Chapter 40: CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

The day of the concert had arrived. Fans filled the area outside the venue, excitedly waiting for the doors to open. Merchandise featuring Mars was nearly sold out, with fans clutching lightsticks and banners bearing the band’s name. Conversations buzzed about Thame’s impending departure to Korea and the bittersweet reality that Mars would no longer be five. Many fans had tears in their eyes even before the concert began, knowing this would be their last time seeing Mars as a full group.

Baifern attended as a VIP guest, but she noticed that Kaem was absent, with only her staff present instead. When she asked Ming and Tae about it, they explained that Kaem wasn’t able to make it.

Backstage, the four remaining members of Mars were in one dressing room, while Thame was isolated in another. Pemika conducted a final meeting with her team.

“Today, the Korean team will be livestreaming the event. I don’t want any mistakes,” she instructed.

The staff nodded in unison, and Pemika offered them an encouraging smile.

“Let’s give it our all and make tonight a success.”

The team dispersed to their posts. Mick stepped out of the dressing room for the four members, catching Pemika’s attention.

“Is everything in order, Mick?” she asked.

“Yes, everything’s set,” he replied, easing her concerns. She informed him that she was heading to the control room for one final check, and Mick followed her.

In the control room, the staff greeted Pemika with respectful bows.

“Good evening.”

“No need for formalities,” she said with a wave of her hand. “I’m just here to check the stage view from this angle.”

Pemika observed for a few minutes before stepping out, unaware that Po, wearing a cap, was hidden in the room.

—

As fans filled the hall, the opening VTR for the concert began playing, prompting deafening cheers.

Backstage, the staff coordinated the members’ entrances. Nano and Jun stood by one lift, Dylan and Pepper by another, and Thame was stationed alone at a separate lift.

Jun and Nano exchanged glances with Dylan and Pepper before turning to Thame.

“Hey, Thame!” Jun called out, catching Thame’s attention. “Give it your all out there—make it count as Mars.”

Thame’s eyes glistened with emotion, and he nodded. “I will.”

The fan chant echoing the names of all five members grew louder as Mars took the stage. They opened with their latest hit, followed by their debut song. The concert unfolded exactly as planned by the label, following the meticulously crafted breakdown. From their performances to costume changes and fan interactions, everything was executed flawlessly. The five members laughed and played their roles to perfection, leaving behind any lingering tensions.

Pemika watched from the executive zone with satisfaction.

As the four members stepped off the stage to make way for Thame’s solo, the lightsticks in the audience changed to Thame’s signature color, and banners with his name lit up the hall. Once Thame’s solo ended, the screens transitioned to an emotional documentary about Mars’s three-year journey since their debut.

Jun, Pepper, Nano, and Dylan rejoined Thame on stage to watch the documentary with him.

The video showcased their journey through music shows, game shows, countryside trips, camping adventures, and mall events. Every scene was a shared memory, a blend of highs and lows that belonged only to them. It depicted moments behind the scenes, the laughter, the struggles, and even the early days in their shared house, including the orange tree they had made wishes under.

The documentary ended with heartfelt interviews:

Thame, as the leader, spoke first. “Mars began with all of us together, and even if we part ways... it’s still for each other.”

Jun followed. “I won’t be there with you anymore, but remember, I’ll always be your friend.”

Dylan added, “I’m proud to have worked with someone as talented as you.”

Nano chimed in, “I’ll make sure to grab tickets to cheer you on in Korea.”

Pepper concluded, “Congratulations on your success, Thame. But this time, I guess I really have to let you go.”

The live camera captured the five members in a tight embrace on stage.

Tears welled up in Thame’s eyes—not from parting ways, but from their failure to fight for what they had.

Jun, Pepper, Nano, and Dylan glanced at Thame with soft smiles before looking up toward the control room. Suddenly, the documentary screen went black.

Gasps rippled through the audience, and confusion spread throughout the hall. Backstage, staff scrambled to figure out what had gone wrong. Pemika turned to them, her voice sharp.

“What’s happening? Why is the screen black?”

Moments later, the screen lit up again, and the staff breathed a sigh of relief.

“It’s back!”

But the footage wasn’t the original documentary Pemika had approved.

Instead, it showed the four members of Mars sitting in their shared house.

Pepper spoke first.

“Sorry, but everything we said earlier? That was all scripted.”

“Like I’d ever say something that cheesy,” Dylan added, rolling his eyes.

“Wanna hear the truth?” Nano asked with a mischievous grin.

“The truth is…” Jun tilted his head, then turned to the camera. “Thame, we’re not letting you go!”

Thame froze, stunned, as he turned to look at the other four members.

Pemika immediately realized what was happening and issued an order.

“Tell the stage manager to cut the lights now!

Get all five of them backstage.”

Backstage staff rushed toward the stage to retrieve the group, but Jun quickly turned to Thame.

“You’re probably a little confused right now about what to do,” Jun said, pushing Thame toward one of the lifts. “But once you get down there, someone will explain everything.”

“And as for us,” Nano grinned, “we’re off to play hide-and-seek.” The four members bolted in different directions, scattering to avoid being caught.

Meanwhile, Thame was pulled down to the lower level by the lift, where someone awaited him in a black cap.

The figure looked up, meeting Thame’s eyes. It was Po.

Po handed Thame a new mic and in-ear monitors.

“There’s no time to explain,” Po said quickly.

“Just know that neither I nor the others want everything we’ve worked for to go to waste. This is what you need to do next.” Po shone a light on a script in his hand. “This is your position. The closest route is that way.” He pointed to a corridor before starting to leave. But Thame grabbed his arm.

“Phi Po…”

“What? Do you have any questions about the plan?” Po asked, concerned about the time. But Thame’s question was simple:

“Is it really you?”

Because in that moment, Thame couldn’t believe that the person he missed most was standing in front of him again.

TO BE CONTINUED.