From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

Akira took the phone from Jangmoon's hand and started reading it out loud.

"In a story that could rival the most sensational K-drama plotlines, new stars have emerged on the scene. Two familiar faces from Rising Stars are finding themselves in a celebrity scandal – and this rabbit hole goes deep, my friends. Get ready to sip your tea with an extra dash of spice!"

"Yes, we're talking about none other than Alex and Hyunwoo, those 'D-list darlings' who somehow managed to trade in fame for infamy. Sources, which have been so kind as to leave no room for speculation, have revealed that Alex and Hyunwoo have a not-so-secret talent – indulging in 'substances' that seem to rival the hallucinations present in Alice's Wonderland."

June let out a little chuckle. Minjun is definitely going places. How can an eleven-year-old write this well?

"Previously, Alex and Hyunwoo have tried to deflect the spotlight onto none other than June, another trainee from Rising Stars, accusing him of bullying during their trainee days. Were they also stoned when they came up with this brilliant accusation?"

The others, too, couldn't help but chuckle.

"And before we end, can we talk about their appearance? Let's face it – it's been more obvious than a neon sign at a dark alley that these two have been dabbling in something other than skincare. Their 'new looks' are less 'refreshed' and more 'refreshingly obvious,' leaving even the most optimistic fan wondering if their mirrors have been lying to them all this time. Those red eyes, yellow teeth, and chronic cough gave it all away!"

To add credibility to the story, Akira turned the phone and showed the picture attached to the article. They gasped as they looked at the picture of the Mad Hatter handing Alex and Hyunwoo a packaged white powder.

"It's legit," C-Jay muttered. "I thought it was a joke with how it's written, but it's real. Who posted it?"

"MinMin?" Akira said, looking at the poster's information. "They have around 120k followers now."

June smirked. He bets that kid is jumping for joy right now.

The five of them continued looking at the picture, not believing their eyes. June crossed his arms in front of his chest as he observed their shocked faces.

***

In a college dorm in Seoul, Hina and Rina were walking to their next class when they came across the article.

"Hey, doesn't this look familiar?" Hina asked, pertaining to the attached photo.

Rina tilted her head to the side as she stared at the picture. "Nope," she said. "Never seen that photo in my life."

"Look at it intently," Hina insisted. "Isn't this my forehead?" she asked, placing the phone next to her forehead.

Rina laughed out loud. "You're crazy! Why would you be in a photo with some druggies?"

Hina clicked her tongue. "I've definitely seen this picture before."

"You haven't," Rina convinced her. "Let's focus on the more important thing here! Alex and Hyunwoo are proven to be pathological liars. Our June will be finally free from rumors!"

"Right!" Hana chimed happily. "I still can't forget our interaction. Do you think we can message him to ask for our picture together?"

"Message him on what? Email?" Rina asked. "That man does not have any social media presence."

Hina pouted. "You're right. Let's wait until he makes one, then! I bet he'll have a really cute username."

***

Back to the Seven Star Convenience Store…

June's smirk widened as he scrolled through the comments section.

- I knew it. I never really liked Alex and Hyunwoo.

- I had a bad feeling about those two, and it turns out I was right.

- Kick Alex and Hyunwoo out of the show!

- I bet the production team is editing out their scenes as we speak.

- June fans can now sigh in relief. My baby is innocent!

- These bitches switching up faster than Lightning Mcqueen. Ya'll were just murdering June seconds ago!

- I concede defeat. I was wrong about June.

- June's probably a good person, then?"

- June has always been a good person! You guys were just deluded because of your faves. Now, you know that Alex and Hyunwoo are the villains of the story. #WeStandWithJune.

- #WeStandWithJune"

- June has been a victim of those two. #WeStandWithJune."

June's amusement was evident as he continued to read, a sense of satisfaction settling over him.

His friends exchanged glances once again; this time, they appeared to be in awe. It seemed that while they had been caught up in the hurricane of events, and June had been playing a different game altogether – one where he had known the moves before anyone else.

"Big brother, do you see this?"Jangmoon exclaimed. "The comments, the support – the public is actually on your side!"

"Bro," Jisung said, his eyes still filled with tears. "Does that mean you're staying?"

June clicked his tongue. "Will you stop crying? I said that it'll be okay, didn't I?"

Jaeyong frowned as he observed June's calm face. As he watched the previous episodes, he couldn't help but wonder if June was a hidden genius. "How'd you know everything was going to be okay?"

June nonchalantly shrugged. "Gut feeling?"

Jaeyong pursed his lips. And he talked too coolly, too! How could a young person speak like this?

Akira continued to read through the comments. "People are definitely defending you. But some delusional Zeth fans are still saying you're a bad person because of the preview."

"They'll know the truth once the episode airs," June said, unconcerned.

"I really can't believe this," Akira said. "It's over. Alex and Hyunwoo are definitely over."

"Rising Stars won't let you go now," Jaeyong said. "I'm certain of it."

"So, he's going to stay?" Jangmoon asked.

"I'm here to stay," June smirked.

"Brother!" C-Jay screamed as the thought that June would still be staying with them hit him like a truck. He gave him a hug and exaggeratedly cried into his shoulder. Jangmoon did the same, causing June to sigh in frustration and the other three to chuckle in amusement.

Amidst the relieved laughter and congratulatory hugs, the bell above the door rang, a sign that a customer had come in.

They all instinctively turn toward the entrance.

And there she was.

Hana Lim in the flesh.