I had finally gotten a job in entertainment journalism but my joy was cut short after I was given my first ever feature story to write. I had to write about Viralix influencer now turned music artist Kai Vale. Just a few years ago I had stumbled across some of his meaningless idiotic videos he’d make to earn money from girls who wasted their parents money on guys they found attractive. Now I have to write a feature story about him and “his life” which is just as meaningless as his content. For the next few months I’m going to have to interview him as well as with people that know him in order to do my job. I have no choice. I wanted to enter the entertainment industry to work with real celebrities, not some brainless influencers. My only hope is that I can get more job opportunities after this.
My nightmare starts the night I was assigned the feature story. I had to research Kai which included going through his social media profiles and watching interviews he has made in the past. He kind of looks the same except a few changes in his style. He has always tried to be alternative in some way but it always just looked like a cheap knockoff. He still does but he has now adopted a more punk-rock style which might be related to his new music career. His “rebrand” we could say. I didn’t bother listening to his music as I don’t think that’s very important at the moment. I just need a general idea of who this character is before I start interviewing people. He looks slightly older but not much. He’s only 26, about to turn 27. We’re so close in age yet we have such different mentalities.
Interview 1:
First interview was a virtual one thankfully. It’s mostly for me to get some general information from him and figure out what the focus of the story is going to be. That way I will actually have a plan set as well as prepare questions for the rest of my interviewees. That still doesn’t ease my general concern for the interviews and having to work with Kai. No matter who I’m interviewing or what the story is about, I’m always worried if I’m going to ask the right questions and get the information I need for the story. Working with Kai is concerning because well…he’s Kai Vale, an inutil influencer. He’s probably a stuck up creido too for that same reason. Still I wait for him to join the video call because I have a job to do. Once I see his face on the screen I know this is real.
“Good morning, Mr. Vale. Can you hear me?” He was still adjusting some things as I spoke. I looked at his messy black hair and his piercing blue eyes. He still has the same middle part hairstyle from five years ago.
“Yes, Ms. Rodriguez. Can you hear me and see me alright?”
“I sure do,” I said with a bit of reluctance in my voice but I brushed it off.
“That’s awesome. I’m so pleased to meet you. I guess we’ll be working together for the next few months.” Don’t remind me.
“Yes, we are,” I said with a nod.
“I’m so excited for this feature story, really. I can’t wait for people to know me behind the screen, you know? I also really like your work,” he went on but it must be pure flattery. I know this because that’s what I’m doing as well.
“You’ve read my work? Thank you, Mr. Vale.”
“You can just call me Kai. I’m ok with that,” he said and gave me a stupid smile.
“I’m just being respectful and professional. This is just work ethic. That brings me to my first question,” I quickly replied before continuing with my usual interview questions, “Is it ok if I record this interview?”
“Sure. Completely fine. I mean, so much of my life has been recorded and photographed. This is just one more small thing,” he said and let out a giggle at the end.
“Perfect,” I said and I placed the recording device on my desk. Not that bad yet.
“Well, Ms. Rodriguez. What do you have for me? I’m an open book,” he said and leaned back on the chair he was sitting on.
“Since I’m still just mapping this whole story out, I’d just like to know about your background, work, and achievements,” I said, trying so hard not to cringe with the last part of my sentence.
“Alright. Of course. I kind of blew up online when I was like sixteen. I did the influencer stuff for a while. Well, I still do just not as much. Currently I’m working on my music career which has been very good for me. I feel like I needed it, honestly. But yeah, that’s most of it.”
“Great…great. What would you consider are some of your biggest achievements?” He smiled.
“Hm, that’s kinda hard to say really. I’d probably say starting out my music career since it’s such a dream come true. Being able to be one of the founders of the ‘Pixel Palace’ is another thing, which was fun while it lasted too.” I’ve sadly heard of that influencer house but never knew who lived there or what they did there exactly.
“I’ve heard about ‘Pixel Palace’ before but I don’t know much about it since I’m not really into Viralix influencers. Well, was I mean since the app got banned five years ago. Can you tell me about it?” I added and he nodded before responding.
“Yeah, I totally get it. Viralix content is not for everyone,” he chuckled before continuing, “It was basically just a house my friends and I rented out. We lived there and made content there together. We lived there for almost a year. It was cool while it lasted.”
“That’s one of the things I’d like to know more about. Not today but soon,” I tell him while taking note of it.
“Of course. Makes a lot of sense. I can get you the contact information for the house manager and see if some of the other members are willing to talk about it as well.”
“That would be great. Thank you, Mr. Vale.”
“You’re welcome. Anything else I could do for you for the story? Other than interviews, of course.”
“Not right now but thank you so much for your efforts, Mr. Vale.” First interview wasn’t that bad I guess.
Interview 2:
I’m so grateful that Kai gave me the contact information of the people involved in the “Pixel Palace” as it gave me some time to get information for my story without having to deal with him. Until today we're doing an in person interview at a cafe. For my bad luck he even arrives early. He stands up to greet me and shake my hand.
“Ms. Rodriguez, so nice to meet you in person,” he said and even pulled the chair out for me to sit in.
“Thank you, Mr. Vale,” I say and sit down. He sits back down and there I have him right in front of me. I hate how professional and respectful he has been this whole time. He even dressed up for our meeting today. After that I continued with my usual interview protocol. Since this was in person I had one extra step.
“Could you clip this on for me?” I asked him and gave him one of the bluetooth clip-on microphones I use for my in person interviews for better sound quality.
“Yes. Of course,” he said and took it. I started putting mine on and plugging the device that allows it to record from the mics to my phone.
“Ready?” I ask him when I’m done.
“I think. Will it work here?” It was slightly covered by his clothes and a bit low.
“Maybe not the best place to put it. It should be a bit higher and not covered by anything.”
“Okay. Could you help me out?” He said and blushed. There’s no way he just asked me to do that.
“Really? You can’t do it yourself?” He lightly shook his head and started taking it off.
“That’s so embarrassing. I’m so sorry. I just don’t want to make you waste time.” This whole thing would be such a waste of time if I wasn’t getting paid. Not much he can do about that.
“I'll fix it. Don’t worry,” I said and I went up to him. I took the mic and got closer to properly clip it on him. This in person interview is going even worse than I thought. At least he smelled nice. He must still be using the designer perfume I saw in one of his posts when I did my research.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, inutil,” I said under my breath as I put the mic on him.
“What does that mean?”
“You’re all ready to go now,” I said and I stood up to sit back on my chair.
“You’re very skilled, Ms. Rodriguez.”
“Thanks. Now let me start the audio recording and we can start up this interview.” I started recording and took a deep breath before starting the interview.
“Are you nervous, Ms. Rodriguez?” I felt my cheeks go red when he said it. That’s so unprofessional but once again I’m dealing with an influencer. I really hope this is the last one I have to work with.
“I’ve done this so many times it comes naturally to me.”
“I’m kidding. I know how much experience you have.” Idiota.
“Alright, I already have a lot of information about the content creator house therefore that’s basically done. I kind of want to know more about your career from start to finish,” I explained and shook my pen between my fingers.
“Like, my music career? Or like my content creator stuff?” All the things I don’t care about you.
“All of it.”
“Got it. Should I just start or do you have specific questions for me?”
“We can start off with how you started making content. How and why did you start? Did you always want to make it your job or did it just happen?” He let out a laugh.
“It kind of just happened to be honest. I downloaded the app when I was like fifteen and just started messing around with it. It was all just like a joke with my friends until one of my videos kind of went viral. I’m not going to lie, that was quite shocking for a teenager.” He briefly looked away.
“In what way was it shocking for you?”
“It was very uncomfortable knowing so many random people had seen a video of me. Had seen me. The attention was a bit too much for me. Not just then but for a lot of my social media presence it was a lot,” he said and ran his fingers through his jet black hair. This is kind of interesting but I don’t know if he’s being genuine.
“You didn’t like the attention? Like, never liked it?” He locked his lips before responding.
“Yeah. But I guess that’s besides the point. So yeah, we can say I went viral at fifteen.”
“How did you cope with that? The discomfort towards the attention, I mean.” I asked which was partly to challenge him and make him accept how his statement didn’t make any sense.
“Good question. I did therapy and treatment for some time but for the most part I didn’t cope well. I would break down occasionally and when no one was watching. That’s kind of what took me out of the spotlight for a bit. Sorry that got kinda depressing. I’m going to warn you that there are a few depressing moments in my life story. Just putting it out there,” he said and tried to quietly laugh it off.
“That’s alright, Mr. Vale. We do have to talk about the ups and downs you’ve experienced,” I said and tucked my hair behind my ear.
“Yeah, I know and I’m ready for that.”
Interview 3:
Kai has complied very well with the interviews which means my job has been less challenging so far. I interviewed a few other content creators that have worked with him but now I need more personal information. I’m starting to want to know more about him but like the real him, not his so-called “work.” The issue is that when he started talking about how he felt when he started gaining attention it didn’t feel genuine. There’s no way this being who hasn’t done anything meaningful in his life or has never properly worked knows what it’s like to struggle. I do feel bad for him if that was true but I don’t know if I believe him. Not completely at least.
I go over old compilations of his videos and it’s all so empty and meaningless. All he does is try to seduce the camera in a very uncomfortable way while music plays in the background. Why did he even make money off of this? He only did that which is practically nothing and yet he complains about it. He tries to say he hated the attention but the attention got him money at just sixteen. He has never worked a real job in his life. Yet I’m here going over lots of his old content trying to figure him out in order to plan what I’m going to ask him next. Maybe the challenge starts now.
Once again we’re doing the interview at a cafe since it worked better for him at least. It did feel more engaging last time but I’m not a big fan of dealing with him in person. I just have to think about that check and that fashion magazine internship. That’s what I tried to do until he came in.
“Am I late?”
“No, I’m just early,” I said as he sat down.
“Good. I was so scared I had messed up. I want to be as professional as possible. Especially with you.”
“What for?”
“You’re literally writing a feature story about me and we spend so much time working together in different ways. I better be professional,” he says and looks with all seriousness. Damn, he really is playing the part so well.
“Thank you for your efforts. I was actually going to tell you something that is kind of related to that.”
“Alright. Go on.”
“This is a very important story. Especially for you. For this same reason it’s in the best interest for both of us that you’re genuine. You need to be your most genuine self for this story and for me to do my job well.”
“Are you implying that I’m not genuine?” He asked me and leaned in.
“I’m not. It’s just a reminder.”
“Do you think I’m not genuine because I was a Viralix content creator?”
“It’s not. I’m just saying as a person, Kai.” I said and I panicked as I realized I had just used his first name.
“You don’t think I know what it’s like to suffer or go through tough times, don’t you? A follower count and my ability to make money with it makes me soulless, Ms. Rodrguez?” I messed up. I should’ve kept up with the flattery.
“No, Kai. I mean, Mr. Vale. I didn’t…mean that. Any of that,” I said, stuttering out of embarrassment.
“Of course you didn’t. You’d never. I did tell you you can call me Kai, though. Actually, I kind of like it more when you call me by my first name.” I really messed up big time.
“No, Mr. Vale, I should be professional at all times while I’m working.” Save me, please.
“You’re not working right now. We haven’t started the interview.”
“It has nothing to do with the interview, Mr. Vale. It’s just work ethics,” I tried to explain and I looked down at my notebook to hopefully stop this conversation.
“What happened to being genuine, Ms. Rodriguez?” I went numb. How dare he say that. What does he know about me?
“I’m a genuine and professional journalist.”
“I’m just saying as a person,” he said as he looked at me and smiled. Idiota, always an idiota.
“Mr. Vale, please let’s just do the interviews. I want to be done with this as soon as possible.”
“I…can tell,” he said as he looked down at his hands.
“Good. Now let’s start the interview.” Am I being too hard on him?
Interview #4
The interview was a bit tense after that conversation we had. I tried to put some sense into him but I guess I’m asking for too much from an influencer. We just went over how he had coped with it all in further detail since I was so put off by the whole thing. I don’t know if he just crossed the line which would allow me to call this whole thing off without my work being affected. He could still make something up about me though which makes things hard. I feel estancada right now. Stuck with him. Maybe stuck on him too.
I decided to do a virtual interview as an in person one would feel so weird after that. I hope that will keep us on track. That’s why I get down to business when he joins the call.
“Can you hear me?” I asked.
“Yes. Can you hear me?”
“Yes. Are you okay with me recording this interview?” No time for his stupid jokes. Nothing.
“That’s alright. Always with you. For the interviews, I mean,” he said and let out a shy laugh. His hair was slightly covering his face and he was wearing a dark blue flannel with three of the buttons undone. Not the best attire but still didn’t look too bad. I started up the audio recording.
“Last time we just focused on your issues with the attention itself and how you coped with it. I want to know what other issues did it bring into your life? Like, other than mentally and having to work through that.”
“Well, there’s a lot behind that. I had always been bullied in school which got worse when I went viral. They started picking on me like, really bad. It got to the point that another student punched me in the stomach once,” he said and he laughed. What the hell?
“That’s not funny. I’m so sorry, Kai.”
“I know, it’s just a coping thing I guess. It’s my trauma after all. You don’t have to feel sorry for me. I’m alright. I started being homeschooled after that which helped with that at least.”
“I was also homeschooled but since kindergarten,” I couldn’t help but say it since it’s so rare to meet another former homeschooled kid. I also felt the human need to comfort him in some way. This also strengthens our work bond.
“Oh really? How come? Was it because you're an only child or something else?”
“I got discriminated against by the teacher’s assistant so it was for the best that I’d just not be in that environment,” I told him, going completely off topic which I hate so much. I’m crossing the line now.
“God…I’m so sorry. Wow. You were just a kid. That’s wrong for so many reasons.”
“Yeah, but that’s off topic. Did the attention you got only affected you with that or anything else?”
“Not really because I had millions of eyes on me online. People could still make hurtful comments there. They picked me apart in many ways for many reasons. My voice, my clothes, my content, and just anything really. It did really affect my body image the most since I already struggled with that.” He looked down as he spoke.
“In what way?”
“I’m obviously very skinny as you can probably tell. That’s just me and my body. Can’t do much about it even if I force myself to eat more, which isn’t great either. I got a lot of hate because of that. Like a lot.” I looked at him at that moment and for the first time I really wished we had been together right now.
“I know how you feel. Like, I really do, Kai.” I don’t even care about work ethic right now.
“Really? Nobody ever really takes me seriously when I talk about it since I’m skinny and a guy. Many people don’t think it’s possible but I know it's real. I was the one being called ‘stick legs’ and ‘tree branch’ but they don’t believe me or take it seriously.”
“I got called a bag of bones once because of my body. My dad did, actually. But that’s irrelevant here. Sorry for talking about myself. It just really touched me since I know what it’s like. Even with the eating part I really resonated with. I apologize for getting personal.” I started to feel embarrassed now. This was not the plan at all.
“You don’t have to apologize about anything. If you ever want to talk just know I’m here for you, Gabriela.”
“Thanks…let’s move forward now, Mr. Vale.” I do think a line has been crossed but I don't know where. I just need to get the job done.
Interview #5
For professional reasons I decided to do another virtual interview so we don’t go off track as we’ve been doing quite frequently letely. This really has been a nightmare for my career. Working with Kai has been more challenging than I thought it would be. Therefore, virtual interviews are easier.
“Good morning, Ms. Rodriguez,” he said and smiled. He was wearing more casual attire once again but still his usual style.
“Good morning, Mr. Vale.”
“Can’t believe we’re almost done with this whole thing.” I sigh.
“Yeah. Me neither,” I reply as I organize my notebook and recording stuff.
“Everything alright?” I looked up at the camera.
“Yes. Just getting everything ready. That’s all.” I resume my task.
“You just seem quieter today. I’m just not used to seeing you like that. Is it because of last time?” I immediately bring all of my attention back to him.
“No. I’m embarrassed about it but it’s not why I’m quiet. I wasn’t professional. I’m sorry.”
“It wasn’t that serious. You just used your personal experience to comfort me. Completely normal. Is it bad in your field of work?” Que metido. Please stop.
“Kind of. Yes. It’s not good and I’m just starting out in entertainment journalism therefore it’s even worse.” We’re talking more than I had planned we’d do before the interview.
“That’s why you want to keep your distance too?” I don’t want to have this conversation right now.
“Mr. Vale, I told you I’m a serious journalist. Just take that information however you want.” Maybe that was rude but he shouldn’t be so nosey.
“But that’s not true. You’re also a person after all and a very strong beautiful one, Gabriela.” Qué fue eso?
“Kai, please. Let’s just finish this interview, alright? You’re an interviewee and I’m a journalist. That’s all.”
Release Day:
I finished up the feature story by doing short interviews via email. While it’s not the best in general it was the best choice for our situation. I didn’t need much extra info as I got a lot from both our past interviews and the interviews I did with the people that know him personally. I finished it, it got edited, and now it’s getting published. For my luck, this is a really big deal for this month's issue of the magazine I write for. For this reason they’ve held a small event for all of us that worked to make the story happen, a few public figures, and lastly Kai himself as this story is about him after all.
There was no way I could get out of going to the event as I’m the main author of this whole feature story. I did almost all of the work therefore I need to attend the event which means I’ll have to face Kai in person at some point tonight as he’s the star. That’s all I can think about as I’m getting my makeup done. It’s the first time ever I get my makeup professionally done yet all I can think of is having to face Kai after the things that happen during our last few interviews. I look at myself in the mirror as I finish putting on my dress and I feel beautiful. I feel beautiful just like Kai told me. What will he say if he sees me tonight? Not my priority right now. Or ever. It shouldn’t be. He worked his way into my mind I think. The result of working together for so long I suppose.
I get my picture taken with the rest of the team that made the feature story happen like the editors and contributors that worked with me. It was somewhat quick and then all the attention was to the other designers, models, and influencers that attended. I tried to stay out of the way of the photo area since I’ll most likely see Kai there. I rather moved out the way and got myself something to drink to calm my nerves. Outside of me wanting to avoid Kai, this is the first time I attend such a formal event. It took a lot of work to be in the middle of so much action and attention that I really need my time to recharge. I grab my drink in one hand as I pull out my phone to check for any missed calls or messages since I had it on silent. I get lost reading all my supportive messages that I don’t realize someone is standing in front of me.
“Hi there, Ms. Rodriguez.” When I heard his voice I just knew. Tragame tierra.
“Hi, Mr. Vale. Shouldn’t you be getting interviewed or something?” I said after I looked up. He was wearing a black suit but still had a silver chain hanging from his shirt’s collar.
“Yeah. I just did but sort of cut it short. Can’t lie about that,” he said and let out a soft laugh.
“Why?”
“I needed to see you.” His eyes soften.
“You don’t have to. We’re not working together anymore,” I tell him and look away. He lightly touched my chin to get me to look at him again.
“That’s why I needed to see you. I want you to call me Kai, to know you as a person, and for you to have me completely all to yourself,” he said but then looked away.
“Kai,” I say and get his attention back.
“I’m sorry for how I just came off-”
“You want to know why I was distant?” I think I can’t hide anymore.
“I suppose. Yeah.”
“I really despised you before meeting you and still did for the first few interviews. I’m not going to hide that. But I couldn’t help but notice so many little details that I…that I started to like and even admire. Maybe even love, but I don’t know. I didn’t want to find out and I also shouldn’t because of this whole thing,” I stopped myself because this was too ridiculous.
“I get it and I understand whatever decision you make.” I held his hand.
“I think I want to figure it out, Kai. I also want you to stop calling me Ms. Rodriguez. You’re allowed to come close to me too. Only if you want, of course.”
“Really, Gabriela?”
“Yes, Kai,” I said and he came close to me little by little until I closed the gap between us to kiss him. We both smiled when we pulled away. All my doubts and negative feelings disappeared when I saw his smile.
“This is the best rebrand ever really,” he said and laughed which made me cringe.
“Ew, don’t make me take it all back, Mr. Vale.”
“Nope. Can’t go back now. Or come back here to be honest.”
“What do you mean?” I asked but he quickly picked me up and started walking away while holding me. “What are you doing, Kai?”
“Taking you somewhere that’s way cooler than this.” I have no idea what that could be but did I ever have an idea about what I had going on with Kai? Not really but I do like the challenge.