From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

Backstage at the NTV MVAS, the atmosphere was chaotic-crew members ran back and forth, frantically checking equipment, while artists and their entourages filled the space.

It was a display of glamour and wealth, each artist decked out in designer clothing, surrounded by managers, stylists, and assistants.

The boys of DAWN, however, stood out-not because they were flashy, but because they were noticeably...modest.

Ren glanced around, taking in the scene. "It's crazy back here," he muttered, nudging June. "Look at the setups for these other artists."

June took it all in, his expression unreadable.

Enormous prop pieces were being wheeled in for the next act-a full castle facade that would be used for a fantasy-themed performance.

Meanwhile, in their small corner, DAWN had only a few staff members and no extravagant props. Their performance was going to be bare-bones.

Just them and the stage.

Of course, they had already expected it. Haruki had warned them already- they were going to be given the bare minimum.

Jaeyong sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There's nothing we can do. They think they're doing us a favor just by letting us perform."

"Exactly," June replied.

He turned to face the others. "It's just us and the stage. No gimmicks. However, that's something we can leverage. We have something that the some artists don't have-all- rounded talent."

Jisung, who had been quiet until now, nodded. "It's a one-song performance, but we'll make it count."

"You know," Akira added, crossing his arms and looking around, "I noticed a lot of lip- syncing out there. Some of the biggest artists, too."

Ren scoffed. "Yeah, I saw that."

"It doesn't matter," June said. "We don't need any of that."

Casper grinned. "Oh, we're going to kill this stage. June looks like a determined cat."

An announcement came over the speakers, calling them to the stage.

The boys shared one last glance.

It was their turn.

As they made their way to the stage entrance, they could hear the MC hyping up the crowd. "And now, we have a group making their debut performance on the NTV stage, all the way from South Korea-DAWN!"

The audience response was mixed-there were some cheers, likely from fans who had managed to get tickets, but the majority of the crowd was quiet, unfamiliar with the name. The boys took their places on the darkened stage, feeling the eyes of thousands on them.

The stage lights slowly brightened, revealing the eight members of DAWN standing in a line, their sharp suits catching the glow of the spotlights.

There were no props, no massive stage pieces-just a few strobe lights behind them, casting shadows that made their figures look larger.

A low hum of anticipation filled the venue as the audience took in their appearance.

Even those who had no idea who they were couldn't help but be struck by their visuals-the sleek, handsome faces that looked like they had been sculpted for the stage.

The music started with a heavy, pulsing beat. The sound of synths filled the air, creating an ethereal, cosmic atmosphere.

They had decided not to go with their title track this time because they felt it was too soft.

Instead, they chose the intro song for their album, Cosmos.

The boys launched into a synchronized dance routine. As expected, it was sharp and explosive. However, for those who weren't used to K-pop stages, it was pretty shocking.

They spun, kicked, and dropped low. The choreography consisted of contemporary and street styles that had the audience's heads turning.

Then, the music softened a bit, and June stepped forward to sing the first verse.

"In the void, where time stands still,

I found a spark, a will to feel,

Through the stars, I search for you,

In every breath, the cosmos knew."

His voice was clear and strong, carrying a depth that wasn't lost even in the massive venue.

The other members harmonized with him, their voices blending into a sound so full it seemed like there had to be a backing track-yet there wasn't.

The crowd started to react, murmuring in surprise.

The clarity of their vocals and the power of their live singing was something that stood out against the previous performances.

Ren took over the second verse, his voice softer.

"Across the light-years, I call your name,

No distance too far, no space the same."

As they sang, the choreography picked up again, intense and fast-paced.

They moved in perfect sync, but each member brought their own style-Ren's fluid spins, Jisung's sharp footwork, Akira's smooth transitions.

Casper stepped forward for the chorus, his deep voice resonating through the venue.

"In the cosmos, we find our place,

A love that echoes in endless space,

Beyond the skies, beyond the stars,

Together, we're infinite, no matter how far."

The harmonies built up, layer after layer, creating a wall of sound that filled every corner.

It was powerful, almost overwhelming, like being hit by a truck but surviving. June's voice

soared above it all, adding adlibs that felt like it was part of a backtrack.

He sang with everything he had, eyes closed.

"Even when the galaxies fall apart,

I'll find you, love, at the very start,

In the cosmos, we're one and the same,

Forever bound by a single flame."

The lights behind them flashed, creating the illusion of a starry sky.

There were no flashy pyrotechnics or props-just the eight of them under the starlit effect,

singing their hearts out.

And it was breathtaking.

For the bridge, Sehun's smooth falsetto took over.

"We're stardust, we're infinite dreams,

Hold on tight, don't let go."

June hit a high note that echoed throughout the dome, sending shivers down the audience's

spines.

Then, the final chorus hit, and they all sang together.

"In the cosmos, we find our place,

A love that echoes in endless space,

Beyond the skies, beyond the stars,

Together, we're infinite, no matter how far."

The song ended with a powerful, synchronized dance break-a sharp drop to one knee, heads

bowed.

Let's just say Tyler King couldn't utter a single world while DAWN performed.

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