Thame, the leader of Mars, often said in media interviews alongside his bandmates:
"I believe our success doesnât come from just one person, but from everyone. Each of us plays a different role in the band, and everyone does their part brilliantly. Iâm always proud when people talk about our group, and I want to thank my bandmates for sticking together through everything.
Weâve been through so much since our debut, all the way to these days when our schedules are packed.â
Mars was currently the hottest band around. They worked tirelessly, appearing everywhere - full-group appearances at product launches, TV shows, and fashion events - or individually on various screens.
Jun was reportedly busy filming a series. Pepper was thriving as a TV host.
Nano had joined a dance competition show. Dylan was producing music for other artists. And Thame was juggling solo singles and performances at major national events.
Mars had become the dream for a new generation - an inspiration that older idols looked back on with admiration. If a consumer brand wanted skyrocketing sales, it needed Mars as its ambassadors. The fanbase grew daily, creating immense value for Winner Entertainment, the giant record label managing them. Mars even outperformed Ice, who had once been the labelâs top-tier artist.
People speculated that Mars could last another ten years. But insiders knew that wasnât the case.
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âDream to Marsâ
This was the name of the bandâs upcoming major concert, as decided by Khun Pemika, the label owner, during a meeting with the creative team. It was scheduled to take place in six months and would soon be officially announced.
The labelâs staff worked tirelessly to make it happen. They planned everything - the stage design, lighting, costumes, the entire Mars setlist, Thameâs solo performances, games to engage with fans, and video content for the big screens. However, they were still missing someone to film the bandâs behind-the-scenes documentary for the concert.
Mick, the head of the creative department and Marsâ manager, promised to handle it himself. It was a challenging task, requiring someone skilled and discreet. âItâs a chaotic job,â Mick claimed, âbut someone with my experience can handle it.â His subordinates, Ming and Tae, exchanged knowing looks. They understood it wasnât that difficult. Mick was simply taking the easy job for himself, as was typical of him.
Most of Mickâs working hours were spent yawning, hanging a âDo Not Disturbâ sign on his small cubicle, and sneaking naps. He often complained about how exhausting it was to manage a band as hot as Mars, though everyone knew Mars largely managed themselves.
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Backstage, hairstylists busily adjusted the membersâ looks. Some staff handed them water, while others fixed their earpiece microphones. The five members of Mars were about to perform their hit song, All I Need, dressed in sleek black outfits that varied slightly in details to reflect their roles in the group.
Thame, the lead vocalist, exuded a cool and composed aura. Jun, the supporting vocalist, had a playful image. Dylan, the rapper, carried an edgy and rebellious vibe. Pepper, the all-rounder, looked professional and reliable. Nano, the main dancer and youngest member, appeared adorable and energetic.
The music roared through the venue, and the crowd erupted in cheers, starting the fan chants. The five members of Mars stood tall on stage, delivering their performance with precision. Thameâs high notes, in particular, continued to captivate listeners. The audience chanted their names non-stop.
As they stood on stage, catching their breaths and absorbing the energy from the crowd, one chant rang louder than the rest:
âOT5! OT5! OT5!ââa promise that Mars would always remain a five-member group.
But deep down, all five knew the truth. The upcoming Dream to Mars concert wasnât to celebrate Marsâ continued success as a five-member group, nor to uphold the image Thame had projected in interviews. It was meant to announce the end of Mars.
Marsâ success was paving the way for Thame, their leader, to debut in Korea. He was about to leave his four bandmates behind. The rest would have to part ways and start their lives anew.
TO BE CONTINUED.