Gangster to Idol

While everyone was caught up preparing for the fourth episode of RRR, the second episode aired as usual, and like every week, Mimi and her friends gathered around to watch it.

But this time, there was a palpable tension in the air.

"Man, C.C.'s moves are all over the place," one of their friends commented, their voice a mix of disappointment and confusion. "And his voice? It's like he's struggling to keep up."

Sheryl's face clouded with concern. She had noticed it too, the way C.C. seemed out of sync, his once sharp performances now faltering. "I wonder what happened to him . . .

?"

Mimi crossed her arms, visibly defensive. "He probably practiced so hard that his voice went hoarse, and his body's aching," she said, her tone sharp with protectiveness. "They could cut him some slack, couldn't they? They know that when he's at his full strength, he dances well."

Her friends exchanged knowing glances and nudged each other, stifling chuckles.

"Looks like someone's playing favorites," one of them teased.

"And here we thought you weren't into this idol stuff, Mimi?"

Mimi's eyes narrowed, lips pressed into a thin line as she shot them a glare. "It's not about favorites," she snapped. "I just . . . I just favored him because he saved us before, right Sheryl?"

Sheryl blinked at her, a hint of jealousy creeping into her expression as she leaned forward. "Mimi," she said, her voice soft but firm, "it's okay if you're rooting for C.C. I mean, I get it. But remember . . .

C.C. is mine, alright? He saved me."

The room fell silent for a moment, Sheryl's words hanging heavy in the air.

Mimi's posture stiffened, her jaw clenched as she tried to shake off the accusation, but her pulse quickened, betraying her calm facade.

"What?" Mimi's voice came out a little too sharp, a little too defensive. "It's not like I'm into the guy in a romantic way or anything."

Sheryl's eyes narrowed, her pout turning into something more serious. She crossed her arms. "You better not be," she warned. "We're friends, Mimi, and I don't want to become enemies over something like this."

Mimi froze at Sheryl's words.

The playful banter that usually filled the air between them was gone, replaced with a real edge that made her stomach twist.

"I'm not interested in C.C. like that," Mimi insisted, though the firmness in her voice felt like it wavered at the edges. "But don't think for a second I won't call out anyone who talks trash about him. I just . . .

I respect him."

Sheryl's expression softened, but her guard was still up. "I know you do, Mimi. But just be careful, alright? I don't want to lose you over this . . .

or over him."

Mimi swallowed hard, the weight of Sheryl's words settling in her chest. She nodded, but her mind was far from settled.

Something inside her stirred, a quiet unease she couldn't shake — not about C.C., but about how easily their friendship could fracture over some guy.

Does Sheryl like C.C. that much?

"Alright, enough of this talk," one of their friends cut in, stepping between Mimi and Sherly as the tension in the room mounted.

"Yeah, seriously. They're idols, guys. They belong to everyone," another chimed in with a light laugh, trying to diffuse the situation.

But Sherly wasn't having it. "C.C. belongs to me," she declared, her voice firm. "You can like the other idols if you want."

The group groaned. "Geez, Sherly, stop being so obsessed."

"I'm not obsessed!" Sherly shot back, her cheeks flushing. "That time he saved me . . . our eyes met, and I knew he was the one."

Mimi's brow furrowed as the others exchanged amused glances.

One of them raised an eyebrow and asked, "But Sherly, in case you hadn't noticed, C.C.'s going to be an idol. If he wins, he'll debut and become a full-fledged celebrity. How are you going to pursue him then?"

Another friend jumped in, smirking. "That's right. And did you see the latest teaser RRR released for Episode 3?"

"Yeah, I saw it," someone said, grinning. "Felice Richardson winked at him, right?"

"It was just a wink," Mimi interjected, though her voice betrayed a hint of irritation. She had seen that clip too, and it stirred something in her she didn't want to admit.

"It's not just a wink," another girl said, leaning in conspiratorially. "Felice doesn't wink at just anyone. And I heard there's some history between her and C.C."

Sherly's face twisted in disbelief. "What do you mean by history?" she demanded.

"They say C.C. used to work at a salon, and Felice frequented it to get her hair done — by him."

Mimi's heart sank, an unfamiliar pang of jealousy tightening in her chest.

Of course, she knew who Felice Richardson was — every girl did. And how could she, of all people, ever compare to someone like Felice?

She shook her head, trying to push the thought away. It wasn't like she wanted to compete for C.C.'s attention . . . or did she?

Sherly's voice cut through her thoughts. "I saw that video, and C.C. looked annoyed! That means he's not interested in her," she said stubbornly.

The others laughed, clearly enjoying the drama. "Yeah, right? That's what makes it even more romantic. Felice chasing after a guy for once, and him not giving her the time of day."

Mimi clenched her fists. She was getting tired of this conversation. "Okay, enough," she finally said, her tone sharp. "Let's just watch the episode, alright?"

For a while, the group settled down, momentarily distracted as they focused on the screen. But then another teaser flashed, and this time, it hit even harder.

The clip showed C.C. speaking softly to Rhea, one of the member of Radiance, a group under Spectrum's label.

Rhea was crying, her eyes red with emotion, and C.C. sat beside her, his expression gentle, his voice calming. The way he comforted her — it wasn't just kind, it was intimate. (thanks to the editing team)

Sherly's eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling as she watched the scene. "Why are there so many women around him?" she asked, her jealousy spilling out.

But Mimi's reaction was different. Her hands curled into fists, her jaw clenched tightly as she muttered under her breath, "That guy . . ."

The others exchanged amused looks. "So, is this guy, C.C," one of them laughed, "an oblivious womanizer or what?"