Gangster to Idol

"You sure know a lot," Cain remarked, glancing at Riku.

Riku laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I did watch all the seasons of RRR, so . . . yeah."

Just then, the intercom buzzed to life. "Trainees, get ready. In 30 minutes, please be present in the dining hall."

"Yes! Finally, food!" Riku cheered, practically bouncing with excitement.

After a quick shower and a change into fresh clothes, Cain stepped out of the bathroom, feeling more composed. But something caught his attention. Leo and Damien were nowhere to be seen. "Where are the others?" he asked, scanning the room.

"They've already headed down," Riku replied, but his gaze drifted toward C.C.s outfit. "Why are you wearing long sleeves and pants? Aren't you hot?"

Cain shrugged casually, adjusting his cuffs. "We've got air conditioning."

"Yeah, but . . ." Riku glanced down at his own clothes — just a plain white T-shirt and yellow shorts— then back at C.C.s more formal attire. "We're just going to the cafeteria. It's not like a red-carpet event."

"Doesn't matter. Let's go." Cain waved off the comment, avoiding any mention of the tattoos hidden beneath his sleeves. He wasn't in the mood to explain.

Riku, oblivious to Cain's reasons, simply nodded and followed as they headed out.

Riku and Cain stepped into the elevator, which hummed as it ascended to the upper floor where the dining hall and cafeteria were located. As they stood quietly, the elevator dinged, and two girls entered — Lina from Sapphire and Rhea from Radiance.

Riku instantly gasped, his eyes widening, while Cain instinctively edged back into the corner, trying his hardest to avoid any accidental contact. The mere proximity of the two girls made his skin crawl, memories of past trauma surfacing as he fought to keep his composure.

Both girls glanced over, flashing warm smiles at Riku and C.C.

"Hello," they greeted in unison. Lina's innocent charm was highlighted by her sweet smile, porcelain skin, and golden hair, while Rhea exuded maturity, with dark curly hair, a small face, large dark cat eyes, and deep brown skin. The contrast between them was striking.

"H-H-Hi," Riku stammered, swallowing hard as his face flushed crimson with embarrassment. His heart raced, his words tangled in his throat.

The girls chuckled softly before turning to chat among themselves, as more trainees crowded into the elevator.

Fifi appeared at Cain's side, her tone light and teasing. "Looks like the girls' dorm is just upstairs from the guys'. Interesting, huh?"

"I don't care," Cain replied through gritted teeth, his thoughts kept private.

Fifi grinned mischievously. "Oh? You're really not curious why that is?"

"Not interested."

Fifi couldn't help but explain anyway. "It's because the production team loves romance between trainees. Drama, romance, tension — it's all perfect for boosting views, especially when they end up on opposite sides later on."

"Don't get it," Cain muttered, dismissing her words with a wave of his hand. He wasn't here for a reality show plot — he had bigger problems to focus on.

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As the elevator continued to rise, Cain noticed the whispers around him.

"Isn't he hot in all those clothes?"

"He must be hiding something under those sleeves and pants."

"Scars?"

"Who knows. We're just eating, and he looks like he's headed to a formal party."

They snickered softly, but Cain's expression remained impassive. He couldn't care less about their opinions. His tattoos and the secrets they covered weren't up for anyone's discussion.

Finally, the elevator dinged again, and the doors slid open to reveal a grand hall.

Contrary to what the trainees had expected, a lavish buffet spread awaited them in the spacious dining area, gleaming under the soft lighting like an oasis of indulgence.

The dining hall that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting soft, shimmering light across the room.

The walls were lined with intricate wood paneling, polished to a gleaming finish, while lush velvet curtains in deep crimson framed floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline at sunset.

The tables, made from dark mahogany, were set with fine china and silverware that sparkled under the warm glow.

A grand buffet stretched across the center of the hall, laden with the most luxurious and exotic dishes. Towering silver trays displayed roasted meats—lamb, duck, and beef tenderloin—perfectly cooked and resting in rich, aromatic gravies.

Next to them, platters of fresh seafood glistened in the light, from plump lobsters and oysters on ice to delicate slices of sashimi arranged like works of art. Crystal bowls brimmed with caviar, each tiny bead a glossy black or bright orange.

There were cheeses from every corner of the world, their pungent aromas blending with the scent of freshly baked bread from the nearby station, where golden loaves were stacked high.

A mountain of fresh fruits — vibrant mangoes, papayas, and berries — added color to the lavish spread.

And then there were the desserts — extravagant chocolate sculptures, towering cakes layered with creams and drizzled with caramel, and delicate pastries filled with rich custards and fruits.

A fountain of liquid chocolate stood in the center, surrounded by trays of strawberries, marshmallows, and other treats ready to be dipped.

The entire scene was a feast for the eyes and senses, an opulent display that made even the most seasoned trainee pause in awe.

"W-what is this . . . ?" the trainees murmured, baffled and wide-eyed as they took in the grand feast laid before them.

"There was nothing like this in previous seasons of RRR," someone muttered, still in disbelief. "What's going on all of a sudden?"

All eyes slowly drifted toward Cain, his formal attire suddenly making perfect sense in contrast to their casual t-shirts and shorts, which now seemed embarrassingly out of place in such a lavish setting.

"Welcome, trainees!" boomed a voice overhead, the hosts' familiar energy filling the air. "We can tell you're all surprised by this extravagant buffet we've prepared for you."

"That's right!" another host chimed in, their tone playful. "This is a special, off-camera event! Unlike previous seasons, we've hidden this from you to make tonight extra special."

"Tonight, there are no cameras!" the first host continued. "We want you to relax, enjoy, and indulge in your last proper meal as trainees. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves to your heart's content!"

Cain's grin widened, the word booze ringing in his mind like a victory bell. "Now that's more like it!"

Riku, eyes sparkling with excitement, couldn't peel his gaze away from the mountains of dessert. "Look at all this! It's insane!"

Without a second thought, the two rushed toward the dining tables, grabbing plates and piling them high with everything they could reach — succulent meats, exotic seafood, buttery bread, and desserts that looked too perfect to eat.

Laughter and chatter filled the room as more trainees dove into the feast, the earlier tension replaced with joy and indulgence. It wasn't long before the once-pristine buffet was reduced to empty platters, the trainees reveling in every bite, knowing that the harsh diets and grueling routines were just around the corner.

That night, they all ate and drank like kings, filling themselves to the brim with food and alcohol, enjoying the fleeting moment of freedom before their intense journey as trainees truly began.