From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

"No touching!" June scolded Choi Pablo as he tried to touch his bare skin.

Pablo's mouth watered as he stared at the beauty in front of him. June's skin looked so white and silky that it appeared to have been painted by god himself. As his eyes traced down his body, they were drawn to his abdomen, which showcased a balance of muscular definition without excessive bulging. His toned abs were like finely chiseled marble but still maintaining a sense of elegance.

Then, his eyes strayed to his arms. They were not overly bulky, but the lean muscles beneath the skin proved his strength and grace. June's shoulders broadened his frame, and they provided a foundation for the rest of his physique. Yet, even with the broadness, they still preserved the beauty that complemented the entirety of his body.

For Choi Pablo, this was the perfect body.

And he couldn't wait to capture it with his camera.

"Wait," June said, covering the lens. Pablo looked at him with skepticism.

"What?" the photographer asked.

"You promise to post the truth on your account after this is over, right?"

"Yes, yes," Pablo said. "We've already gone through the terms. I signed a contract, too! I'm not going back on my words."

"You better," June said.

He was sacrificing his sanity for this half-naked shoot.

"Let's get this over and done with, then," June said, removing his hand from the lens and taking a step back. The light from the window hit his body perfectly, and Pablo quickly snapped a picture.

"Don't post this too, alright?" June warned.

"I know," Pablo said. "This is for my own enjoyment," he smirked, continuing to take pictures of June.

Pablo decided to continue speaking with June since he realized that the photos got awkward when June was aware of the camera.

June, in his natural state, was definitely the best version of June.

"So, what made you change your mind?" Pablo asked. "I thought you didn't want to do a half-naked shoot."

"I'm still uncomfortable with it," June said, but Pablo begs to differ. He looked great in these photos!

"But in the end, this is the best way to convince you to post the truth about your parents."

"You're right," Pablo smirked. "I'm glad I refused your offer a few days ago."

June clicked his tongue. "What about you? What made you change your mind? I thought you didn't want to be associated with your parents anymore."

"Hmm," Pablo hummed. "Honestly, I thought long and hard about it. I can never get away from my parents until I acknowledge their presence in my life. It always feels like I'm hiding a dark secret, and right now, I just want to be honest. I know some people would hate me for it, but I already have an established career, unlike you."

"By revealing this, I'd finally get to live a life of true freedom. Besides, my parents are in jail as of the moment. They're probably going to pay the bail and start a new life in an unknown European country, but at least I'll be free from them now…both in public and private. I've blocked my mother too, by the way."

June let out a deep sigh. "So, you would have revealed the truth even if I didn't propose a half-naked photoshoot?"

Pablo smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! This is one great bonus, though."

"Fuck this," June muttered. Although it was too late to back down now.

"I think that's enough now," June said, picking his shirt from the floor and quickly wearing it.

Pablo sighed in disappointment but didn't feel too bad since he already got what he wanted.

Having these photos in his archive was already enough to make the rest of his year.

He clicked through the photos with a Cheshire grin, and June looked at him weirdly.

However, June's thoughts were cut off when he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket.

June retrieved his phone from his pocket and looked at the caller ID.

'Unknown.'

He frowned. Who would be calling him during this time? He never recalled giving his number away to anyone.

Except for one person…

June quickly pressed the answer button and placed the phone against his ear.

"Hello?" he said.

"Choi Joon-ho?"

June smirked when he recognized the voice behind the phone.

Cindy Jung. You called, huh?

"Yes, this is June speaking."

Cindy sighed, then June heard what seemed to be bickering through the phone. June's eyebrows furrowed when the bickers began sounding like they were mixed with some squeals.

"Are you okay?" June asked.

Cindy cleared his throat, her voice becoming crystal clear. "Everything is alright."

"So, why'd you call?"

"Yesterday," Cindy said through gritted teeth. "I believe I didn't give you a fair chance to explain your situation. So, I am giving you a chance to tell your side, and I'll see what I'll be able to do with it."

A soft smile played on June's lips.

"Set the meeting place and time."

"Come to the interview room in the Azure building. Come at 1 p.m. sharp. No delays, and make sure you don't get caught," she strictly said.

"Interview room, 1 p.m., got it. I'll see you there."

There was yet another set of squeals from Cindy's end, but before June could ask what was going on, Cindy quickly ended the call.

June smirked as he placed his phone back into his pocket.

"So, I'll post your headshots along with an explanation later, am I right?" Pablo asked, making June turn around and face the crazy photographer.

"Hmm?" June asked.

"The photos and the truth?" Pablo repeated. "I'll have Esther arrange a post to be revealed on my account later in the night. I'll make sure to clear your name. That's what we agreed on, right?"

"Hold that thought," June said, placing his hand under his chin. "On another note, can you not post it tonight?"

Pablo frowned in confusion. "What? Then, how are you going to prove yourself to the public before the airing of the elimination episode? Won't it get worse if we delay it any further?"

"Trust me," June said with a smirk, causing Pablo to freeze.

'He's so handsome!'

"Okay," Pablo said without any hesitation. "I'll do what you say. When shall I post it then?"

"You're going to watch Rising Stars, right?" June asked.

"Wouldn't miss it for you!" Pablo exclaimed.

"Then, upload it as I go up to my seat. Don't upload it until then."