Gangster to Idol

The first part of the show wrapped up, and the contestants finally had their chance to escape the spotlight and retreat to their assigned rooms.

However, even in their temporary havens, the cameras were ever-present, capturing every moment.

Each room was fitted with hidden lenses and microphones, ensuring no detail went unnoticed — except, of course, for the bathroom and changing rooms, which offered a rare respite from the relentless gaze of the production team.

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The walls of the contestant dorms were lined with discreet cameras, each one meticulously positioned to catch every nuance of the interactions that unfolded within these spaces.

The cameras were a constant reminder of the stakes at play; they recorded everything from the whispered conversations to the heated arguments, the moments of camaraderie to the whispered secrets.

Drama was their main selling point and it was where drama had the most ratings.

In one room, tensions flared as two contestants argued over the coveted top bunk. Their voices rose in frustration, their tempers flaring over the trivial matter, but the cameras caught every heated exchange, documenting the clash of personalities.

In another room, a surprising alliance formed as the contestants huddled together, their shared experiences creating bonds that were as genuine as they were strategic. Laughter echoed through the hallways as they shared stories and formed plans, their camaraderie creating a stark contrast to the tension elsewhere.

The production team, observed every cameras with keen interest. They noted the potential for increased conflict and deeper interactions if the contestants were paired into groups of four.

The dynamics promised a fertile ground for drama, providing an opportunity to amplify the intensity and capture even more of the raw emotions that defined the competition.

As the contestants settled into their new rooms, the anticipation built. The air was thick with the unspoken question: who would end up rooming with whom?

The decision was more than just a matter of convenience — it was a strategic move that would influence alliances, spark rivalries, and potentially change the course of the competition.

With the cameras rolling and every interaction under scrutiny, the stage was set for even greater drama. The production team was ready to capture every twist and turn, every betrayal and bond, as the contestants navigated their new living arrangements in the quest for fame and glory.

"C.C., we're in the same room!" Riku's eyes lit up as C.C. entered the room.

"Looks like it," Cain shrugged nonchalantly, heading straight for the lower bunk.

"Uh . . . I'm actually supposed to take that bed," Riku said with a hesitant tone.

"You should take the upper bunk," Cain told him casually, showing no intention of moving. He preferred the lower one — it made late-night trips to the bathroom far easier.

Riku scratched his head, thinking it over. "B-but . . ."

Cain pointed to the other set of bunks across the room. "Why not take that one?"

"There's already a trainee using it," Riku replied, still unsure.

With a sigh, Cain put a hand on Riku's shoulder, giving him a serious look. "Riku, do you know how I got this tall?"

"Uh . . . vitamins?"

Cain leaned in, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Nope. It's because every day, I jumped from my room on the second floor to the ground floor. Every. Single. Day.

My bones got stronger, and I grew taller because of it."

"R-really?" Riku's eyes sparkled with excitement. "If I jump every day, even though I'm already nineteen, I can still grow taller?"

Cain nodded with deadpan seriousness. "Absolutely. Everyone jumps on New Year's hoping to grow taller, right? It's the same idea. I'm doing you a favor here, man."

"R-right!" Riku beamed, quickly tossing his duffle bag onto the top bunk. "I'll take the upper bunk, then!"

"That's the spirit," Cain smirked, already organizing his things in his locker while sticking out his tongue when Riku wasn't looking.

From the sidelines, Fifi sighed, her tiny voice echoing in Cain's mind. "Poor kid. You should really stop taking advantage of his naivety."

Cain chuckled internally. "What? There's some truth to what I said."

At that moment, the bathroom door swung open, revealing none other than Leo Kim, the influencer with six million followers, known for his viral dance covers and daily vlogs. His performance had earned him 27 points in the audition rankings, especially in the dance category.

"Hello, my shining stars!" Leo greeted with a bright smile, looking fresh in a crisp white shirt and black pants. "I'm Leo Kim, one of your roommates. I hope we can all get along!"

Riku practically leaped at the chance to shake Leo's hand, his face lit up with admiration.

Cain, however, remained more reserved, exchanging a few polite words before retreating into his corner of the room. But before the conversation could go any further, the door opened again, this time revealing Damien — one of the star trainees from Inferno, Blaze Entertainment's most promising group.

Damien scanned the room with a disinterested look before trudging over to the last available bunk.

"You're Damien, right?" Leo wasted no time, sidling up to him with a bright smile. "I'm Leo Kim. I have six million followers on BuzzVid."

At the mention of followers, Damien's previously gruff demeanor shifted. His expression softened, and he exchanged pleasantries with Leo, completely ignoring Cain and Riku in the process.

"Looks like he won't talk to you unless you've got six million followers," Fifi whispered slyly in Cain's mind.

Cain shrugged, not particularly bothered. But as he glanced around, something else caught his attention — cameras. A lot of them. "Are they seriously going to film us while we sleep?"

"It's not just here," Riku said, gesturing toward the corners of the room where small, discreet cameras were nestled. "They're everywhere. The only places without them are the changing rooms and bathrooms."

Cain frowned. "This is supposed to be a private area, though."

Riku let out a chuckle. "There's nothing private about this, except for the bathroom and changing room. All the other spaces? Cameras everywhere."

Cain's irritation grew. Where was he supposed to smoke and drink? The realization hit him hard, and Fifi's laughter echoed in his mind.

"Its because of the drama of course," Riku explained. "In the shared spaces of the competition house, tensions run high, leading to dramatic confrontations.

"In the living rooms, contestants clash over prime seating and form secret alliances, creating jealousy and suspicion. The recreational rooms become battlegrounds for competitive games, with personal space invasions and romantic tensions adding to the drama.

"In the gym, rivalries emerge over training routines and public shaming. The kitchen sees conflicts over cooking duties, clean-up responsibilities, and food theft. Outdoor spaces also become sites of contention, with arguments over sunbathing spots, noise levels, and group activities. Each area becomes a stage for intense interactions, fueling the competition's high drama."