A Slip of the Mask      

"C.C.?" Mimi frowned, turning her gaze to the man standing before her.

"You idiot! You forgot your wig!" Fifi hissed at Cain, her voice dripping with exasperation.

Cain's eyes widened in horror, and his hand shot up to his hair. "Oh, fuck!" he muttered under his breath, realizing his mistake.

"You're C.C., right?!" Sheryl asked again, her voice bubbling with excitement as she thrust her phone toward Cain. On the screen was a video of C.C., mid-dance, from his latest performance in a public park in District 1. "I'm a huge fan! I've been following you since your first video!"

Cain looked down at the screen, seeing his own face staring back at him, caught in a moment of effortless coolness that now seemed so far away from the chaos surrounding him.

"Sh-shit!" Cain's heart skipped a beat. He didn't even register Sheryl's excitement — his focus was entirely on Mimi. If she recognized him now, everything would fall apart!

What do I do?! Cain's mind raced, desperately trying to piece together a plan, but his brain short-circuited at a crucial moment!

"Calm down and just act like an idol!" Fifi's voice broke through his panic, sharp and clear.

An idol? Cain thought, his brain scrambling to remember every movie and video he'd ever seen. This was a matter of life and death — or at least, his reputation as a gangster — so he had no choice but to dive in and play the part.

Or else . . . Mimi would mock him for the rest of his life, and the fallout would be catastrophic once she exposed his double life to his friends. It would be his ultimate humiliation if others discovered his hidden identity! His reputation as a gangster boss would be torn apart and become the punchline of every joke among rival gangs.

Cain could already see his miserable life flash before his eyes if Mimi uncovered his secret.

Without even realizing it, his defensive instincts kicked in, and Cain slipped into character. He straightened his posture, a confident smile curving his lips. His eyes were sharp, but his features softened, effortlessly channeling the polished, charismatic aura of the idols he'd studied. He had to nail this — there was no room for error.

Within seconds, Cain's tough exterior and intimidating demeanor melted away, transforming into that of a mysterious yet indifferent character — one who was arguably more charismatic and refined than his gangster self.

"Yes, I am C.C. Are you ladies alright?" Cain asked, his voice taking on a softer, more polished tone.

Sheryl gasped, her eyes turning into hearts. "GyaaAah! It really is C.C.!"

For a moment, Mimi thought she was hallucinating. For a split second, she had actually believed it was Cain. But then again, Cain would never wear long sleeves, black pants, and leather shoes like him.

That man couldn't even style his hair properly and definitely wasn't this handsome. Cain's speech was harsh and unrefined nothing like this gentleman.

Mimi rubbed the space between her eyes. 'I must be too tired to even think that this man is anything like Cain. I mean, look at him!'

Mimi stared at the shining face of C.C. He seemed to be sparkling, practically blinding her! There was no way this man was Cain! she thought to herself.

"Can I get a picture with you?!" Sheryl was so excited that she hopped beside Cain, reaching for his arm, only for him to jerk away and swipe her hand aside.

"Don't touch me!" Cain snapped so suddenly that Sheryl flinched, and everyone, including Fifi, was stunned.

Mimi was speechless, her mouth hanging open in shock, while Sheryl's eyes welled up with tears. "I-I'm sorry . . ."

Off to the side, Fifi couldn't help but shake her head in disapproval. That was a strong reaction from Cain, and she wondered what that was all about. He never had a problem with men, so what was with his reaction to a woman just now?

But anyway, this could be a problem! He might lose a fan with his rash behavior! Fifi thought.

"You idiot, what are you doing?! That's a fan of yours! You can't treat them like that!" Fifi reprimanded.

Cain blinked, he just now realized what he had done, and his idol persona kicked in to save his face.

Without missing a beat, Cain gently grabbed Sheryl's hand and gave it a soft squeeze. "You might get your lovely hand dirty with blood," he murmured, his eyes sharp but his face so soft it could melt ice. "We don't want that . . ."

Sheryl nearly fainted on the spot, her cheeks flushing a deep red as she clutched Mimi for support, unable to form a single word. Her brain was overheating, and she forgot to function like a human being.

Cain casually put on his cloak and smiled at the ladies, his voice warm and gentle like a summer breeze. "Don't stay out too late, especially you two. You're far too beautiful to be wandering around especially at this hour."

Mimi nodded and bowed. "Thank you for saving us."

"Where do you live? I'll walk you home," Cain offered.

Mimi quickly shook her head. "No, it's fine. We can't possibly impose on you more than we already have. Besides, we're just a few blocks away from home."

Cain smiled. "Is that so? Then take care."

Mimi's breath hitched when she saw his smile. It wasn't genuine, she could feel that much. However, his features, usually so sharp and intimidating, softened in a way that made him look divine. With his chiseled jawline, piercing eyes, and thick brows that angled perfectly, his smile was almost illegal.

Mimi's heart raced as she hurriedly dragged the still-flustered Sheryl away. If she lingered any longer in that man's presence, she feared she might lose her sanity too. He had an undeniable allure, a magnetic charm that drew you in, and the deeper you gazed into his eyes, the more you felt yourself slipping into his grasp.

'How dangerous,' Mimi thought, refusing to steal one last glance at the man who called himself C.C. The intensity of his gaze was enough to make anyone lose their way, and she couldn't shake the feeling that if she looked back again, she might never escape.

Cain watched them go until their shadows disappeared into the night. Only then did he bolt to the nearest trash bin and puke his guts out.

Fifi was taken aback by his reaction. "Hey, what's the matter with you? Are you alright?" she asked, noticing Cain's pale face and the sweat beading on his skin.

He was even trembling as he ripped off his gloves and tossed them into the bin.

"Y-you . . ." Fifi's eyes widened in realization. "Don't tell me you can't stand touching women?!"