Gangster to Idol

Mimi's gaze hardened as she stared at the screen, refusing to answer.

Something about seeing C.C. like that—so gentle, so understanding, with someone else—made her stomach twist.

She didn't want to admit it, but seeing him care so deeply for another girl stirred feelings she couldn't quite control.

Sheryl wiped her eyes, and the room filled with uneasy silence. The drama was no longer just on the screen—it was right there, simmering between them.

"That guy C.C. attracts so many maidens and snatches their hearts like a devilish charmer," one of their friends quipped, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Mimi rolled her eyes, unable to keep the annoyance from creeping into her expression. She pushed herself off the couch and made her way to the counter, desperately seeking a moment to hide her growing jealousy.

Why did it bother her so much?

It wasn't like she had any claim on C.C.—but watching him comfort Rhea so tenderly made her heart twist in a way she couldn't quite understand.

"It's not like that," she muttered under her breath, trying to quell the rising tide of frustration. "You know how they edit everything for drama."

Sheryl nodded vigorously. "That woman was having an emotional breakdown, and C.C. was just comforting her. He's the kind of man who steps up in those moments. Gentle and kind-hearted. If anything, she must be taking advantage of his compassion."

There was a fierce protectiveness in Sheryl's voice that made Mimi's heart swell, yet it also filled her with a sense of dread.

Was she really prepared to compete with her friend over a man they didn't know well?

The others exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to a more serious note. They pressed their lips together, sealing any further comments that could ignite the tension simmering between the friends. It was a silent agreement, a pact to refrain from stirring the pot even further.

The air in the room was thick with unspoken feelings and unshed tears.

Mimi could feel the weight of their shared sentiments, the way they all admired C.C. and how it complicated their friendship. In that moment, she wished for clarity, for peace.

But jealousy and uncertainty loomed, and as she caught her reflection in the countertop, she barely recognized the girl staring back at her.

===🎶===

Days rolled by, and at last, the long-anticipated day of the fourth episode arrived. This time, there were no points to earn, no fashion statements to make, and no dance routines to rely on. It was all about their voices, the raw talent that would carry them to the next stage.

Leo paced back and forth, his anxiety palpable in the air. Each step seemed to echo his rising fears, and the tension etched on his face was unmistakable.

Despite being an influencer with only a mediocre voice and slightly above-average dancing skills, this moment felt monumental. They were about to be judged by none other than Raneisha, the very icon they had revered during training, whose lessons had been invaluable in refining their vocal prowess.

But what would she be like as a judge? Would she uphold the same standards she preached, or be lenient wit them? What if she was like Felice as a judge? That would be a nightmare for most of them!

Leo's mind spiraled with doubt, and the uncertainty gnawed at him.

"Calm down, Leo," Cain attempted to comfort him, but it fell on deaf ears.

"I'm really not good at this, C.C. I think this is the end of the line for me." His voice trembled, and defeat hung heavy on his face.

"Come on, the war hasn't even started yet, and you're already feeling defeated?" Cain challenged, trying to ignite a flicker of confidence within Leo. "Where did all that confidence went?"

"I just can't . . ." Leo retreated a step, sinking into a chair as he gasped for breath, panic rising like a tide.

"Are you okay?" Riku was on them in an instant, concern etched across his features. "What's going on?"

"Anxiety," Leo admitted between shallow breaths, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's kicking in."

"D-do you have medicine?" Riku asked, his eyes widening in worry. "Wait, how about some plastic—uh, shit! I'll get the medic!"

"No need for that. This should be enough," Cain interjected, slapping a [Positive Pill] into Leo's mouth before he could protest.

With the pill lodged in his throat, Leo had no choice but to swallow it down.

"C.C., what did you just give him?" Riku asked, panic rising in his voice.

"Calm down. Just watch—it's already working."

As the sweet elixir coursed through him, Leo's demeanor shifted dramatically. A wave of positivity surged within, and in an instant, he shot to his feet, fists pumping the air as he grinned like a man possessed.

"Alright! Let's dominate this contest and advance to the next stage! I'm feeling sharp today, and I have a good feeling about this! I didn't even get a chance to shower and I'm still in my briefs from yesterday, but that's alright—they're my lucky charms now!" His laughter rang out, buoyant and carefree.

The onlookers nearby turned to him, their expressions twisted in disbelief. The women scampered away. The men looked at him with disgust. While the production team reveled in the unexpected drama unfolding.

Riku leaned in closer to Cain, whispering with suspicion, "What did you give him? You didn't slip him any illegal drugs, did you?"

"Illegal drugs? Please. It's just a normal positive candy," Cain replied nonchalantly, a playful smirk on his face. "The sweetness boosts our energy levels and activates our happy hormones."

Riku scratched his head. "I-is that so?"

With a mischievous grin, Cain stuck out his tongue and walked away.

He still have enough time to take a drag before the shows start so he went to the fire exit, where there was no cameras.

When he finally arrived, he found himself standing on the threshold, taking in the scene before him. Two figures were already present, seemingly engrossed in their conversation.

It was none other than Rhea and Lexter. They hadn't noticed him yet, and he seized the moment, creeping slowly closer to their loation.