The Greatest Showman #1056 - 1 Person, 0 Face

Maybe amyotrophic lateral sclerosis isn't AIDS/AIDS. People don't avoid it, and it's not seen as a monstrous beast; but the indifference, the deafness, and the alienation that surround it are just as overwhelming.

There are many incurable diseases, but until one touches your life, no one really cares. People turn a blind eye, leaving patients to fend for themselves, quietly slipping into obscurity.

Another light goes out—who notices?

ACT-UP's growth has forced society to acknowledge AIDS/AIDS and made it a part of ordinary life. But for those patients, it's been a fight for survival, much like the struggle of ALS patients. The Heather-Cross Foundation, too, exists because ALS patients, like those affected by AIDS, have no time to lose and no retreat.

They are tiny specks in the grand scheme of things. If they don't stand up, unite, and fight for themselves, their lives will quietly end. Like Heather Cross.

This is why Robin reacted the way he did—excited, frantic, overwhelmed—and why Renly chose to trust him. More importantly, Renly decided to step forward, using publicity and media attention to raise awareness. Even though it was a strategy he had initially resisted.

As Bradley observed Renly, he felt the surge of adrenaline, and without thinking, blurted out, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

The words, simple yet sincere, caught Renly's attention. He smiled and replied with a chuckle, "You're a reporter, you control the pulse of public opinion. You were once called the uncrowned king. If you want to help, you can."

The role of a reporter, Renly realized, is far more than simply telling a story.

Bradley paused, taken aback, before responding with a smile and a vigorous nod of agreement.

The moment, while unplanned, allowed Bradley to once again get closer to understanding Renly—this time, peeling back the layers to reveal the soul of a young man who had weathered storms of controversy and doubt. Despite being at the height of his fame, Renly remained steadfast, moving through the chaos with a quiet, almost spiritual focus.

Renly's journey had been filled with controversies, support, and countless questions. How had a young man become a star? How had he earned such a dedicated following? The easy answer often pointed to his life story, but the truth remained elusive—no one truly knew Renly.

When the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the weight of family heritage are stripped away, there is only Renly Hall. Sincere, focused, passionate, and yes, pure—a beacon of brilliance in an industry that no longer seemed to foster such qualities.

In a world obsessed with quick trends and fleeting fame, Renly was a reminder of something different. And perhaps, like Hamlet, there were a thousand versions of Renly in the eyes of those who watched him.

Despite the admiration and curiosity surrounding him, Bradley found himself drawn to something deeper. Renly's commitment, the light beneath the surface of his celebrity, was more profound than the media ever let on.

Their interview shifted as they continued their walk through Manhattan. As Renly spoke about his love for skateboarding, he casually revealed, "I'm not a great skateboarder yet, but I enjoy it. I mean, I love surfing, rock climbing, skydiving—feeling free, like a king moving between cities, like Batman."

The moment Renly glided down the street on his skateboard, wearing a suit and sneakers, it felt real—a side of Renly that people hadn't seen before. It was no longer just a celebrity façade, but a genuine expression of freedom. His effortless charm translated into a series of photos, showing a different side of Renly, one that made the public pause. For many, this was a shocking reveal.

"Batman?" Bradley asked, slightly surprised. "I didn't know you liked him. Does this mean we could see you as Batman in the future—or maybe another superhero?"

Renly grinned mischievously. "Welcome to Hollywood."

When Renly had turned down the role of 'Thor', many speculated about his potential as a superhero. Fans couldn't stop imagining him as their favorite comic book hero—Batman, Spider-Man—but Renly's witty response left the future open-ended, fueling even more curiosity.

They continued their walk, stopping for photos, changing outfits, and navigating the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. As they moved between Hollywood and Manhattan, Renly's youth faded into the background. In those moments, his presence—so much larger than his age—made him seem timeless.

In past interviews, Ellen DeGeneres had praised Renly's sense of style, noting how he effortlessly mastered different looks. But Renly was always quick with a humorous response: "I didn't know you cared about how men dress too."

His unique style had become a cultural phenomenon. From fashion magazines like Vanity Fair and Vogue to polls praising him as "Best Date" and "Best Dream", Renly had set new standards for celebrity style. His fashion choices were praised as refreshing, and his stylist, Eaton Dormer, said, "I don't want to limit Renly to one style. He should choose the clothes, not the clothes choose him."

Yet, it wasn't his style that truly defined him. What truly resonated was Renly's authenticity, his humor, and his passion for the craft. Whether on talk shows or in movies, Renly captivated audiences with his presence and charisma.

Despite the whirlwind of interviews, magazine shoots, and parties, Renly was clear about his priorities: after the promotional tours, he would return to London's West End to continue performing in Les Miserables. It was a choice that shocked many, but for Renly, it was simply the next step in his journey.

Before the interview, Renly's friends had sent their thoughts. Paul Walker praised Renly's dedication to his craft, while Jennifer Lawrence expressed excitement about future collaborations. Ryan Gosling, in his dry humor, noted, "I don't like him because he's taken my market share, but I still believe being with him would be a wonderful experience."

The most interesting message came from Jake Gyllenhaal, who had met Renly at the Berlin Film Festival. Jake said, "I'm still trying to figure out if he's a genius or a lunatic, but I'm happy to keep watching."

For all the acclaim, Renly's journey was just beginning. This year marked the peak of his career, but it was only a glimpse of what was to come.

At lunch, Renly joked that he might indulge in something fancy—but in the end, he walked into a local Chipotle instead. Perhaps, in this way, Renly Hall remained the enigma he'd always been—a blend of brilliance and humility that no one could truly pin down.