From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

June clicked his tongue as he gazed at the timer at the corner of the display. Fortunately, Fu gave him adequate time. However, he still didn't have a clue how to accomplish his mission.

[Deadline for Baby Mugshot: 70 hours, 15 minutes, and 43 seconds]

"Is it that bad?" Casper asked, turning the volume down.

After breakfast, they returned to their practice rooms and were now trying to come up with a draft of their song.

However, even with five heads thinking as one, it seemed like none of them could come up with a decent song...much less a tune.

"I don't have any idea how to do this," Daeho groaned. "I've watched every cute K-pop stage there is last night, and I'm still convinced that we need a whole year to practice being cute."

"What we need is a cute song that we can actually pull off," Casper said. "But right now, it seems like nobody has an idea on what to do."

"I'm sorry," Ren apologized. "I feel like I've regressed to the times when I didn't even know how to produce anything."

"You don't have to apologize," Daeho said. "We're a team, so we're all responsible for the outcome of our song."

"Right, June?" Daeho said.

"Huh? Oh yeah, right," June absent-mindedly said, still fixated on his mission.

"But don't you have any experience arranging songs, big bro?" Jangmoon asked. "You were the one who spoke with the producers when we performed Mermaid Melodies. In the end, it was your idea to turn it into a darker concept."

"Really?" Ren asked with wide eyes. "I've always thought your performance was really cool. Do you actually know how to produce music?"

June shrugged, not denying or confirming anything. If he denied having knowledge of producing music and suddenly acquired skills through Fu's mission, it would definitely be weird. In the same light, if he admitted having music production skills right now, he would sound cocky if he ended up not accomplishing his mission.

However, June couldn't afford to lose this mission.

Not only were his music production skills on the line, but one of his existing skills was, too.

So, he needed to accomplish it at all costs. The mission sounded very simple—locate his old photos. However, knowing the secrecy of Choi Joon-ho's life, June knew it would be a difficult task.

In addition, their house back in Gangwon was also burnt to the ground, leaving no trace of his past life.

Just then, Bok-soon's words echoed in his mind—"There was even a time you came here with a young man and woman. The woman became famous now, I believe. What was her name again? Hani? Hanbeom?"

"Hana," June muttered under his breath.

"What?" Jangmoon asked, causing June to snap out of his thoughts. "You want to become the center?"

June's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he asked.

"We were listing down the roles already. One is for the center. Two is for the leader. You just said 'hana,' so…," Daeho trailed off. "You'll be the center of the performance."

June gaped at the piece of paper, which indeed contained the writings:

1. Center - ?

2. Leader - Casper

June was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even notice they were already delegating roles!

"I didn't say anything about that!" June exclaimed.

Casper chuckled and wrote June's name next to the 'center' role. "Well, as your leader, take-backs are prohibited."

June was still comprehending the situation when all of them cheered.

"It's settled then," C-Jay said. "June will be our center!"

***

"So, tomorrow's going to be a rest day?" C-Jay clarified.

The trainees have gathered in the training center for the announcement of their official schedule.

"Yes," Yena responded. "We have posted the schedule on the bulletin board. We are giving you this time to find inspiration for your songs. However, producing the song outside the Azure premises is strictly prohibited. Trainees who are caught seeking help from others will immediately become disqualified."

Lin Zhi nodded. "That's a great condition," he said. "We should all play fair and square here."

June quietly scoffed as he glanced at the killer trainee. It seemed like he had adopted a 'good boy' image now that the finale was closing in.

It didn't suit him, though.

June could see the evilness behind his eyes.

"By Thursday, the Mentors, along with some renowned producers, will conduct the interim evaluation. The final lyrics aren't expected from you, but a rough draft of the lyrics and your full backtrack will be judged," Yejin added.

"Take all the rest you can get, trainees. This will be your last one until the finale. You may go home tonight if you'd like, but please be back by Wednesday, 8 a.m. sharp. Clear?"

The trainees shouted a robust 'yes.'

A rest day.

Just June's luck. He needed to meet Hana for those pictures so he could finally help his team with the production of their song.

***

June: Hana, I need to meet with you.

June: Reply to this once you have the time. I need your help.

June: Hana?

June sighed since Hana hadn't responded to his texts. So, he decided to call her once and for all. He glanced at Jisung and Jaeyong and saw they were fast asleep.

With that, he waited for Hana to answer his call. However, multiple rings later, Hana still hadn't responded.

June clicked his tongue and went to Navel to check her profile instead. There must be a reason why she wasn't replying to him.

He saw that her last post was a week ago, which was rare since the famous actress usually posted every couple of days.

Then, when June read her last post, everything suddenly made sense.

Filming in the Joseon Dynasty!

Hey everyone!

I hope this post finds you all in great spirits. I am currently on the set of my latest project, and I can't wait for you guys to see it. Our director wants us fully immersed, so no phones for three weeks! See you all on the other side, and can't wait to share this epic adventure with you. Stay curious!

With love,

Hana Lim