Gangster to Idol

Cain and Riku made their way back to Cain's room, expecting to share one last moment with Leo.

However, when they entered, the room felt emptier than ever. Leo was already gone, leaving behind only a single sheet of paper on Cain's bed.

It was just a goodbye letter.

"We're too late. We didn't even get the chance to say goodbye," Riku said, disappointment etched across his face.

Cain stared at the letter, feeling a pang of regret. With a heavy heart, he crumpled the letter and tossed it into the trash bin.

"Hey, C.C.," Riku said, couldn't believe that he had just threw Leo's letter to the bin.

"It's okay. He'll return," Cain replied, casually packing his bag. "This isn't the end of the line. Once we become idols, I'm sure he will catch up to us eventually."

Riku's downcast expression lightened a bit, and he nodded in agreement. "You're right. I'm sure Leo will try again. He's really persistent after all."

"Shouldn't you be packing too? Or are you not going home?" Cain asked, noticing Riku hanging around.

"Ah, right! I need to go back and visit Grandpa," Riku replied, hurriedly grabbing the door and went out. "See you next week, C.C.!"

Cain didn't comment, just focused on packing his belongings. When he stepped out into the hallway, it was eerily empty, a reminder of the trainees who had been eliminated.

He rode the elevator alone, the silence heavy around him.

It felt strange to see the usually bustling corridors deserted. Most of the others were likely still panicking about how they would approach the upcoming group challenges.

On the other hand, their group had decided to meet up after a day of rest to practice, meaning they wouldn't have the full week off after all.

Instead, they would only get one day to recuperate and bring fresh clothes for their performances.

When the elevator opened, Cain was surprised to see Raneisha outside the car. She looked stunning in a simple shirt and pants, her presence almost blinding in the confines of the elevator.

"Going home?" she asked, her tone even.

Cain grumbled internally. He owed her a lot for helping him find his voice, but he still held a grudge for that kick she had given him.

"Yeah," Cain replied, glancing at her as the elevator remained open. "Aren't you coming in?"

"Mind if you come with me for a moment?" she asked, a hint of urgency in her voice.

"Huh? Why?"

"Just come," she insisted, stepping out into the hallway.

Cain bit his lip, torn between curiosity and irritation. With a resigned sigh, he followed her.

"Maybe she's taken a liking to you," Fifi whispered in his ear. "You're okay to love, but keep it a secret, okay? Fans don't want their idols to belong to someone."

"You're getting ahead of yourself," Cain shot back, irritated.

"What was that?" Raneisha asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"I said, where are we going, and what are we going to do?" Cain responded, quickening his pace to catch up to her.

Raneisha stopped in front of an empty studio and opened the door. "You'll know soon enough."

As they stepped inside, Cain felt a wave of wariness wash over him. Though Raneisha was undoubtedly beautiful—perhaps the most beautiful woman he had ever seen—his aversion to women kept him at a distance.

Even the thought of being close to her was uncomfortable.

Raneisha noticed C.C.s aversion, a puzzled expression crossing her face. In her experience, men would flock to her, eager for her attention and affection. Yet this guy seemed different. Was it because she had kicked him in the groin?

"Anyway, that's not important right now," she said, shaking off the thought. "I won't be in the next episode," Raneisha announced. "So . . ."

"So . . . ?" Cain prompted, raising an eyebrow. Continue your adventure at m|v-l'e -NovelBin.net

"So let's sing a duet."

Cain stared at her, bewildered. "Huh?"

"You can sing, right?" Raneisha tossed a music sheet over to him. "I wrote this just now. Let's sing it freestyle."

Cain was still baffled. Was she really serious?

"What? Your confused face is telling me you don't understand," Raneisha said, looking slightly annoyed.

"I am confused," he admitted.

"What's so confusing? It's just singing. Or is there a problem with the music? Is there something you don't understand in there?"

Cain shook his head. "I just don't get why a duet all of a sudden, and why me?"

"Why you?" Raneisha echoed, her eyes looking over the ceiling like she herself didn't know why. "You have an amazing voice. I just want to duet with you before I go."

"Oho~ he does like you," Fifi whispered teasingly.

"Shut up."

Cain cleared his throat, trying to mask his growing frustration with her. She was like an airhead and the more he talked with her the more confused he become. The rumors were right . . . she was indeed weird.

"Fine then. Which part will I sing?" He just wanted to get this over with, so he could go home and rest.

Without responding, Raneisha began to sing, leaving Cain surprised.

However, just the first verse turned his surprised to awe, her voice sent a chill down Cain's spine. Her voice captivated him, pulling him in like a tide.

Though he had never been one to enjoy music, hearing her sing was different; it touched something deep within him.

He watched her in amazement as she effortlessly transitioned between notes, her voice smooth and powerful, intertwining rasp and deep in a way that felt almost magical.

Cain couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Something stirred inside him, an urge so powerful that he could hardly comprehend it.

In that moment, surrounded by her voice and presence, Cain felt something awakening within him. The fear, the hesitation, the doubt—all began to fade away. It was as if Raneisha's music was peeling away the layers of armor he had built around himself, exposing a part of him that had long been buried.

Without even glancing at the music sheet, Cain's lips parted, and before he could stop himself, his voice poured out, as if drawn by an unseen force. It wove seamlessly into hers, the notes intertwining with a kind of effortless grace, as if the song had been waiting for this exact moment.