From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show C.914: Hang Out Soon?

"Nothing ever goes smoothly with our plans," Lei said, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Don't you agree?"

Dan pursed his lips. "I'm sorry, sir," he said. "If it makes you feel better, the apology video is well-received."

"Do you think that can make up for the damage that he had done to his reputation? He was supposed to be June's replacement!"

Dan sighed. "I know, sir. I talked to him already, and it seems like he's really repenting." "What could repenting even do in this situation, huh? Will it take back what he had done?"

Dan pursed his lips and didn't say anything further.

Lei massaged his temples and let out a deep sigh.

"Anyway, is he learning the songs well?"

"Yes," Dan proudly said. "I think he will blend right into EVE. Are you still going to put him in the group, sir?"

"Yes," Lei said. "EVE is bound to be an eight-member group, through and through."

"Is he going to be the center?" Dan asked.

"No," Lei deadpanned. "Do you think he's good enough to be the center? After 'Everyday, Everynight,' I've already found the perfect replacement for June as EVE's center."

A small smile appeared on Dan's face. "Jisung," he said.

Lei nodded. "That boy is gaining fans left and right, and I heard he's the most popular among teens, too. He may not be of the same caliber as June just yet, but there will come a time when he will."

"Alongside that, he's much easier to manipulate than June," he smirked.

"But, would it really be okay to add Joonie into the group?" Dan asked.

"Yes," Lei said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "EVE is barely a one-year-old group. They would forget June with time. However, EVE would continue to skyrocket into fame. We need to capitalize on each member-especially now that more artists and opportunities are heading our way," he smirked.

Although his plan didn't go smoothly, Lei believed he had the upper hand because the 'head' was already on his side. With each passing day, his friendship with Kwan became deeper and deeper.

"When are we going to launch this plan into action, sir?" Dan asked, already elated with the thought.

"As soon as possible," Lei said. "Within this week, maybe?"

"That early, sir?" Dan asked with wide eyes.

"It's already long overdue," Lei sighed. "I have been wanting to launch this plan since I sat on the CEO's position. However, nothing ever turned out the way I wanted."

"Now, we have everything we need. I just need to press one more button."

"And what about Joonie, sir? Don't you think we need to let this scandal die down for a couple more weeks?"

"Then, it would be too late," Lei said. "What we cannot give June is more time. We both know that the bastard is too smart for his own good."

"And the scandal? Let's just say-it's the least of our worries," Lei smirked.

"Because there are two ways a scandal dies," he continued, standing from his seat with a determined glint in his eyes.

"One-is time," he started off.

"And two-is another scandal-one that would bury the first scandal under the ground."

***

"Ah! This is so exhausting," Jisung said after they had practiced the choreography.

"I'm so glad I'm not in the center because the burden would be a hundred times heavier." "Well, being at the center is a job only June can do for the team," Zeth smiled. "We even have to carry him for this choreo."

June sighed and shook his head. At first, he felt burdened with the position. However, as time passed by, he enjoyed being in the center.

"We're working so hard for this comeback," Jaeyong said. "Somehow, I feel really proud of our team."

"Well, of course," Sehun said. "It's our first anniversary soon. It also feels like we're doing this for our fans."

"I could already imagine their reactions. I like this album a lot more than our previous one," Ren said.

"Of course," Akira retorted. "You have three songs in it. You'll be getting plenty of royalties!"

The others chuckled, enjoying the warm atmosphere.

Just then, June's phone rang-a small smile adorning his face when he saw it was Minjun.

"We're on break, right?" June asked.

Jay lifted his head and nodded. "Yeah. You guys need to rest, too."

"Alright," June said. "Let me take this real quick."

June answered the call and placed his phone over his ears.

"Little demon," he greeted with a smile on his face. "How are you?"

"How are YOU?" Minjun asked, throwing the question back to June. "It must have been tough to live in the village, huh?"

"Nope," June said. "I enjoyed it except for the cupcake incident."

"Yo, that was insane!" he exclaimed. "It was such a hot topic that even my mom knew about

it. Let me tell you this-my mom never knows these things since she doesn't even watch the

show."

"I bet," June chuckled. "Anyway, why did you call?"

"Are you free to hang out?" Minjun asked.

June pursed his lips and recalled his schedule. "We're preparing for a comeback."

"Finally," Minjun said.

"So...," June trailed.

"That means that you don't have any time?" Minjun asked, already sounding upset.

"Yup," June said. "Sorry, kiddo. It's going to get really busy from now on. We have to prepare

for our world tour right after."

Minjun groaned. "Why do idols have to be so busy?"

June chuckled and leaned against the wall. "Why are you even asking? I thought you were

banned from seeing me."

"That's right," Minjun said. "My mom still believes you're a bad influence. However, ever

since she's been busy making kissy faces with her new boyfriend, she hasn't looked out for me

too much."

June's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Lena has a boyfriend?"

"They're getting to know each other, apparently," Minjun sighed. "But if you ask me, I don't

really like that guy for her."

June continued chuckling, his shoulders shaking from the action.

"Well, maybe that would make her less grumpy."

"I wish," Minjun said. "It just took away more of my time with her," he muttered.

"Minjun," June muttered, sensing the sadness in his tone.

"Anyway," Minjun said. "I think it would be a while until we get to hang out."

"Yeah," June sighed.

"Maybe when you lose your job, we'll finally see each other."