From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

June cleared his throat, straightening his posture as Lena continued speaking.

"I originally came to Korea for a business trip, and along with that, I wanted to visit Minjun. My mom had been telling me he hasn't been in the same state after his father had left—that bastard, really," she made a side comment.

"But Minjun hasn't opened up to anyone about it," she said. "This is where you come in. I need your help keeping an eye on him.

"I can't be a parent for Minjun," June said. "That's your job."

Lena pursed her lips, not being able to counter the young man's words. She wanted to be a better mother for Minjun, but her job only allowed her to do so much.

She couldn't leave the job she had undertaken for good reasons.

"Should you be saying that when we just met?" she asked, a bit offended.

"Should you be asking my help for something you can do?" he threw back, knowing that Minjun was secretly hurting because even though his mother was around, she wasn't truly around.

"I love my son," she defended.

"I know," June said, fully believing her. It didn't take a genius to see that she truly loves Minjun.

"Then, you must know that I'm sincere about asking you for help," Lena continued.

June sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose as Lena leaned closer and looked him intensely in the eyes.

"I'll give you anything you want in return," she said.

June raised his eyebrows in surprise. He wasn't expecting her to go down this route.

"What do you mean?" June asked.

"I'm assuming you need something," Lena said, crossing her arms in front of her chest, a small smirk emerging from her lips.

"What do you need? A new car? A check? Or maybe you want your group to represent a luxury brand?"

June couldn't believe the words that came out of her mouth.

"Are you hearing yourself?" he asked.

"What?" she asked, feigning innocence. "I have the resources to give you all of this. It seems like you don't want to help me for a simple favor, so I'm assuming you want something bigger."

June shook his head, feeling an ache in his heart for Minjun.

"I'm going to find out what's causing Minjun's pain," June said with resolution.

"Good," Lena said. "So, what do you want?"

"But not because you're going to give me anything in return," he quickly added. "I'm going to find out about it because I care about him."

Lena was stunned to silence, her mouth slightly agape. It was the very first time someone had turned down her bribe!

This guy—who is he?

With that, June stood from the couch and dusted his pants.

"Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to take my leave."

June left Lena all alone, still in a state of shock. To make matters worse, June didn't even touch any of the food she had bought for him.

***

"What a woman," June muttered under his breath as he entered the Azure building. He was informed they were currently in a conference room for another meeting, so he didn't bother going back to their dorms.

The people around him stared at him, most of them looking at him with teasing gazes.

He could hear the word 'balls' being passed around, so he knew they were talking about their commercial.

However, June didn't bother looking at them since his thoughts were preoccupied with Lena.

June could tell that Lena probably tried her best to give Minjun everything he wanted—all the physical things, that is. From their short interaction, June also thought she was a good mother.

However, a good mother can also be a bad person. How could she throw her money around just so someone could help her with something she could do?

It seemed like she was already rich enough! Can't she take a day off and spend more time with Minjun to find it out herself instead?

June shook his head, already wanting to forget about their interaction.

He just needed to make more sacrifices to find out what was truly going on with Minjun.

June finally arrived at the conference room and was immediately bombarded by questions from his members.

"Bro!" Jisung exclaimed, instantly brightening up.

"Is the little twerp alright?" Akira asked, wanting to crack a 'ball' joke but ultimately decided against it.

"What happened to him?" Jaeyong asked.

"He's fine," June said. "It's just a minor abrasion on the head. He's going home tomorrow, I believe."

The boys visibly sighed in relief after June said the good news.

Just then, the door opened, revealing a very concerned Jay.

"Oh, good. You're here," he said. "I heard that something happened to the little kid."

June subtly glared at his members for not keeping their word and relaying the news to Jay.

Jay noticed this and nudged his shoulder.

"Don't blame them," he said. "They were just concerned for you. Don't worry. I'm worried, too. I didn't dare tell the company about you sneaking out. However, I would appreciate it if you called me next time so I could ensure you're safe."

June silently nodded.

"Good," Jay smiled. "Is Minjun alright?"

"He's still feisty," June said. "So, I think he's going to be alright."

"That's good," Jay said.

"Well, let's go back to professional mode for a minute. I have another announcement for all of you."

The members settled in their seats, with June trying his best to concentrate on the meeting despite the bucket of thoughts racing in his mind.

"The company wants to commend you because the 'Cheeze' commercial was a hit! Almost all stores in Korea are asking for more stocks of the limited edition pink cheese balls!"

The members clapped for themselves, smiling happily and congratulating each other.

"However, aside from that, a famous YouWatch show has invited you to their program!" he excitedly announced.

"And here we were, regretting taking up the opportunity from Cheeze," Zeth said. "It was actually a great opportunity!"

Ren shook his head in amusement. "You were the one who complained the most," he said, but Zeth just ignored him.

"What is it?" Akira excitedly asked.

"It's School Invasion!"