From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

793  The Prettiest Flower

"In a garden full of flowers,

Some are bright, some are sad,

Some stand tall, some lost color,

But together, they don't look so bad." From the get-go, the people felt emotional. "This is better than Ted's writing," Akira remarked, earning chuckles from his members. However, as Luna said her next words, they all focused on the stage once more. June knew that it was just a poem about flowers, yet somehow, he felt like his life was going to be changed. "A person comes and looks around,

They pick the best, the one that shines,

A flower strong with bright colors,

They take it home, and it still looks fine." She pauses for a while to catch her breath. The crowd looked worried, but with a bright smile, they became reassured. "The flower goes to a lonely room,

Where a little girl must stay,

She's feeling sick, can't run or jump,

But the flower makes her day." June pursed his lips together to keep his emotions controlled. Jaeyong had lost all control and was already crying his eyes out. The other boys would have teased him already, but they were also focused on the poem. Despite its simple writing, it hit them right in the heart—especially with Luna relating the story of the little flower to her own life.

"She touches the soft petals,

Feels the strong stem in her hands,

She thinks about the garden,

Where this flower used to stand." Luna's eyes were shiny with tears, yet somehow, the smile never left her face. It made her delivery even more emotional as the crowd struggled to keep their emotions in. Just imagining how a child—one that should be running freely and playing with her peers—acquired a shitty illness made them feel choked up. "The flower sits in water clear,

Hoping roots will grow again,

But even if it never does,

It helps to ease the girl's pain." She wiped her eyes for a second, but her smile still didn't go anywhere. "The little girl talks to her flower,

Says, "You're my friend, don't go away,"

She shares her secrets and her dreams,

And keeps it close both night and day.

No more tears about the park,

No more wishing to run free,

In her room, she has a friend,

That fills her heart with glee." The sun was high in the sky, making the atmosphere warm. With the pretty child's voice ringing through the air, everything felt surreal. "The flower used to be so bright, n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Now, it starts to fade and bend,

The girl still loves it just the same,

Holds it close, like a friend."

"She whispers, 'Flower, don't be sad,

I'm here with you, and I'm glad,

You came to me, you're not alone,

Together, we make a home.'" At that point, tears were already streaming down the crowd's faces. Luna paused and chuckled for a moment, enjoying how everybody was reacting to her poem.

"But the prettiest flower might fade away,

Just like the girl, it might not stay." Jaeyong bit his fist, trying his hardest to suppress his sobs. However, he failed miserably. The other members, too, looked up at the bright sky, feeling pain erupt in their chests. June let out a shaky sigh as he kept his gaze on the stage. "But that's okay," Luna smiled at all of them. Their admiration soared even further. For someone who hasn't even hit her adolescence, her mind was far beyond her years. The adults felt ashamed for the petty complaints they made in their lives. However, at the same time, they felt comforted. It was going to be okay. Things were bound to be better. "Because I can just say...," Luna continued. "The world picks the prettiest flower for the hardest fight,

To face the dark and find the light.

Because they know the prettiest flower can do it...

...when she has you by her side." She ended the poem with a strong line. For a moment, it seemed like her gaze was directed straight at June, making him hold his breath. There was a thankful glint in her eyes, showing appreciation to June and for the people who continuously helped her. However, before June could think so hard about it, all the other children came to the stage, each holding onto a sunflower. They all wore the same bright smiles like Luna and swayed side by side as a familiar tune played in the small garden. It was a nursery rhyme usually sung during Parents Day or Teachers Day, so most of the spectators were well aware of it.

"Thank you for the dreams so high,

Thank you for the sky.

Thank you for the helping hand,

You helped us understand.

Thank you for the stars so bright,

Thank you for the light.

Thank you for the sunny days,

Yet, somehow, the sound of children singing in chorus after Luna's beautiful poem made the standard nursery rhyme sound emotional. "What the fuck is this?" Bora said as she fanned her wet cheeks. Jia turned to her with a teary glare. "Don't curse," she scolded. "I hate this song!" Bora whisper-shouted amidst her tears. "It's overplayed and sounds annoying..." "...but why are their tears streaming down my face?"

They continued to sing in unison, sincerity heard in their voices as the adults continued to watch them with happy tears.

"Thank you for the happy songs,

Thank you all day long.

Thank you for the dreams that fly,

You helped us touch the sky.

Thank you for the fun and play,

Thank you every day.

Thank you for the joy we share,

We know you really care."

June felt something tug at his heartstrings. He turned to his members, but he was surprised to see that they were also looking at him. Similar smiles adorned their lips as their gazes strayed back and forth to the singing children and to each other. You know how other artists feel like they have made it when they had performed in big stadiums? June didn't shame them. He would probably feel the same. However, at that moment, he felt like nothing could ever replicate the feeling. It was the moment where he felt like EVE had made it. Then, he looked up at the sky with a small smile. "It's good to be an idol," he whispered.

Being an idol has lots of cons, but what's cool about it is how you can influence other people. With that, I really appreciate idols/artists who use their platforms for the better!