From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

June had a secret.

He didn't want to be on this show anymore.

It wasn't because he didn't want to sing in front of a live audience. As a matter of fact, he believed that his vocal skills had improved a lot now that he could sing and fill the stage with just his presence.

However, he couldn't see himself going back to the show every week to practice a song and film an episode. His schedule as an idol was too hectic for him to do that.

Moreover, he didn't want to be remembered as 'Tongman.' If he knew he was going to win, then he could have picked a better, cooler option. But then again, he couldn't really throw away Jay's mother's hard work.

So, he thought that the best way to do that was to end his journey as Tongman today.

When the first two challengers sang, he realized that he might have to stay for another week.

However, he sighed in relief when he heard one of the challengers on the second stage.

Her voice, more powerful than the Hulk himself, blew away the audience with her vocal skills. Her name, 'Mommyriffic,' was also very unique, which made the audience remember her performance even more.

Then, as expected, she was the one who won the privilege to be able to battle Tongman. And now, June was preparing himself for his 'defensive stage.'

He went centerstage, causing the people to go into a frenzy. Some of them even raised tongs in the air, acting like it was a lightstick.

Jihyun and Mimi, who still weren't sure about Tongman's identity, conversed among themselves as they waited for the song to play.

"What do you think he's going to sing?" Jihyun said.

"I'm still not sure of his line of work," Mimi started off. "However, based on the songs he performed last week, I think he'll go for another ballad. He really nailed his last performance, and I believe he'll stick to what he's good at."

"He's good at nearly every genre, though," Jihyun said. "It really makes me wonder who he really is."

Then, the song finally played, baffling the live audience and the online audience alike.

They thought that Tongman could no longer surprise them; however, his current song choice was so unexpected that they started wondering if their guesses about his identity were right in the first place.

- He's going to sing this song?

- I don't think I've even heard of this song.

- It's fairly popular nowadays. I heard it in a cafe once and found that it was catchy.

- How is he going to sing this song, though?

- It's an idol's song, so it's got to be stylistic.

- It may sound old-fashioned if he sings this.

- Oh, the intro sounds nice. What is this song called?

- Luster by EVE.

Meanwhile, the members of EVE, who were watching in their dorm, all sat straight when they heard the familiar intro.

"He's going to sing OUR song?" Jaeyong asked with wide eyes.

Akira pursed his lips as he stood from the couch, clapping slowly like he had just watched the most amazing movie in existence.

"Bravo! Brava! I got to give it up to June. This is a genius move!"

Ren nodded in agreement. "A lot of people are tuning in right now. The song's already doing well, but it will do even better once June sings it in this show!"

"One, you're the one for me,

In your eyes, that's where I long to be

Two, you're too good to be true,

With every smile, my love for you grew."

Finally, June sang the first lines of the song. The people who were expecting his singing style to not fit an idol pop song were pleasantly surprised.

"I'm about to explode," Bora said. "He sounds just like June!"

Jia pursed her lips to hide her smile. Of course, he sounded like June. He was June!

"Three, you're the light in my dark,

In your presence, I find my spark.

Four, you're my guiding star,

In your love, I've found my avatar."

The people who knew of the song were surprised by how well Tongman sang it in his own voice. Meanwhile, the people who didn't know of the song before were surprised at how great it sounded.

- What's this song? Why do I like it so much?

- Guys, it's Luster by the idol group EVE. Show them some support!

- This song is from EVE? Is it from their new album?

- Yes. Yes. It's a masterpiece of an album.

- I didn't listen to it since Skyrocket wasn't my cup of tea. It looks like I'll have to revisit the album again.

"Cause I'm tongue-tied, and I'm hypnotized.

Every single time I look into your eyes.

Yeah, you always make me mesmerized.

Need you with me for life."

June was able to sing a song that was meant for eight people all by himself. He struggled in some parts, especially the rap parts; however, most people didn't even notice this. Instead, they were amazed that he also had some rap skills under his sleeves.

- What the heck? Can this man do everything?

- How come he's so good at rapping, too!

- Is this really a veteran singer?

- He doesn't sound middle-aged now.

- Ah, I don't know what to do anymore. I agree with the lady who said she needed a tong inside her purse.

- Except this time, I'm not talking about my purse, but my pu—

"You're the coffee to my mornings, the chocolate to my treat.

With you, life is always sweet.

You're the sunshine to my day, the moonlight to my night.

With you, everything just feels so right."

Mimi felt like an utter idiot as she internalized everything that was happening. She couldn't believe that she didn't notice it sooner.

"I know now," she said, catching Jihyun's attention.

The older actress was jamming to the beat, familiar with the song because it was from EVE.

"What was that?" she asked.

"We're idiots," Mimi said, looking at Jihyun with teary eyes.

"I'm a fake fan. I really am," Mimi started ranting, her eyes now focused on June.

"What are you talking about?" Jihyun asked in confusion.

"You'll see it in the reveal," Mimi said, still disappointed in herself.

"In fact, a lot of people will be shocked."

"I can't believe he has improved so much to the point that I can't even recognize him anymore."