From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

Jay watched EVE's performance backstage, smiling at the group of boys. Training with them in Rising Stars and now seeing them perform in front of an eager audience made him feel like a proud dad.

"They grew up so well," he said, wiping a lone tear from the corner of his eyes.

June turned around as he waited for his part in the bridge, still dancing along with his members.

Jay's eyes met with June's for a second, so he waved at him enthusiastically like a fan.

However, it seemed like June was preoccupied with his thoughts since he didn't acknowledge Jay.

But then, the craziest thing happened.

Jay's smile quickly dropped when a bright, white aura suddenly emanated from June. His features, which were originally very handsome already, became even more…captivating?

Jay's mouth slightly went agape as he continued to stare at June.

He rubbed his eyes to determine if he was hallucinating, but he definitely wasn't.

Jay felt a sense of deja vu. It felt like he had seen this once before during their time in Rising Stars!

"I'm going crazy," he whispered.

Jay couldn't take his eyes off of him even after he had already turned around.

Yunha, who was watching Zeth dance in the center, sighed dreamily with her hands clasped in front of her chest. He was the first love she had always wanted!

However, the chorus quickly ended, and Zeth stepped back, making way for the member in charge of the bridge.

June faced the audience while his members surrounded him. There was an audible gasp as the music mellowed down, and June sang hia linwa.

"My first love, a dagger, sharp and deep.

A wound of innocence I tried to keep.

Yet in the pain, a lesson learned,

A chapter in the book of love turned."

His pink hair cascaded down his shoulders like a midnight waterfall, framing a face that was sculpted by the gods themselves. His eyes were hypnotic, and they caught the sunlight, making it gleam with radiance.

June's features were a delicate balance between the demonic and angelic. His sharp jawline and piercing gaze set the students' hearts ablaze while his lips curved into a subtle smile.

"I still cherish our first embrace,

A memory of a simple space.

Where your smile could conquer, heal, and break.

You are my favorite mistake."

The sound of June's voice filled the hall, a velvety melody that wrapped around the audience like a warm embrace.

Yunha felt her heart quicken its pace, an unexpected reaction that left her momentarily stunned.

"What the hell?" she muttered, her eyes locked on June even after he left the center.

"What is this?" she continued to ask.

Again, Yunha had never considered June as her bias before. However, right now, he seemed…different.

There was a magnetic force emanating from him, and as he smiled at the audience, Yunha found herself captivated.

It seemed like she wasn't alone, though,

The rose-tinted glasses manifested among many in the audience, casting a warm hue over their perception of June.

"That's the guy who said he loves balls in the cheese ball commercial?"

"Now, why is he so handsome?"

"I thought my grandma was crazy for liking him. Now, I fully get it."

"He's such a bad actor but such a good performer!"

"I think I love him."

Yunha, however, was definitely the most affected out of all.

'Maybe I should have taken his offer on the signature.'

Meanwhile, Yoonhee didn't think it was possible to fall for June even more. However, here she was, speechless as she stared at June.

The song had already ended, and EVE was already saying their goodbyes, but all she could hear was a love song playing in the back of her mind.

Jaekyung watched her and shook his head.

'I have no chance, don't I?' he thought.

***

EVE made their way backstage, and they were congratulated by the staff members of School Invasion as well as the workers of the school. The teachers and administrators all flocked toward them, wanting to take a picture with the handsome idol group.

June's popularity was definitely the highest among the older generation (as expected).

However, today, his popularity has also transcended to the younger generation, with most of the students searching him up on their phones.

Jay watched from the sidelines, his gaze still focused on June.

He placed his hand under his chin and thought intensely about his sudden improvement in the visual department.

June felt his gaze, so he walked toward Jay.

"What's wrong?" June asked. "Is there something on my face?"

"Handsomeness," Jay absent-mindedly said.

June's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Jay quickly caught himself and cleared his throat.

"Nothing," he awkwardly answered, feeling giddy under June's gaze. "You did really well just now."

June showed a small smile. "Thanks," he said.

June's mind was actually in another place while he was performing. No matter how hard he tried to concentrate on their performance, he couldn't shake off what he witnessed a while back.

Minjun.

June thought he was merely going through puberty, but now, there was definitely something else going on.

Was he being bullied?

If so, how long has he been enduring this?

June's heart ached with the thought of Minjun suffering, and he wanted nothing more but to take all of Minjun's pain to himself.

June looked down at the ground and shook his head. He had definitely grown more attached to the little kid than he had ever imagined.

"Hey, Jay," June said, capturing his attention. "Do we have something to do after this one?"

"Not that I know of," Jay said. "I do have a meeting with the higher-ups for an impending project for the group. Why?"

"So, it's a free day?" June asked.

"Kind of," Jay responded. "But I would suggest staying in the dorms since I'm not around. You guys should rest since you'll be very busy once this project is confirmed."

"I see," June vaguely said.

Jay narrowed his eyes suspiciously at June.

"Why?" he asked.

"Nothing," June innocently smiled.