Gangster to Idol

Fifi's words hit like a ton of bricks, the weight of reality crashing down on Cain.

He was nothing more than a rising star, another face in the crowd.

And Raneisha?

She was on a level that felt almost untouchable.

Sure, they had shared that moment on stage, but in the grand scheme of things, it was fleeting—a spark that would fade in the vast sea of her stardom.

"Even if you push yourself to the top," Fifi added, her voice quieter now, almost pitying, "the industry won't make it easy. Raneisha has fans—die-hard fans—who live and breathe for her. They wouldn't take kindly to someone like you stepping into her spotlight."

Cain's fists clenched. The truth in Fifi's words stung more than he wanted to admit. It wasn't just about becoming a great idol. It was about navigating a world filled with power, influence, and people who would do anything to keep the likes of him from reaching the same heights.

"Still," he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing. "I'll find a way. She still owe me, after all."

Fifi blinked, surprised by the fierce determination in his voice. She knew Cain was stubborn, but this was different. It wasn't just ego driving him now—it was something more. Something even he hadn't fully realized yet.

"You're crazy," Fifi muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "But I guess that's what makes you . . . well, you. And what do you mean she owes you?" She rolled her eyes, a small laugh escaping her, though her face remained mostly impassive.

"You're the one who owes her. After all, she's the one who helped you find your voice."

Cain ignored her, brushing off the comment as he headed to his training space, the itch to keep working at his singing and dancing gnawing at him.

The fire that had ignited in him after the duet still burned, and he wasn't about to let it die down. He had to get better and climb to the top quickly.

======

RRR's Episode 3 was out, and screens across the city lit up as everyone tuned in. Phones, tablets, televisions—no one wanted to miss a second.

Mimi sat in her small living room, the glow from her screen the only light in the space.

For the first time, she found herself watching alone. She wasn't quite sure why, but the thought of having her friends around right now made her uneasy.

Normally, she loved their company, the shared excitement, the commentary, but tonight felt different.

Tonight, she wanted something else.

Something private.

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As her fingers hovered over the play button, a strange flutter of nerves washed over her. She couldn't explain it, but she wanted to watch this moment alone—just her and C.C. on the screen.

It felt too personal to share.

The episode started out fine, the usual mix of practice footage, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Mimi smiled softly, watching as C.C. appeared, his usual rough-but-charming self, navigating the world of idols with his trademark confidence.

But then, everything changed.

The camera panned to a scene on the rooftop—Rhea, her face twisted with emotion, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was confiding in C.C., her voice trembling as she spoke about her struggles, her wavering confidence.

C.C., in his natural, unpolished way, was comforting her. He didn't have the perfect words, but there was a gentleness in the way he talked to her, the way he tried to calm her down.

It was a raw, vulnerable moment.

Mimi's heart clenched.

Her eyes were glued to the screen, unable to look away as C.C. sat beside Rhea, offering quiet support. He didn't seem to realize just how intimate the scene was—how close they were. He wasn't trying to be anything more than helpful, but to anyone watching, it looked like something else.

Too close.

Too . . . familiar.

The forums exploded immediately after that scene aired. Everyone was buzzing, throwing around accusations, comments, theories.

"Is C.C. a secret playboy?"

"Another girl already?"*

"That rooftop scene looked . . . intense. Are they dating?!"

"But what about Felice?!"

"They look good together though."

Mimi swallowed hard, her hands tightening around her phone as she scrolled through the comments. The thought of it—the idea that C.C. might actually be getting close to Rhea—sent a wave of unexpected jealousy crashing over her.

She didn't understand why, but it bothered her. The way he'd comforted Rhea, the way he'd been there for her . . .

It made her feel something she didn't want to admit.

Mimi's heart pounded as she stared at the growing storm of comments online. The speculation about C.C. and Rhea was out of control.

Rumors of him being a womanizer, leading Rhea on, and even betraying fans were blowing up every forum. The rooftop scene from Episode 3 was the spark that lit the fire.

"C.C. and Rhea? Did you see the way he looked at her? He's got to be into her!"

"Of course he's getting close to her. What else would you expect from a guy like that?"

"How many girls is he going to 'comfort' before people realize he's just playing them?"

Mimi's fingers trembled over her phone, her chest tightening. She couldn't stand it.

This is all wrong, she thought, shaking her head. C.C. isn't like that at all.

Without wasting another second, Mimi furiously typed her response, determined to set the record straight.

"You guys have it all wrong! C.C. isn't the type to use people like that. He was just trying to help her out. That's who he is—kind and supportive. Nothing more!"

Her words were rapid, filled with urgency, but they didn't feel enough. She needed to say more, to protect him from the growing backlash. She took a breath and added another post.

"Look, you're only seeing a small part of the show. C.C.'s focused on his dream of becoming an idol. He's not playing around with anyone's feelings. Just because he was comforting Rhea doesn't mean there's something going on. Don't jump to conclusions!"

Still, doubt lingered in her mind. She had to convince herself too.

It's just a misunderstanding, Mimi thought, swallowing hard. He couldn't possibly be interested in Rhea like that . . . right?