Chapter 1: The Line We Shouldn’t Cross

Earth Pirapat had always been the picture of perfection: sharp jawline, honeyed voice, and a stage presence that made cameras fall in love. But behind the scenes, none of it would work without Mix Sahaphap, his meticulous, soft-spoken manager—the one person who knew Earth better than Earth knew himself.

Mix handled it all: the schedules, the interviews, the stress. He also handled Earth’s moods, his quiet breakdowns, and the weight of an industry that demanded too much.

They were a perfect team.
But somewhere along the way, they crossed a line.

Late-night rides after concerts turned into quiet conversations in the car, laughter in hotel hallways turned into lingering touches, and one night—when Earth had been too tired to pretend he was okay—it turned into a kiss.

“Mix,” Earth whispered after it happened, his forehead resting against Mix’s. “We can’t do this.”

“I know,” Mix said, his voice trembling. “But I don’t want to stop.”

And they didn’t.

For months, they existed in this secret world—hiding glances during rehearsals, brushing hands only when no one was looking. It was beautiful and terrifying.

Because they knew what would happen if anyone found out.

Earth was an idol. Beloved. Watched. Expected to be available to his fans and untethered by personal ties.

Mix was his manager. Professional. Replaceable.

Their love wasn’t just frowned upon—it was forbidden.

But every time Earth looked at Mix like he was the only person that mattered… they forgot to care.

Chapter 2: The Breaking Point

The rumors started small.

A blurry photo of them in a café. A fan claiming they saw Earth smile “differently” at Mix. A thread speculating on their closeness.

Mix panicked. Earth tried to stay calm.

“You can’t keep risking this,” Mix said one night, pacing in Earth’s apartment. “It’s getting dangerous.”

Earth stood, reaching out. “I don’t care what they say—”

“But I do!” Mix snapped, eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Because if this blows up, you’re the one who gets hurt. Not me.”

Earth froze.

“I’d survive losing this job,” Mix whispered. “But I wouldn’t survive losing you.”

The silence between them was deafening.

Then Earth stepped closer, voice barely audible. “So what are you saying?”

Mix looked up, his heart breaking. “I think we have to stop.”

And Earth—who had fought so hard to be strong—nodded. “Okay.”

He let Mix go.

Chapter 3: Not in the Shadows

Weeks passed. Work continued. Earth smiled for the cameras, danced for the fans. Mix scheduled every hour with robotic efficiency.

But neither of them felt whole.

One night, after a live show, Earth stood on stage, staring at the sea of cheering lights… but all he could think about was who wasn’t there.

Backstage, Mix was organizing fan gifts when Earth found him.

“I’m done,” Earth said.

Mix looked up, startled. “With what?”

“Hiding. Pretending. Living only half a life.” Earth stepped closer, determination in his eyes. “I want to be with you, Mix. Public or not. Manager or not.”

Mix’s breath caught. “You’re serious?”

Earth nodded. “You once said you wouldn’t survive losing me. I feel the same.”

Mix didn’t answer. He just pulled Earth into the kind of kiss that didn’t care who was watching.

Later, they stood in the hallway, foreheads pressed together.

“We’ll take it slow,” Earth said. “Carefully. Quietly, if we have to. But not secretly anymore.”

Mix smiled. “Then I’m yours. On or off the schedule.”

And just like that, they weren’t hiding anymore.

Maybe the world didn’t know yet.

But they did.

And that was enough to begin again.

—The End.