“Lifestyles of the Dysfunctional and Famous” is always a guilty pleasure of mine. 
I’m definitely bookmarking this to see what happens next!
I really enjoyed the Gala set-up. It felt like a good way to see the dynamics of how everyone’s circles overlap and interact.
“My” MC was the scandal-ridden TV Host, but I also tried out Workaholic/Actor, Rising Star/Model, and Fading Star/Singer. Each of the routes had its own unique aspects, and I’ll probably continue playing each of them in the future.
A note about Nile/Nia:
Nile/Nia’s stat-screen description felt a little incongruous to me, based on how they acted in the text:
Role: Your rival for the spotlight
Note: Your primary rival. Gifted with ‘liquid gold’ eyes and terrifying natural talent; the ultimate obstacle standing between you and the throne.
Unless they’re just pretending to be nice and turn out to be manipulative later, I don’t really feel a rivalry between them and MC. Even playing as Actor-MC, I was only “jealous” when my ex singled them out to offer them a contract, when Chris and I were also right there – for which I blamed my ex.
Nile/Nia themselves seemed perfectly polite and genuinely nice, and since both Leo and Chris vouch for them, I’m inclined to believe they are being genuine.
“The Media Darling” might be a better description, and more applicable to non-Actors. I’m also confused by the “throne” concept and how that is supposed to carry over through the different routes. Sure, Pike has worked in musicals, so they probably have vocal talents, and they’re gorgeous, so they could model, but for the most part, it seems like they “act” like an actor – and a fairly genuine one, at that.
If the primary source of “rivalry” is the fact that they have positive media spin and versatile talents, I’d keep that non-specific, too. Something like, “Whatever you do, wherever you look, Pike is the one basking in the spotlight.”
Since the character is introduced in-game without a pre-existing rivalry (i.e. one that’s already in the public eye), I’d keep it out of their description. If they aren’t vicious and manipulative (and really good at pretending not to be), the stats-screen description doesn’t feel like the character I met. And if they are vicious and manipulative, that feels like a surprise spoiler I would rather encounter in-game.
It doesn’t feel right to call them a rival when it seems like they’re just being nice, doing their own thing, and doing it well.
Characters, with my/MC's (rambling) reactions:
First and foremost, Chris and Leo are going to be my besties. 
I’m a teensy bit devastated bummed that neither of them is on the RO page, but I like interacting with them all the same.
I really liked Chris, and all of my MCs adored him. He’s prime RO-material even if he isn’t an RO. I do love the FWB option for Actor MC. I’m “jealous” that doesn’t carry over to other careers (yet? 
), but I also think it’s the right decision, at least this early in the story. It’s a nice route-specific bonus.
Leo is another charming non-RO. Fading Star/Singer was closest to him, both as old friends and because their careers felt more similar than the others. But he’s lovely as a best friend, and everyone is grateful to have him in their corner.
Even though it does beg the question: Leo, how did you get into my apartment (and potentially past a doorman/security), when this is an entirely different building from when we used to live together? I imagine he’s been cleared on a “list” somewhere and might have a spare key to water plants or something, but I was wondering.
I really liked meeting Nile/Nia. Their enthusiasm really surprised me and I found it rather endearing. Every MC liked them, some more than others, but everyone stayed friendly. TV Host was indifferent to Nia (as well as her fame and following) until he met her; now he’s thoroughly charmed. Of all the ROs, they’re the one I can most easily imagine my MCs wanting to pursue.
Theo/Thessa is the most perplexing, since they act so differently on different routes. Rising Star/ Fading Star haven’t even met them yet.
Scandal/Host MC hates him. It’s a quiet resentment, unless Theo is in his face – a scenario he will take pains to avoid.
To Workaholic/Actor MC, he’s just (an annoying) part of the scenery, like a set piece that wants to read lines, for some reason. He does have an annoyingly good read on Actor MC’s feelings, which could either lead to him worming his way into the Actor’s good graces… or a restraining order.
Sutton is intentionally divisive, and I respect that. Rising Star/Fading Star were happy to meet Carter… until he opened his mouth. They’re going along with the proposal for now for career reasons, but both are determined not to censor themselves to sell a story. If this is going to be a publicized romance, it might as well be an “Enemies to Lovers” narrative. Fading Star is more openly resentful. (Though publicly polite.)
Scandal/Host was put off by Cora’s behavior, and resents having to put his actual (though currently nonexistent) love life on hold because of their “relationship.” He understood and largely agreed with her concerns, though. They haven’t interacted much in public, and that could carry over to the relationship, too. If there’s going to be a “relationship,” it’s going to be a quiet, “private” one as much as possible, with no huge smiles or grand gestures. Just “normal” people being “normal.”
Workaholic is pushing against the arrangement as much as the plot will allow, and deeply resents Carter’s comments. He’s an actor, too! He works hard, too! Probably harder, and that means he’s “reliable,” not “boring!” Carter should be so lucky! Yes, this proposed “relationship” is an insult to both of them. So why does Carter act like he’s getting the worse deal? You think you’re the better actor? Fine. Act. Emote. Show me some “love.” You first.
Ryan/Ruby (for some reason I always chose Ryan) is closest to the Rising Star, who doesn’t have many strong “industry” friends yet (compared to other MCs) and appreciates that Ryan takes the time to explain Coco’s decisions when Coco says “Trust me” without elaborating. Everyone else is somewhere on the range of civil/professional-to-friendly with him, though Scandal MC resents some of his “teasing.”
Sklyar/Sloane Cross – TV Host still has some feelings for Skylar (annoyance is also a feeling), but refuses to show it, and plays it civil like it’s an interview on TV: “The breakup was mutual. You look great, Skylar! How’ve you been? Good, good. Nice to catch up. Well, thanks for dropping by!” He was the only one that didn’t accept Chris’ offer to swap seats.
Actor has a great memory. He knows exactly how long it’s been. He knows exactly why they broke up. He knows there are three actors at this table – four once Sutton shows up! Why is Cross only talking to Pike? If you wanna talk about your script, share with the rest of the table. (And me! The Actor!) But he’s gonna get this over with, talk business, and hopefully never speak again outside of business. Not bitter; just practical. …Business-like.
Musical Chairs at the Gala (AKA What is the most/least awkward path per MC?)
I have an aversion to taking someone else’s seat, and no one feels any particular draw to Sutton, so most chose to go elsewhere. TV Host and Actor both went to speak with Skylar (with TV host being much more chill.) Model spoke with Claudia (feeling moderately betrayed in general, but more specifically annoyed that “YOU DIDN’T TELL ME?!”) Fading Star/Singer asked Sutton to move out of her seat (but couldn’t actually shove him out. If that had been an option, I’m not sure what I would have chosen. Her patience is being tested.)
Everyone wound up leaning on Chris in the photo. Friends do that, too. 
Predicted Romances:
Again, such a shame that Leo and Chris aren’t romanceable. 
Scandal/TV Host and FadingStar/Singer could go for Nia, though they both see her as kind of “young.” She does have an undeniably cheerful zest for life, though. It’s very endearing.
Fading Star would be most likely to go for Leo, if he were an option. He’s trustworthy and sweet.
TV Host is most likely to reconcile with Cross, though I’m not sure he’d trust another attempt at romance.
Actor MC ??? Honestly, long-term FWB with Chris seems the most likely path for him. Workaholic is too busy and too bristly to attempt vulnerability with those that criticize him offhand. Nile is sweet but high-energy and Workaholic is exhausted. They could get to be good friends and “talk shop” about the industry, but it would take a lot of patience on Nile’s part to crack Workaholic’s professional shell.
Rising Star/Model could go for Ryan. It’s nice to have someone that both treats her like a person and helps her navigate when to be a Personality instead.
Route Relevance Feedback and Questions:
It’s a bit infuriating. You’ve been working non-stop for years to build your reputation. Nile Pike shows up, flashes a dimpled smile, and suddenly he is the one campaigning for the Oscar?
I think this shows up on every route (I was playing Rising Star/Model when I copied it), but it feels like a statement Actor MC would be most affected by. Maybe something route-specific like, “…suddenly he’s the one with his face on every billboard” for a Model would be more directly relevant.
“This is a joke. We’re both fighting for the spotlight, Coco. I don’t need a rival by my side —real or fake. I’m not helping her climb the ladder on my back.”
Rising Star/Model path. I’m assuming the dialogue was triggered by Rising Star, but while playing as a Model, it doesn’t necessarily feel like they’re “fighting for the same spotlight.” (Like it might with Actor / TV Host.) Looking down on a model for “not understanding the craft” could be more believable: “I’m not helping some pretty face climb a ladder on my back. Especially one that can’t appreciate the work it took for me to get here.”
Lizzy Hayes is the TV Host’s colleague. Since MC can have the last name Hayes, I’d recommend changing Lizzy’s, to avoid the “are they related” question. (Especially relevant for Host MC: If I knew two people on the same TV program had the same last name, I’d wonder, too.)
For Scandal-MC, Dakota says Cora’s instructions are “Keep moving and don’t look back. She’s worried they’ll go straight for the jugular with questions about the party,” - would Cora think any differently knowing that Scandal/Host MC will be interviewed by Lizzy? Or would she always recommend avoiding the Press Pen, in case another reporter had tried to steal the moment?
As you approach, a reporter from one of the major entertainment outlets catches your eye. She raises her microphone and gestures for you to come over, her cameraman already framing the shot.
For Host MC, maybe “your colleague” instead? Lizzy’s name is already in the options, so that part’s fine.
“Of course, you have an important job. I’m glad you could visit, even for a bit.”
Do Mom and Dad think every job is “important?” Are they equally reputable in their eyes?
The [F]allout: Inside [Name]'s Latest Public Disaster. (Missing a capital letter.)
“Hell no,” Cora snaps, pointing a finger at you. “That’s a walking disaster. I’m not going to play the ‘I can fix her’ role.” (MC’s gender tag is incorrect. Might be using Sutton’s instead?)
A very silly suggestion for symmetry’s sake: Since there are four roles and four routes, why not 4 pre-written name suggestions?
The item up for bid is a “yacht charter,” but the rest of the text seems to imply the yacht itself is for sale. A yacht charter is essentially a rental/cruise. You pick your destination(s) and time frame, and the chartered boat and crew follow your itinerary, but it’s still owned, managed, and operated by someone else. A charter would be much more affordable (though still extravagant,) but Coco always shoots down the idea. Could any of the MCs afford it? …Couldn’t Workaholic use a break?
I do wanna flirt with Ryan/Ruby, but after that discussion with Sutton, oof. I feel like R should be the one offering to buy me a drink. 
This is incredibly helpful. It’s so exciting to see that you’ve not only played through all the different versions but also took the time to provide this level of input. I’ve taken a lot of notes on things I can improve!
I hope you didn’t find as many bugs as last time, hehe! 
I love your headcanon, though—it’s definitely a fun way to look at their dynamic. 
