From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

As the boys were practicing for their concert that was set to kick off by the start of next year, Jay burst through the doors with a wide smile.

The boys turned to each other and groaned. With that wide of a smile, they knew he was bound to announce more of their schedules.

"Oh, come on," Jay said. "I haven't even said anything yet!"

"You don't have to," Zeth said. "We already know you came here with more schedules."

Jay sheepishly chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. "You guys know me so well."

"We have some non-negotiable schedules. However, do tell me if it's getting too much, alright? You know I can cancel some for you."

"Sweet!" Akira exclaimed. "This is one of the perks of being friends with the CEO. We can make him do whatever we want."

Jay pursed his lips. "Now, that's not what I implied with that. I'm still your CEO, so you shouldn't treat me as a casual friend when we're inside the-"

"Let us hear them," June said, cutting his statement short.

Jay sighed and nodded like an obedient little puppy. "Sure thing, bro!"

The boys turned to each other and chuckled in amusement.

Jay cleared his throat and started with the first schedule.

"So, you guys are scheduled to go to PAPA awards-the biggest awards show in the entirety of Asia!"

The boys turned to each other with wide eyes.

"PAPA awards? Isn't that show rigged?" Akira asked.

Jay's eyes widened. "They've already been investigated, and their doing better now," he said. "Don't ever say that anywhere else, alright?"

Akira shrugged. "I'm just telling the truth," he muttered.

"Is that allowed, though?" Sehun asked. "I thought only the nominees would be able to attend the show. We're a new group, so I'm sure they weren't able to track our records since the tracking period is already over."

Jaeyong nodded in agreement. "It's the same situation with EVE last year. We weren't able to attend the award shows because we debuted late."

"That was the case last year," Jay answered. "However, as I said earlier, they had already been investigated, so they're making it more into a legit awards show with more performances- even from those who aren't really nominated."

"Back then, all of the artists they invited were all awarded. It became an attendance award show-like many others. However, with this new image, they wanted to invite as many groups as possible! Isn't it great? You guys are given a six-minute setlist," Jay added.

"Six minutes, huh?" June asked. "That's barely enough time for a performance."

"I know. I know," Jay said. "But it's better than nothing. This way, you can also get a feel for award shows. Maybe you can even find someone to date!"

Jisung raised his hand. "I thought we were in a dating ban."

Jay frowned. "Who said that?"

"The company," Jaeyong deadpanned.

"Ah, right!" Jay exclaimed. "Of course-but if you don't get caught, then-"

"Alright, that's enough," Jaeyong said. "No one's going to an award show to look for a date. I'm assuming you had already accepted the offer."

Jay nodded. "If that's alright with you, guys."

"It's fine with me," Zeth said. "I have all the more reason to show off my good looks now."

Ren rolled his eyes before chiming in with his opinion. "It's also cool with me. It would be fun to curate a creative performance again. It reminds me of all the survival shows we've been on."

"Great!" Jay exclaimed. "That's settled then. Let's move on to the next schedule."

"Oh, this doesn't involve the entire group-just June. You have two upcoming schedules coming up."

June's eyebrows raised in intrigue while the rest of them sighed in relief.

"Thank goodness!" Akira exclaimed. "More rest for us."

June rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "What do I have?"

"Well, your movie premier is coming up. That's also a non-negotiable," Jay revealed.

"Ah," June muttered. "Right, what's the name of the movie again?"

The boys turned to him with wide eyes. "You don't remember? It's very trendy right now!" Sehun said.

June scratched the back of his head. "It's been a while. And you know I don't keep up with the trends."

Jay shook his head in amusement.

"Anyway, I'm going," June said. "I also want to look at the final outcome."

"Good," Jay said. "That would be in three days. We already have your attire ready."

"Sweet," June said. "Now, what's the other schedule?"

"This one will be filmed the day after your movie premiere. Now, this one is just an offer. We haven't accepted it yet. However, we believe it would be a great loss if we reject it."

"Just tell me," June said.

Jay smiled and glanced at the other boys, who also seemed intrigued.

"You've been inviting to Crawling Man!"

A collective gasp was heard inside the practice room. Even June was pleasantly surprised. Crawling Man was the variety show that most artists-especially new ones-wanted to go to!

It was a show that had run for more than ten years, so they already had an established fan base. Not only that, but people like to say that you have successfully become popular when you appear on Crawling Man!

This was the type of opportunity that didn't come by easily.

"You need to go, June!" Jisung exclaimed. "That's my favorite show ever!"

June raised one eyebrow. "You sure do have a lot of favorite shows."

Jisung scratched the back of his neck. "I'm telling the truth! I've been watching the show since

I was in elementary school."

Zeth nodded in agreement. "It's about time that they invite one of our members. However, it upsets me a bit that June's the only one who has been invited."

"Don't feel too bad about it!" Jay said. "June is the only one who fits the show's theme for the

week."

June frowned and turned to Jay, not having a good feeling about it.

"What's the theme?" he asked.

Jay smiled widely. "It's a Bad Luck Party!"