When Cain and Fifi arrived at Cross's hideout, he strode purposefully to his room, shutting the door with a decisive click. He hung a sign outside that read: [Do Not Disturb!].
"Time to uncover my hidden talent," Cain muttered to himself, not entirely thrilled about the prospect of discovering anything new about himself, especially related to entertainment.
Fifi was savoring her ice cream, and couldn't suppress her joy. "I'm glad you're finally taking this seriously," she said, a satisfied smile on her lips despite her stony expression.
"I don't have a choice. Might as well tackle this head-on," Cain replied, his mind racing through possibilities. Fighting was a natural skill for him, but it wasn't exactly idol material unless he ventured into sports.
"Mmm~ . . . What is this delightfully sweet, creamy thing that just melted in my mouth?" Fifi asked, relishing her ice cream.
"It's called ice cream," Cain said in a bored tone. "Is this your first time on Earth?"
"Technically, I just became an idol goddess, so yes, this is my first time on Earth."
"Figures," Cain replied, a slight smirk curling his lips.
"Did you just insult me?" Fifi asked, her smile tight and eyes narrowing.
Cain ignored her. "Okay, so what kind of idol am I going to be again?"
Fifi forgot her initial anger and tilted her head. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"There are all kinds of idols, right? What am I going to be?" Cain explained, starting to doubt Fifi's abilities. "There's singing, music, celebrity, modeling, or something. There's just too many."
"Oh, you mean . . ." Fifi snickered, her face tightening to the point it almost appeared creepy. "Since your little brain doesn't seem to comprehend the extent of my explanation, I will elaborate it to you in simple terms."
Cain wanted to crush Fifi in his hand if he could. Nobody insulted him so many times and got away with it. If only he could do so without a trip to hell.
Fifi finished her ice cream before she cleared her throat. "Okay, listen up. The universe has picked you specifically from this dimension out of the millions out there. So it's obvious that you're not just going to be an ordinary idol, but you're going to be THE idol! The ultimate star!"
Cain sighed. She's the idiot one. "Like I said, in what genre exactly? It would help me narrow down this hidden talent that I probably don't have."
Fifi clicked her tongue and wiggled her finger. "Tsk, tsk. Your brain is really close when it comes to this stuff, huh? Don't worry, I, Fifi the Idol-Idol Goddess, will break that stony brain of yours so it can start thinking again!"
Cain swore he would go bald if he continued to interact with this little devil. "That's why I'm asking . . ."
Fifi pressed her little finger onto Cain's lips, shutting him up before saying seriously, "Listen up, Cain. If you still don't get it, then allow me to iron this into your head. You will become the brightest star there is. That means you will excel in every genre in showbiz! Be it singing, dancing, acting, modeling, or even picking your nose, all those should be perfected and elegantly done by you."
Cain looked Fifi dead in the eyes. "Is there such a human being like that." He was definitely going to die before he could perfect all those things she said.
"Fufufu~ Don't worry. With me here and the idol points with you, you can reach that level of perfection in no time." She paused and doubled over at Cain. "Maybe some time . . ."
"So how am I supposed to know my hidden talent again? Where do I start?" Cain asked.
"You're taking this fairly too well," Fifi was surprised.
"I have no choice in the matter, so I might as well do it fast and get it done and over with."
"I like that mindset, but don't rush things. Sometimes enjoying the process is the way to go."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." How could he enjoy the process when he didn't even want to become an idol in the first place?
"Why don't we start with singing first? Since it's the easiest," Fifi said. "Anybody could sing. Even babies could sing. Now try it."
Cain opened his mouth but then closed it again. He opened his mouth, but no voice pushed through his lungs.
"What's the matter?" Fifi asked, baffled. "Don't you know how to sing?"
Cain's face crunched into a tight line.
"What's with that constipated look? Come on, sing already. You're wasting daylight."
"Stop pressuring me!" Cain yelled.
"Huh? Is that how you're supposed to talk to your esteemed mentor?" Fifi smiled, then flicked Cain's forehead.
Cain yelped in pain and crouched down.
Meanwhile outside, the gang members were all awake now, and drinking booze to get rid of their hangovers. They were munching on some grilled pork and chicken when they heard Cain's screams.
"What's going on with the boss?"
"Does his head hurt that much?"
Joker laughed and flicked a cigarette into his mouth. "He's probably cursing someone on his phone."
"It's rare for the boss to raise his voice like that. He's always composed and silent."
"Ohohoho! Cain sometimes lets out steam like that if he's really mad," Bones said.
"I wonder what could possibly make the boss mad?"
"Yeah. I want to see it. Nobody's seen him mad except for you two."
Joker shrugged. "Leave it alone. You don't want to see him mad."
"Ohohoho. Don't ever go into his room if he puts up that sign of 'Do Not Disturb,'" Bones chuckled, then his eyes narrowed. "Or you'll die."
The other members gulped.
While Cain struggled to get out the first syllable of a song he didn't even know how to sing, Fifi watched with growing frustration.
"Just pick a song already. At this rate, even the ABCs will do," Fifi said, having had enough of Cain's indecisiveness.
Cain paused, the tightness in his face loosening a little before he smacked his hand against his palm. "Ah, right. That would do."
Fifi wanted to hit him a second time. "Don't you have any song memorized at all?"
Instead of answering, Cain took a deep breath and cleared his throat. He opened his mouth, and Fifi stopped berating him, her expression turning serious as she waited for Cain's singing voice.
". . . ABCD . . . jkskjdf*skreech*kjsd . . ."
"STOP!"