Chapter 33: CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

The morning in Bangkok was just like any other in a bustling metropolis.

The sun rose from the edge of the buildings, piercing into the tropical city, casting light on concrete edges and glass panes. Cars rushed around, people headed to work, boarded the sky train, yawning. Students clutched their study materials on the train. Billboards across the city still bore the faces of the five members of Mars, particularly Thame.

Po left his house, grabbed a cup of coffee, and headed to Phi Ice’s studio to gather interviews for the new project involving the second-ranked artist of the label. Ice spoke about his new film, in which he had landed a major role in a genre he had never explored before. While Po was observing, he noticed Pemika walk into the studio. She glanced at him and offered a faint smile.

—

"Thank you so much," Pemika said simply, her eyes genuinely expressing gratitude for everything Po had done. "I heard about you and Thame from Mick."

"He’s going, isn’t he?" Po asked.

"Yes," Pemika nodded. "Everything will be handled properly. The kids already know—they’re all excited. We’ll announce it during the live broadcast."

Po nodded in agreement, a tinge of sadness in his expression, but he knew it was for the best.

"Another thing I wanted to tell you is that the MV you directed for Mars’s song with PAK isn’t just taking Mars to Korea. It’s so good that I want to promote you to the position of lead director."

"What?" Po could hardly believe his ears.

"Sometimes, crises reveal people’s potential—just like I saw in you and in all of Mars," Pemika said casually, handing Po a new staff badge. On it was the word he had wanted most in his life:

DIRECTOR.

"And Mars?"

"They’ll announce tonight that they’re going to Korea," Pemika replied.

—

Mars was performing on the most-watched live broadcast show in the country.

Pemika watched the five kids give their all in every performance with pride.

When their performance ended, the host approached, clapping, as they always did on every show.

"And here we have the band Mars!"

The five members greeted the host, "Hello!"

"Let’s grab some drinks and have a chat," the host suggested, guiding the five to the sofas prepared for the show. "Mars is arguably the hottest band right now. Honestly, I was surprised because there were no signs you’d be releasing a new song. Mars hadn’t released anything in a while, right? And this song isn’t even in your usual style."

"That’s right," Thame responded first, maintaining the polished demeanor of a professional idol, keeping his personal life hidden. "We wrote this song ourselves. I’ll let Dylan explain more since he’s the producer."

"Oh wow, you produced it yourself?"

"Yes," Dylan nodded. "The initial idea came from everything we were going through. We had a tough time, so we poured all of that into this song.

It’s about moving forward."

"And the choreography? I’ve seen people trying to replicate it."

"Yes," Nano replied enthusiastically. "I designed it to represent Mars as much as possible and to showcase all our abilities."

"Wow. This has really become a nationwide hit. Such success has brought about so many exciting things, including a surprise, right?"

"That’s right," the members confirmed.

"And for that, we’ll have Pemika, the CEO of Wanner Entertainment, here to make the announcement," the host gestured toward the side. "Please welcome Pemika!"

Applause filled the studio as Pemika walked in. The staff brought in a chair for her.

—

Po was washing dishes while watching the live broadcast. He already knew what was about to happen. He knew exactly what Pemika was going to announce, as it was something the band had been striving toward. Their success was about to be spoken by the CEO of the label. Although it wasn’t part of her original plan, it didn’t harm Wanner Entertainment in any way.

This battle hadn’t left anyone wounded. It had only brought something everyone could call success.

"Hello, Pemika," the host greeted.

"Hello," she replied.

"This seems like a major surprise, given that you’re here to announce it personally."

"Yes, it’s very important."

"Please, go ahead."

"As you already know, Mars is about to have a major concert called Dream to Mars . And there’s a surprise we’ve been keeping under wraps..."

"Oh, are you going to reveal it now?"

Cheers and applause erupted in the studio, while Po placed the last dish on the rack. He picked up a towel to dry his hands.

"Yes," Pemika smiled softly. "This concert will not only reaffirm Mars’s bond as a band but also mark a new step for Mars—they’re going to Korea."

A wave of excitement filled the room, and Po smiled faintly.

"Wait a minute. Does this mean Mars is moving to Korea as a group?"

"Yes," Pemika replied.

The audience cheered loudly, and the five members smiled, confirming the news.

"How should I put this..." Pemika continued.

"Previously, we had been approached but hadn’t confirmed anything officially. But once Mars topped all the charts, Korea confirmed they wanted Mars."

"Wow! That’s amazing—going international! Let’s give them a big round of applause!"

Thunderous applause followed as the host congratulated them sincerely.

"Taking the whole group—this is groundbreaking!" the host exclaimed.

Pemika smiled, then corrected him, "No, not the whole group. Just one member."

Po froze. The five members of Mars looked shocked.

Just one? What did she mean by just one?

"Korea has always wanted to sign Thame. This single confirmed that they made the right choice," Pemika explained.

A heavy silence descended over the studio. The host quickly wrapped up the segment by announcing, "Well then, congratulations to Thame of Mars!!!" urging everyone to clap for him.

Thame... alone.

What the hell was this?!

TO BE CONTINUED.