From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

In a wide lounge room, a group of ten rowdy boys gathered while they waited for the team rehearsals for the Abracadabra festival. They had arrived at the university by dawn, and now, the sun was already rising and seeping through the curtains.

However, despite feeling tired, the group of boys were rowdier than ever. In one corner, half of them were playing games while cursing at each other. Meanwhile, the other half were scrolling through their social media feeds.

"Have you guys seen these teasers?" Moon asked, opening his YouWatch account.

"You haven't even said the groups' names, but I already know who you're talking about," Sunwoo said, plopping next to him. "EVE's and OCTA's, am I right?"

"Yeah," Moon said. "They're the hottest topic right now. Their fans are already fighting when the two groups haven't even debuted yet."

Nico clicked his tongue and brought his phone down to look at his two other teammates. "We're the hottest topic right now!" he defended.

"Well, that's already a given," Jordan smirked, knowing the uproar he caused for taking off his shirt in their music video.

"Cocky bastard," Moon clicked his tongue. "Well, I haven't seen them since we've been so busy. Do you guys want to watch it right now?"

"Sure," Sunwoo said. "We still have half an hour tops before we're called for the team rehearsal."

Jordan nodded. "I'm curious, too."

Sunwoo went to OCTA's channel first, clicking on their only video. It already had more than a million views despite only being posted yesterday night.

Nico, who acted like he didn't care at first, intently watched Sunwoo's phone screen.

As the video played, an intense beat resonated in the room. Moon wasn't surprised since he expected that type of sound to come from a boy group. The fourth generation of male idols employed the experimental, hip-hop, intense sound that had a massive beat drop into their comebacks.

Moon couldn't criticize them for it, though.

It was definitely a recipe for success.

And since these boys were from Esper Entertainment, their success was already 75% secured.

"It sounds good," Jordan said.

"That's all you have to say about it?" Sunwoo asked. "I think it's fire."

"Yeah," Jordan shrugged. "You know I don't like dark songs like this."

"Yeah," Nico chuckled. "That's why you aren't fond of our comeback this time, too."

Jordan smiled. "What can I say? I like songs by girl groups better."

"Taste," Moon said. "Well, I guess you'll like EVE's song better then. I've seen their teaser photos and saw they were employing a beach concept."

"I was almost jealous of their concept," Sunwoo said. "I want to get wet and play on the beach too."

"Stop yapping and play their teaser," Nico said, turning serious.

Moon chuckled and shook his head. "I thought you didn't care about them?"

Nico clicked his tongue and clicked their video instead.

Although the two groups' concepts were similar to each other—being they both involved nature and hot boys under the sun. The sound of their music was a stark contrast.

EVE's sound was much lighter—perfectly fit for the hot weather.

However, it couldn't be denied that since it was on the lighter side, it didn't leave as big of an impact as OCTA did.

"I like it," Jordan said, putting his thumbs out to show his approval.

"As expected from a girl group stan," Moon said. "It does sound pretty nice. I just wish it had…more? I don't know. I think it's lacking something."

"Well, it's just a teaser. There are songs whose teasers are better than the actual songs. On the contrary, some songs are better than their teasers. The second one, in my opinion, is much better," Jordan pointed out.

"Well, we didn't get to watch any of their performances a while back, so I guess we'll have to wait until their debut date," Moon said.

Just then, someone knocked on their door, causing Nico to groan in annoyance.

"Don't tell me another rookie group is going to give their albums to us. I'm tired!" he exclaimed.

Jordan glared at him and went to fetch the door. "Act nice," he told the other boys.

He was expecting yet another rookie group to greet their team and hand them their album. However, much to his surprise, only one person was seen outside the door.

A pink-haired individual.

The others perked up when they saw June standing in their doorway. He had a nonchalant look on his face while clutching a small notebook.

"June?" Jordan asked in surprise.

"June?" Nico asked, frowning. "What is he doing here?"

He still couldn't forget how Mimi looked at June during the finale of Rising Stars. So, since then, he's held a prejudice against the rookie idol.

Nico smirked and stood from the couch, heading over to the door and resting his elbow against Jordan's shoulder, looking smug as ever.

His other teammates held in their laughter while watching Nico act tough.

Nico felt his ego rise as he looked at June.

He felt pretty down after Mimi rejected him for the hundredth time; but now, seeing June in front of their door, probably wanting an autograph from their team, boosted his ego.

Although, he couldn't deny that this June guy was much more handsome up close. Nico felt pretty threatened, but he made sure not to show it.

"I see that the center of EVE has graced us with his presence," Nico said. "Why did you come here, huh? Did you want us to sign your debut album for good luck?" he asked, chuckling.

"Come on, hand me your album so I can sign it for you."

Nico confidently held out his hand, but June merely looked at it.

"Our album comes out in two days," June deadpanned. "So, I don't have a copy right now. If you want, you can pre-order it online or line-up to buy it in music stores."

"Huh?" Nico asked, confused.

"Your album has been released, right?" June asked. "If you want, I can sign that for you."

"What?" Nico repeated, looking offended.

By this time, Moon and Sunwoo couldn't hold in their laughter. June's personality was definitely fresh for an idol!

"Why the hell would I want your autograph?" Nico asked.

"Oh," June said. "Alright then."

Jordan cleared his throat and pushed Nico to the side. "Umm, hi, June! It's a pleasure to meet you. You were one of my favorites during Rising Stars."

"Thank you, senior," June bowed.

Jordan chuckled and patted June's shoulder. "No need for that. Just call me Jordan."

"Alright…Jordan."

"What made you come here?" Jordan asked.

June showed him his small notebook and pen. The notebook was embedded with pink, sparkly details since he got it from a young intern. The pen was pink, too.

"Well, that's…nice," Jordan awkwardly chuckled. "I'm guessing you like pink."

"It was the only one available. I just need your autograph," June said, handing him the notebook and pen.

Nico went to Jordan's side once more, scoffing in disbelief.

"See! You wanted our autographs in the first place," he said, about to take the notebook and pen from June. However, June quickly retreated his hand and shook his head.

"Not you…Just Jordan," he personally placed them in Jordan's hand.

Although a bit confused, Jordan signed the pink sparkly notebook.

With that, June took the notebook and pen from him and bowed 90 degrees.

"Thank you, Jordan," he nonchalantly said. "Thank you, seniors," he bowed to the other members except for Nico.

And just like that, he went on his way.

Nico, who still couldn't believe he had just been snubbed by an idol who hadn't even debuted, snapped out of his trance when June finally left.

He clenched his teeth in anger.

"That cheeky bastard!"