The Sinister Screen Queen

Tanya stood at the edge of the bustling backstage, her eyes locked on the nervous girl fidgeting as Allegra adjusted the icy gown around her.

The blonde was undeniably striking, but Tanya couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

Tanya knew talent when she saw it, but she also knew that raw potential wasn't enough to salvage this high-stakes situation.

Was she ready to pull off a life or death performance now?

She sighed and muttered softly. "I swear, if this system actually cared, it would've handed me a pre-made supermodel instead of this ticking time bomb."

Casey, ever the chipper voice in her head. That girl is better than anyone here could ever hope to be

"In the future maybe, Casey. Right now, she's a nervous wreck."

You lack faith

Tanya's frown deepened. "What am I supposed to do? Hope she doesn't trip over her own feet?"

Yes, why don't you get down on your knees and pray Casey disembodied seemed to get more annoyed.

Tanya glared blazed crazily, scaring the people walking past her.

Casey sighed and finally seemed to relent despite her bitchy host.

Then why don't you use that item? Casey suggested.

"What item?" Tanya asked. Her mind briefly flickered to the random junk in her inventory.

"The diving equipment? Yeah, let me throw a snorkel at her and hope she doesn't drown."

"The rope maybe, should I tie her confidence together?" Tanya's lips twitched at the hilarious image.

"Or maybe the blanket—oh wait, no."

Casey ignored the sarcasm and materialized a small, crinkly packet into Tanya's hand.

Tomato Seeds

"…"

Tanya stared at the packet in her hand.

"…"

"Casey." Tanya was so done.

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

Read the description Casey said with a sigh, as though Tanya was the unreasonable one.

Reluctantly, Tanya flipped the packet over and scanned the description.

Her eyes widened. "No way."

Casey smugly continued. Yep, I expect a prayer of worship

Tomato Seeds

Unlocks an individual's full potential for the duration of an event

Those little beauties temporarily raise someone to their full potential for the duration of an event

Athlete? They perform like they're at their career peak for the entire game. Model? They're flawless until the show stops

Casey happily bragged about tomato seeds.

"Wait, this is real?" Tanya's mind raced.

Think of it like a preview of their best self

Tanya stares at the seeds as if it's the greatest treasure in the universe. "How did I not see the description before."

Probably because you whine all the time Casey points out.

Tanya weighed the options. There were cons: she only had one packet with a limited amount of seeds, and the results weren't permanent.

But with the show moments away from disaster.

"So if she eats one of these, she'll be... future supermodel? The top-tier, perfect-in-every-way version of herself?"

Exactly. But hurry, she's about to go out there Casey reminded.

Tanya's eyes darted to the young teen, now dressed and standing nervously.

She needed to think fast about how she was going to feed her a tomato seed.

Then a mischievous smile crossed her lips.

Tanya strode up to the winter-style dressed girl, her smile softening and becoming more comforting. "How are you holding up?"

The girl turned, her wide eyes meeting her captors. "I'm... terrified"

"Honestly. I am really nervous… and scared." The girl kept glancing at her feet.

Tanya placed a hand on the side of her face, stroking gently. "Relax."

"What?" She blinked at the physical contact.

"You're going to do fine. I've got something that'll help."

Tanya gave her a warm, almost predatory smile.

The girl nervously fidgeted but didn't try to run.

Tanya leaned closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "A little good-luck charm."

Before she could question her, Tanya pulled her in and kissed her.

The blonde teenager froze, caught between confusion and shock, as Tanya's tongue slipped into her mouth.

The tomato seed was subtly passed into her mouth. Startled, the blonde instinctively swallowed.

Tanya pulled back with a grin, ignoring her own racing pulse. "Now, get out there."

Stunned and blushing, barely had time to process what just happened before the stage manager ushered her to the runway.

Still dazed, but somehow she felt a surge of confidence bloom within her

As Tanya turned back around, she found herself face-to-face with Keira and Allegra.

Keira looked completely bewildered, her cheeks tinged pink.

Keira, who had been watching the scene unfold, gaped in disbelief. "Did you… flirt with her instead of helping us find a proper model?"

Allegra was less amused. "Mamma mia! Sei seria? You're supposed to be fixing the problem, not creating another one"

Tanya shrugged, smirking. "Relax, ragazze."

"Watch her. She's going to rock it."

Keira, still flustered. "Was that really necessary?"

But Tanya wasn't paying attention anymore. A notification popped up in her field of vision.

Achievement:

Gemma Ward's First Kiss

Reward: Silver Item

Tanya froze, her jaw slack. "Wait... who?"

Casey's voice chimed in, unhelpfully smug. Surprise! That time bomb?

She's one of the biggest supermodels of the next decade. Congrats, you kissed history

"…"

"Well, that's... a twist." Tanya finally processed that the previously nervous tear stricken girl in a corner was the future Aussie supermodel.

The music shifted outside as Gemma stepped onto the runway. The murmurs from the crowd grew louder.

"Isn't that the nervous girl from the last event?" One fashion critic asked.

"She's too young." Another whispered. "It is going to be another disaster."

But Gemma's stride silenced them all and left the fashion world with something they will never forget.

Keira, still flushed, laughed. "How did you know she could do that?"

Tanya shrugged nonchalantly. "I have my ways."

Gemma's cheeks glowed. "I... I don't know what happened, but I felt amazing out there. Like I was someone else."

"You were you." Tanya said with a grin.

"The best version of you."

Allegra clapped her hands, regaining her commanding tone. "Va bene, tutti! We celebrate later. Move it!"

As the team dispersed to prepare for the next round, Gemma glanced back at Tanya.

"Thank you... for believing in me."