Cain shook his head. "What's his deal?"
Riku hesitated before replying, rubbing the back of his neck. "Apparently . . . you've become a meme again, C.C."
Cain raised an eyebrow. "A meme? What for this time?"
Riku sighed, trying to suppress a smile. "Well . . . you know, the whole thing with Felice. People are saying you're 'too cool to care' after she winked at you, and it's kinda .
. . blowing up online."
Cain sighed, half frustrated and half annoyed. "Great. Just what I needed."
=== ???? ===
Even though Episode 3 hadn't aired yet, the RRR production team knew exactly how to keep the buzz going.
They dropped a slick, edited teaser — just a few seconds of pure drama — but it was enough to light up the fanbase.
The highlight? Felice, the star of the show, throwing a perfectly timed wink in C.C.s direction.
It was a calculated move, designed to stir up controversy and fan theories. The moment had fans losing their minds, some claiming it was a sign of something deeper, while others were convinced it was just for show.
Either way, the production team had achieved their goal: ensuring that the internet would be hyping the show day in and day out, fueling debates and making sure Rising Radiance Revolution stayed on everyone's radar.
That wink was a spark, and now the whole fanbase was set on fire.
ThatGuy: "Did You See Felice Wink at C.C.?!"
CCFallacyFan: "Ugh, seriously? Felice deserves better than some guy like C.C. He's so arrogant, always thinking he can coast through just because he's got a bit of charm. That wink meant nothing, she's just being polite."
"Though I kinda miss having roommates," Leo chuckled, stretching out. "By the way, you're a hot topic right now, thanks to Felice."
Cain resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Everyone's making a big deal out of nothing. You should focus on your music instead of lazing around."
Leo laughed it off, but his tone shifted as he muttered under his breath, barely audible. "It's fine . . . I'll probably be done after the next episode anyway."
Cain paused for a second but chose not to comment, heading to the bathroom instead. He needed a break from all the noise.
=== ???? ===
Later that afternoon, the trainees stood in line outside the empty hall, waiting for their one-on-one session with Raneisha. The atmosphere was buzzing with nervous energy, though Cain remained as stoic as ever.
Leo, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement.
"I still can't believe we're having one on one sessions with Raneisha," Leo said, his eyes wide with excitement. "The woman who's been my crush since I saw her on TV! It's like a dream come true."
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Cain frowned, crossing his arms. "You're idolizing her too much."
Leo gave him a side-eye. "Dude, you have no idea. Being this close to someone that beautiful would fluster any of us mere mortals. I mean, she's the Raneisha. And you — you're just standing here like it's no big deal."
Cain's expression remained stone cold. "I'm not here to be starstruck. I'm here to become an idol, nothing more."
Leo blinked, surprised. "Damn. The self-control on you, man. I'm actually a little jealous."
Cain didn't respond, his mind still holding a quiet grudge against the woman. Sure, she was famous and objectively beautiful, but all he could think about was the fact that she kicked him in the groin during their first encounter.
The memory still stung, and not just physically.