was to take the cat back once the treatment was finished peacefully.

Unfortunately, that wasn't meant to be.

******

As Ari stepped out of the vet clinic with Pink Puma while carrying the dozing Fat Boi in a cat carrier, he was met with a small crowd of people taking flashing photos that blinded him, and they shouted questions.

"Pink Puma, is this your new boyfriend?"

"Did you leave Jacob for him?"

"Pink Puma…"

"Who are you, young man?"

"How long have you been dating?"

Standing in the center of the crowd of people yelling questions was a short guy with a thin, somewhat plain face and a brown bowl that swept sideways over his forehead.

When he met Ari's eyes, he swaggered over as if he were a boxer before stopping right in front of Ari.

Then, realizing that he had to look up, he stood on his tiptoes while trying to look fierce.

Squinting through the obnoxious camera flashes, Ari glanced between Pink Puma, who was reluctantly removing her face mask and baseball cap with an embarrassed expression on her face, and the random gathering of people taking photos while repeating their earlier questions, before settling on the boy standing in front of him.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"I'm Jacob—Pink's boyfriend. Who are you?" the boy marched closer before stepping back as Ari arched a brow at him.

"Congratulations on your relationship. I'm a good Samaritan who found the missing cat. You seem to have a…thing happening, so I'm going to leave now." Ari replied as he held out the cat carrier to Pink Puma and began giving her updates.

"They treated his paw and gave him something that makes him a bit sleepy. The rest of the details are on this paperwork, and you can call them if you need clarification. This might be a bit heavy for you, so I can take it to your car if you want."

"As her man, I'll take it." Jacob interrupted, standing on his tiptoes once more.

"Okay. It's heavier than you think, so brace yourself. Maybe use both hands." Ari warned him, but it seemed that Jacob thought he was calling him weak.

"Don't patronize me. I said I got it," Jacob replied a bit angrily, grabbing the handle from Ari.

He felt as if Ari were mocking him.

Shrugging, Ari released it and watched the boy stagger and almost fall over.

"Oof ahhhh."

"I told you, it's heavier than you think. He's over 30 pounds without the carrier." Ari quickly grabbed the carrier before it hit the ground and woke the sleeping cat up.

"I said I got it!"

Seeing her boyfriend snatch the cat carrier while staggering, Ari just let him have it.

If it popped open and Fat Boi attacked him, so be it.

"Anyways, I'm done here. It was…interesting to meet you both. Pink Puma, please don't let the cat go missing again. Take care."

"No! Wait! I need to pay you back for your help! Even if I can't give you what you asked for earlier, you can ask me for another favor. I owe you." Pink Puma rushed to grab his arm again, and Ari quickly backed up, aware of the cameras and the type of story they were looking for,

"It's cool. Don't worry about it."

"What did you ask my girl for? As your man, it's my duty to do what you ask and what is asked of you."

"I asked if she knew anyone who could help me get a last-minute meeting to get my passport." Ari cleanly explained.

"Why would she know someone who could do that?"

"Dunno. I thought I would ask."

"I don't believe that's what you asked. I think you're trying to use her fame to boost your own reputation. Even now, you're angling yourself to look good for her paparazzi."

Ari: ಠ_ಠ

What kind of nonsense was this?

Before Ari could say anything, Pink Puma interrupted.

"What I asked for is for you never to call the paparazzi, but you clearly didn't listen. What I asked for is for you not to use my sharing my location with you to stalk me, yet here you are. I asked you to believe me over internet rumors, but what are you doing? I am trying to thank the person who helped me find and rescue a very important person's pet, and you're here harassing him. Have you lost it?-"

"But it's because I love you and I'm here to battle for your love."

"Screw that love! Listen to my words!"

Ari glanced between the two arguing people, the fake paparazzi now taking real videos of them, and passerby's who were actually stopping by to watch the show and made up his mind.

It was time to leave.

Immediately.

Keeping his eye on the arguing couple, Ari began backing away as quietly as possible.

Once he reached the corner, he fully intended to dash away as fast as possible, but Pink Puma's voice stopped him.

"You. Ariel. What's your number?"

As the camera's turned towards him, Ari shook his head, especially as her boyfriend's face got even redder.

"I don't have a phone. I'm pretty anti-technology these days."

"I thought you left it behind."

"It suddenly broke."

"You think I want your number?" Pink Puma glared at him while stomping her feet in irritation. "Please don't be as stupid as Jacob. I simply want to pay you back for your help. Since you found the missing cat and helped me safely get it treated, I'm sure the owner will want to send you a monetary reward."

Hearing the reasoning, Ari quickly changed his mind.

"In that case, my social media is ToNovAri. The owner can message me, and I'll eventually see it. My email is attached at the top, and I take all forms of payment. I'm leaving now for real."

"How convenient that you suddenly have a phone."

"Isn't it? Miracles do happen." Ari gave her a cheeky smile.

"Wait! Just like that? You're not trying to date my girlfriend?" As Jacob yelled out, Ari gave him a strange look.

"Dating? Absolutely not. I'm not looking to be in a relationship for at least 8-10 years, and even if I were, I wouldn't date her. No offense."

"What's wrong with her?"

"What's wrong with me?"

The two people looked thoroughly offended.

Ari glanced at the two of them in confusion,

"I'm just not interested in dating you or anyone. Does the reason matter?"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Ari: ಠ_ಠ

Why?

Aren't both of you in a loving relationship?

Who cares what I, the outsider, think?

"Do YOU want to date me?"

"Obviously not." Pink Puma quickly shot back, even though her cheeks were slightly red.

"Then there we go. Have a good night. Bye, Fat Boi. Feel better. Please tell his owner to send the monetary reward whenever he wants."

The sooner the better.

Ari reached through the bars of the carrier, scratching the cat's head one more time before beginning to run to catch the bus.

Thankfully, nobody followed him, and as he sat on the bus, he honestly thought both Pink Puma and her boyfriend were strange in different ways.

One had a strange sense of fashion that she thought blended in, the other called the paparazzi on him self and wanted to duel for love.

They were made for each other.

Either way, it would no longer have anything to do with him.

Sitting on the empty bus, Ari whispered to himself as it slowly moved through traffic.

"Oi NOVA. Didn't I accomplish the final task for the surprise mission? When am I going to get the reward?"

[It's not quite done yet.]

[But on a different note-]

[Ding!]

[Knock! Knock! Let's get you out of the dark ages into the 21st century! - Create a social media account, make your first post, and get at least 1000 likes on the post - Complete!]

[Reward - 1 Stat Point]

"Why now? Don't tell me the fake paparazzi posted something about me?"

[Hmmm.]

[I wonder.]

Ari could only stare at the notification in confusion, wondering what the heck had happened to cause it.

[Anyway.]

[Where would you like the point?]

"Vocals."

Ever since his last vocal increase from [A -> A+], Ari wanted to finally get an S stat to see what it actually felt and sounded like.

Additionally, none of the trainers or contestants had an S-class vocal skill, so it would be something that would make him stand out from the others.

[Are you sure?]

Was he sure?

Whenever he was asked that question, he usually regretted not saving the point for later.

Since he wasn't in a particular rush to boost anything, he might as well save it.

"Never mind. I'll save the point until later."

[Smart choice.]

[Who says idiots can't learn?]

Ari: ಠ_ಠ

I'm tired, so just this once, I'll pretend I didn't hear that.

With a tired body and mind, when Ari finally arrived at the dorms, he did his nightly routine and quickly fell asleep while his little corner of the Internet was blowing up.

*********

"Why did he end up on the news doing random side missions, promoting himself, getting dating accusations, and asking people to vote for him instead of getting his passport like he said he was going to do?"

PD Emily looked at the news clips and articles that had been sent to her about Ari before shutting off her tablet and going outside to smoke.

The sun hadn't even risen, she and the production staff were still filtering through the stats of the aired episode, and she already had a headache because a certain somebody lived his life like he had more than 24 hours in a day, making a certain group of people angry.

With a resigned sigh, she opened her tablet once more and began reading through the abridged versions of things.

Today was going to be a very busy day.