Chapter 21: CHAPTER TWENTY

Pepper’s partner was Phi Kaem, the client behind the chicken essence brand that brought Mars to the camping trip.

Their story began during Mars’s peak, around their second album. Pepper, who had started making a name for himself on variety shows and as a host, attended an event for Phi Kaem’s product.

She was stunning—graceful and captivating. Pepper often found himself stealing glances at her, though he never thought he’d pursue her. She was a client, after all, and he was still bound by the label of “idol.” But in the end, Pepper couldn’t resist her gentle leadership and the genuine care she showed him.

Whenever they met, Phi Kaem would ask, “Are you tired? Is there anything I can help you with?” She didn’t have to, yet she always went out of her way to ensure he was comfortable.

Phi Kaem’s calm, dependable, and thoughtful personality drew Pepper in.

Whether it was because she was older or because her leadership role required it, her qualities made her stand out. After discreetly investigating, Pepper learned that she’d been single for quite some time, dedicating her life to her work, her team, and her small dog.

Pepper started conversations with her by asking about raising pets, even though he didn’t own one.

When Mars was at their peak, Pepper tried to put some distance between himself and Phi Kaem, knowing their relationship wouldn’t benefit either of them. But he failed. When Thame accepted the offer to go to Korea, Pepper felt relieved—he no longer had to choose between love and ambition. He couldn’t achieve his dreams, so he chose love. He chose Phi Kaem.

Together, they started planning a new life. Pepper decided to focus on being a host, a role that allowed him to openly have a relationship without judgment or high expectations. He believed he and Phi Kaem could be happy from then on. But then Thame returned, announcing his plan to reunite Mars and chase everyone’s dreams once more.

It was good for everyone else, Pepper thought—but not for him.

Mars without Pepper wouldn’t feel like something was missing. Thame was the main vocalist. Jun was the visual and sub-vocalist. Dylan was the producer and rapper. Nano was the main dancer. Pepper, the "All-rounder," didn’t add much to the group’s success. Mars would still be complete without him.

“Before, I chose Phi Kaem because you decided for me to leave the group,” Pepper admitted. “But now I’m choosing Phi Kaem because I truly want to.

We’ve been through so much together while you were gone. She’s a part of my life now. I can’t just leave her. And as for you...” He paused, referring to Thame’s feelings for Po. “You’d better sort out your own feelings soon. If you decide to end it now, there’s still time.”

—

The bell at the tailor shop rang as Po looked up from his work. Thame stepped inside, feeling both nervous and determined.

Just days ago, Thame had come here to confront his feelings for Po, hoping his emotions would bring a smile to Po’s face. But today, he had come with an answer—and a different purpose altogether.

Pepper was right. Idols can’t fall in love. That had been the rule since day one, though Thame didn’t know who made it. He only knew that if Mars was to be perfect, there could be no outsiders in the group’s world.

“You know about Ai Pepper, right?” Thame asked as he sat beside Po.

Po nodded quietly, avoiding eye contact. Thame noticed Po’s hands trembling slightly.

“I came here to talk about it,” Thame admitted, letting out a long breath as he tried to meet Po’s gaze.

When it comes to love, it should be expressed face-to-face. And when it’s time to end something, it should be done the same way. It’s a sign of respect for the relationship.

“I came to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Po remained silent.

“I…” Thame hesitated, finding it hard to continue. Before he could finish, Po stopped him.

“Don’t say it… not yet.”

“I have to, Phi,” Thame insisted.

Po froze, turning to face him. Thame pressed his lips together, but before he could say more, Po’s tears fell silently.

Thame glanced at the single tear, then turned his face away. Finally, he said what he had decided—for the sake of Mars.

—

Later, Thame met Pepper again at the same basketball court.

“I heard you talked to Po—and Phi Kaem too,” Pepper remarked.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“If I’d talked to you first, nothing would’ve ended properly,” Thame replied, bouncing the basketball and passing it to Pepper. “So, what do you think?”

“I’m just wondering if it’s all worth it. Your decision—and what you said about me being important to the group.” Pepper shot the ball into the hoop and continued. “An All-rounder is supposed to fill every gap, right? If you can’t sing, I’m supposed to step in. If Nano can’t dance, I have to. If Dylan can’t rap, that’s my job too. But I’m not that kind of person.”

“For me, being an All-rounder has two meanings,” Thame said. “One is what you just described. The other is someone who keeps the team together.

I may be the leader, but all I do is represent us to the company and set the group’s vision. The one who holds everyone together has always been you, Pepper. If Mars had to choose its leader, it wouldn’t have been me—it’d be you. I set the goals, but you make them happen.”

Pepper stared at the basketball in his hands.

“So even if Phi Kaem and I are a ticking time bomb for the group…” “Don’t worry. I have my own ticking time bomb too,” Thame replied casually with a smile.

He hadn’t told Po it was over. Instead, he’d said something else entirely.

“Pepper, you don’t have to break up with her. I know you can’t do it. When I tried to tell Po I couldn’t like him, I couldn’t say it either.” Thame grinned.

“So I’ve decided we’ll move forward like this. Because I believe we can have both—the group and the people we love. Both are part of our lives.”

In the end, Thame’s decision wasn’t about cutting anyone out to save Mars.

It was about moving forward together, with everyone—including Po.

So all he said to Po was:

“Let’s keep going together, no matter what lies ahead.”

TO BE CONTINUED.