From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show Chapter 1040: Why We're Here

Was this session meant to be a hybrid interview?

The members were aware that the channel typically produced retrospective documentaries, and they knew about the segments featuring animals. However, they were actually merging both formats specifically for DAWN!

Immediately, the kittens became the main attraction, drawing amazed gasps and giggles from the group. The once-sterile environment felt suddenly vibrant, echoing with the playful chaos of the kittens roaming about.

"This little guy is fearless," Akira muttered, observing a black kitten that had hooked its claws into his sweater, tiny paws gripping the fibers tightly.

He held the creature away from his chest, undecided whether he should laugh or panic. "Do I look like a scratching post to you?"

"It is simply trying to flee from your bad vibes," Jaeyong teased, while petting a fluffy white kitten nestled in his lap.

The room erupted into laughter as Akira shot him a mock-menacing glare. "At least mine isn't shedding all over my clothes."

Across the table, Sehun’s ginger kitten had drifted off to sleep, its ribs rising and falling in a rhythmic, peaceful cadence. He glanced at his bandmates before looking down at the sleeping ball of fur. "Everyone, settle down. These are kittens, not predators."

Ren, however, was far too preoccupied chasing a tiny gray kitten that managed to slip from his grasp and dart across the floor. "This one is absolutely a wild predator," he groaned, scrambling to snatch it up before it could vanish entirely.

Amidst the commotion, June remained stiff, masquerading as being unbothered while three different kittens—yes, three—clung to him.

A tabby curled into his arm, purring loudly, a calico tapped at his legs, and a black kitten attempted to snuggle beneath his chin. He let out a weary breath, his efforts to nudge them away proving fruitless.

"How come they are all gravitating toward him?" Akira complained, arms crossed as he surveyed June's growing collection. "I only got one!"

Jisung, who was cradling a black-and-white kitten, chuckled lightly. "Maybe they recognize the real softie in the group."

"Me?" June scoffed, rolling his eyes. "You are welcome to take them off my hands if you want."

"The kitties prefer the kitty collector," Casper smirked, which caused a few muffled laughs.

"Shut up," June snapped, although his hand betrayed his words by gently smoothing the tabby's fur. His expression was a mix of irritation and affection. Clearly, June enjoyed the attention. He was exactly like a father who insisted he didn't want a pet but ultimately became its most devoted guardian.

"It is glaringly obvious that you adore them," Jisung noted with a knowing grin.

June glared at him but chose to stay silent, refocusing his attention on the kitten nuzzling his neck.

Before any further teasing could occur, a new crisis unfolded.

One kitten, seemingly overstimulated by the excitement, decided to relieve itself on the spotless white flooring. Another soon followed suit, scratching at the smooth ground as if it were a litter box.

"Oh goodness," Akira groaned, recoiling in shock. "They are using the floor!"

The production crew erupted in laughter, and a staff member rushed forward to sanitize the mess.

Meanwhile, Ren clutched his head. "This is an absolute disaster."

June’s tabby, not to be outdone, let out a soft meow before adding to the chaos with a 'contribution' of its own. June’s face was a mask of total disbelief. "Are you actually serious right now?"

"The kittens just feel very comfortable around you," the interviewer said, struggling to stifle her amusement. "I would prefer if they didn't feel quite that comfortable," June replied dryly, though he helped wipe off the tabby before keeping it pinned securely in his arms.

Once the room was restored and the kittens calmed down, the interview resumed.

The boys settled back onto the floor, each with a kitten either cradled in their lap or curled up nearby.

June's personal trio remained stubbornly attached to his side, much to the amusement of the others.

The director cleared his throat to initiate the first official question. "How are you all doing?"

Jaeyong was the first to answer. "We are better than ever," he stated, sharing a warm smile with his bandmates. "The past few weeks have been incredible. We traveled overseas, we are gaining global recognition, and we even snagged some awards. It really is wonderful."

"Before that, we weren't even sure if we would remain a group. But look at where we are now."

The others nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting deep gratitude and collective pride.

Ren leaned forward, resting one hand upon the table. "Yeah, it has been a wild ride, but we are here, and that is what really matters."

Casper grinned, lightening the atmosphere. "Plus, we have kittens now. It really doesn't get better than this."

The crew chuckled, and the director moved to the next question: "What is the true secret behind your success?"

The boys exchanged glances for a moment, silently debating who should take the lead.

Then, almost in perfect rhythm, they all turned their eyes toward June.

June blinked, visibly startled. "Why is everyone staring at me?"

"Because it is obvious," Zeth stated bluntly, earning murmurs of consensus from the others.

"You are the reason we have been so successful!" Jisung exclaimed delightedly. Everyone nodded, even Zeth, who voiced his complete agreement.

June exhaled, still petting the kittens. "That is simply not true."

"But it is," Jaeyong insisted. "You bring the largest influx of fans to the collective group."

June shook his head. "At the end of the day, they are fans of our group. Whether I am the one who brought them into the fandom or not, that does not change anything."

"If you really want my take, then I will say there is no secret," he added, looking directly into the lens.

"We aren't pretending. What you see is exactly what you get."

The room went silent as he went on. "We produce music we actually enjoy. Of course, we check the results—we want to succeed and make our fans proud. But we have reached a stage where the priority is creating quality art. Not just for our benefit, but for everyone who chooses to listen. For the fans and for people across the globe."

His words were plain, yet they carried genuine weight. The kittens remained still, their soft purring the only sound in the room.

"That is precisely why we are here," June concluded, a slight smile touching his lips. "Because we are authentic."