From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

What is the essence of death?

June knew that every person on this very earth thought about death.

If you ask a child, death might be the separation from those they love.

It's the loss of a warm hand they hold, a goldfish flushed down the toilet, a pet who just wouldn't die finally passing, a familiar voice, and a comforting presence that will be eventually forgotten.

This absence is shallowly felt, for a child's mind is simple.

What's gone is gone.

For those who had the taste of the good, good life, death often brings an intense fear.

It's the silent reminder of our fragility. People become obsessed with health, trying to eat right, exercise, and avoid the risk of death.

We live with a constant worry, always aware that our time will end at any moment.

The fear wasn't just about dying but about the unknown that death represents.

On the other hand, people who have slowly grown tired of life are thankful for death.

It's an escape—something that would take them out of their misery...like a permanent, deep sleep.

As June asked that question, the girls all turned silent.

They weren't expecting such a hard-hitting question.

Zonya cleared her throat and broke the silence.

"Well, first, I'd look for a cure," she said.

"....and if the cure is just as deadly?" June asked.

Zonya scratched the back of her head, wondering why June was even asking them such a question in the first place.

"Why are you—"

Mei cut Zonya off before she could finish her question.

"I'd accept it, I guess," Mei said, leaning against the mirror and looking down at her hands.

"If it's inevitable, then what's the use of even fighting?" she asked. "It's like you have a deadline. So, might as well just get it over with. You can't do anything else."

June let out a deep breath. That was exactly what he was thinking.

It seemed like they were really siblings through and through.

"Hey, now," Yeri said, joining the conversation. "It doesn't have to sound so depressing. You might have a deadline, but that doesn't mean that you just have to wait for it."

"I agree!" Ara exclaimed. "If I were going to die by the end of the month, I'd probably have no fears."

June raised his eyebrows in surprise.

That was a refreshing take from the bubbly girl.

"Care to elaborate?" June asked, curious about her reasoning.

"Well, if I'm going to die at the end of the month, then what more should I be afraid of? Getting arrested? Getting killed? Getting publicly scrutinized? None of those! I'm already going to die. They could kiss my ass in heaven or hell if they want to!" she excitedly said.

"Ara," Mei said, sounding amused.

"What?" Ara asked, chuckling. "I'm just telling the truth. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Yeri shook her head in amusement. "I kind of agree—although I'm not that extreme. I guess I would just spend it with the people I love, do the things I have never done before, and take the risks that I've always been hesitant to take."

"Through that, I will see how beautiful my life has been and not how scary death truly is," she continued. "Death doesn't have to be so sad."

"That was my point in the beginning, though," Mei chimed. "Once you accept death, I believe you've also come to accept that it's not the dark and scary thing that most people perceive it as."

"Rather, it's a beautiful thing that signifies a new beginning," she ended.

June felt like his eyes were being opened to a new reality.

He was so focused on the linear definition of death that he failed to realize what it truly meant.

Just then, Ara gasped, pointing at June with bright eyes.

"Did you ask us that question so we could come to that conclusion?" she asked.

June smirked and nodded in agreement.

It wasn't the truth, but it seemed like the girls were amazed.

"I see," Yeri said, looking at June with admiration.

"Death doesn't have to be so sad. In that manner, our performance doesn't have to be sad, too," she said.

"The happiness of death?" Mei asked, causing her teammates to nod excitedly in agreement.

June smiled, feeling like a huge weight was removed from his shoulders.

Death.

The girls were right. Death didn't have to be so sad.

With that, he started speaking about what he realized in his heart.

"Maybe, in the shadow of death, always lied the shining truth," he said, making the girls turn their complete attention to him.

"We spend our lives searching for meaning, often overlooking the simple fact that death gives life its value. Without the end, would we appreciate the journey as much?"

"It's the knowledge that our finite existence makes every moment precious. This awareness compels us to live fully, love deeply, and find joy in every day."

"Death teaches us to live. It reminds us to savor each sunrise, to hold our loved ones close, and to chase our dreams with passion."

"In this way, life and death are intertwined. However, they are not opposites, rather partners."

"Death, then, is life's greatest teacher. It shows us that our time here is limited, but that's what makes it so precious. Life is a fleeting gift, and death is a gentle reminder to live it well. In this understanding, we find the true essence of both life and death, which is the beauty of our existence."

He ended his speech with a deep breath.

The girls were silent for a moment before Ara clapped loudly, even getting up on her feet to give June a standing ovation.

June snapped out of her reverie and looked at the group of girls with warm cheeks.

He hadn't realized that he had been ranting.

"Did I say too much?" June asked.

"Nope!" Ara exclaimed. "You said the right things. Now, I'm even more enlightened!"

"No wonder they call you the master of emotional performances!"

"Say," Ara continued, narrowing her eyes at June.

"Did you have an emo phase of some sort?"