From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

The sleek black SUV cruised down the packed streets of downtown LA, carrying DAWN towards one of the most significant events of their careers-the NTV Music Video Awards.

For a group that had already conquered the biggest domes in Korea, it was a new kind of challenge.

"Does anyone else feel like this is surreal?" Ren asked, looking out the tinted window.

Skyscrapers, neon lights, and excited fans blurred past. There were posters and digital billboards showcasing tonight's performers.

June leaned back in his seat, adjusting the cuff of his designer jacket.

"It's our first time performing in the west," he said, letting out a breath. "I know K-pop acts have been here before, but it's still different, isn't it?"

Akira snorted. "You don't say. I feel like we're about to get thrown into a lion's den."

"Relax," Jisung said, although his own fingers were fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "We're going to kill it. We always do."

Casper, who was seated up front, turned around with a cheeky grin. "You guys know the drill back home, right? At PAPA, we're usually the last ones on the carpet. Then, they ask us questions by the end of it. Here, it's different. We're going to be stopped. Then, they'll ask us questions. I bet a lot of reporters will."

"Questions like, 'What's your inspiration?' or 'What do you think about your chances of winning tonight?"" Casper replied.

Ren chuckled nervously. "Well, at least they won't ask us what our blood type or MBTI is."

"I'm not prepared for this," Akira groaned. "We've been trained for the Korean press, not this."

"It's impressive how Casper knows all of this, though," Jaeyong said. "Thanks for researching it, man."

Casper merely nodded.

"Anyway, we should all relax!" Akira exclaimed. "We can answer the questions without any trouble. It's easy!"

"Easy?" Jaeyong gave him a pointed look. "You remember what happened last time someone asked us who our musical influences were, and you blurted out 'Mozart' because you panicked?"

"Hey!" Akira shot back, cheeks flushing pink. "I was trying to be classy."

Ren smirked. "Yeah, well, let's try not to pull a Mozart moment tonight. Our music sounds nothing like his."

As the car neared the red carpet area, they could see the massive crowd gathered outside. Fans held up posters and light sticks, their cheers and screams audible even from inside the vehicle. Casper peeked through the window and whistled.

"Look at that," he said, shaking his head. "It's packed."

"But they're not screaming for us," Zeth sighed.

The members of DAWN exchanged curious looks, and Akira leaned closer to the window, squinting as he scanned the crowd.

There was a deafening scream that rose above the rest.

"It's Two Directions!" someone outside yelled.

"Two Directions?" June frowned. "Who's that?"

"They're like the Western equivalent of us," Casper said with a shrug.

"And who's that other one?" Zeth pointed to the massive cheer that erupted next. "Is that... Sabrina Thatcher?"

"Ooh, I like her a lot!" Ren exclaimed. "She's the best at making pop music."

"Oh, and look-there's Bruno Pluto!" Sehun said with wide eyes. "I can't believe I'm breathing the same air as him."

Akira groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is insane. How are we supposed to compete with all these giants?"

June shrugged. "It's not like we're nominated for the same categories. We're under Best K- Pop, and Fans Choice Awards."

"Right," Jaeyong said, trying to cheer the boys up. "Aside from that, we were granted an opportunity for a short performance. So, let's not lose our confidence."

As the car pulled up to the red carpet, the door swung open. The crowd's cheers grew louder, but it was a different kind of loud-excited but mixed with curiosity.

This was not the overwhelming roar of their Korean fans.

Casper was the first to step out, flashing his signature grin and waving at the crowd. The rest followed. The flashes from the cameras were blinding, but they held their heads high.

"Smile and wave," Ren whispered through clenched teeth, his smile wide and fixed.

"Smile and wave," Jisung echoed, doing just that.

As they made their way down the carpet, a woman holding a microphone stepped up, blocking their path. Her sleek dress and sharp smile screamed seasoned reporter.

"DAWN, welcome to the NTV Music Video Awards!" she greeted them enthusiastically. "It's your first time here, isn't it?"

"Yes, hello," Jaeyong answered shakily, giving a polite bow.

"How does it feel to be here, making your Western debut performance?" she asked, holding

the mic closer.

The boys turned to each other with wide eyes. They did not rehearse for this!

However, much to their surprise, Casper stepped forward and answered.

"It's a huge honor," he said. "We're excited to perform and meet our fans here for the first time."

The reporter's eyes sparkled as she leaned in. "You're up against some of the biggest western artists tonight-Starlit, Jaxon Roar, and even Dua Pizza. How do you feel about your chances of taking home an award?"

Casper flashed a confident smile. "We're here to give our best performance. The rest is up to the fans."

"The fans might not even know us here, though," he added with a chuckle.

The reporter raised an eyebrow, catching the comment. "Is that true? Are you worried about

your reception here?"

The boys watched Casper speak with the reporter with wide eyes, in disbelief at what was

happening.

Casper looked so freaking smart and charismatic at the moment!

How can he speak such fluent English?

Casper laughed it off, waving a hand. "Not at all. We just know we've got a lot to prove, and

that's what we plan to do tonight."

Another wave of screaming erupted behind them, and DAWN turned their heads to see Jaxon Roar making his way down the carpet, shirtless as usual, blowing kisses to the crowd.

The reporter tried to steer them back on track. "Before you go, can you tell us what song you'll be performing tonight?"

Casper grinned. "It's a surprise. But let's just say it's something that'll make everyone remember who we are."

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