Chapter Text
<SiamEntNews: Actress Kelly Chaiyawan was seen on a romantic date with Actor Mon Noppakun in Phuket. The two were spotted walking on the beach, holding hands. For weeks, there have been blind items regarding an in-demand actress who has a stable onscreen partner and a character actor who always plays a second lead role that been secretly dating for two years. It turns out that this said actor and actress are Mon and Kelly.>
<OMG! No!!! How can you betray Vegas like this?>
<Gurl slayyyyy!!! Be happy. I will fight for you!>
<NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! THIS IS NOT HAPPENING! I DON'T WANT MY PARENTS TO DIVORCE! Back off, @mnoppakun!!!>
<I mean... they kinda look good together. Let's support them!>
---
Vegas sat in the backseat of his car, scrolling through his phone with a calm expression. The news article about Kelly had just been published. It was everywhere—social media, entertainment news sites, and even on television. Kelly, his on-screen partner for the past five years, had been caught dating Mon, another actor.
Vegas had known about Kelly and Mon for a while. Kelly had confided in him, assuring him that it wouldn't interfere with their work. And it hadn't. Mon was professional, understanding the nature of Kelly and Vegas's partnership. There was no romantic tension between Vegas and Kelly; they were just colleagues, maybe even friends, but nothing more.
He sighed and put his phone back in his pocket. Across from him, Nop, his manager, was furiously tapping away on his own phone, muttering curses under his breath.
"Can you believe this?" Nop spat, his eyes darting up from his phone. "They were so reckless! How could they let this happen? It's going to blow up, Vegas. The fans are going to lose it!"
Vegas leaned back in his seat, unbothered. "It was bound to come out eventually. I'm not surprised."
"You're not worried?" Nop asked, his voice edged with disbelief.
"No," Vegas replied, shaking his head. "People were going to find out sooner or later. Besides, it's not like I'm involved. Kelly and Mon's relationship has nothing to do with me."
Nop huffed, clearly frustrated. "This could affect your career too, you know. The media's going to spin it in every direction. They'll drag you into this mess."
Vegas smiled faintly, shrugging. "I'm not worried. I've been around long enough. I had a career before Kelly, and I'll have one after."
Nop's phone buzzed, and he looked down at it, groaning. "Kelly's manager just messaged me. They are heading to the company. The CEO called her in."
Vegas's phone buzzed at the same time. He glanced at the screen, seeing a message from Kelly.
Kelly: I'm so sorry, Vegas. I didn't think it would blow up like this. I'm heading to the company now. The CEO called me in.
Vegas typed back a quick response.
Vegas: It's fine.
Nop looked at him, his expression a mix of worry and irritation. "The CEO wants you in his office now too. This isn't going to be pretty."
Vegas nodded, his expression calm. "I know. Let's just get over it."
As the car pulled into the company's parking lot, Vegas took a deep breath, ready to face whatever awaited him inside. He wasn't worried about his career or the fallout from Kelly's relationship. He knew who he was and what he'd accomplished. This was just another bump in the road, and he was prepared to handle it.
---
Eight months later...
Vegas sat in the back of the van, exhaustion etched on his face as he watched the city lights blur past the tinted windows. He had just finished greeting his fans, smiling through the questions about Mon and Kelly, questions he was growing increasingly tired of answering. The headlines had been relentless: Mon and Kelly, the New IT Couple! The world seemed to have forgotten about him overnight.
"Vegas, you have a rest day tomorrow," Nop, his manager, said, glancing up from his tablet as the van rolled forward. "But on Saturday, you're scheduled to attend a fashion show."
Vegas groaned, sinking deeper into his seat. "Do I really have to go?"
"Yes, you do. The company already announced it. You just need to watch the show, mingle a bit, get your photos taken, and then you can leave," Nop replied, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
"Fine," Vegas muttered, closing his eyes. "But tomorrow, I don't want any disturbances. I need a day to myself."
Nop nodded, making a quick note on his tablet. "Got it."
A silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken frustrations. Vegas hesitated for a moment before asking, "Any new acting offers?"
"There's one," Nop replied cautiously. "But it's just a cameo role."
Vegas cursed under his breath, turning his face towards the window. "Why is my career suffering while Kelly and Mon are rising? I'm not the one who breaks the fans' trust."
Nop sighed, choosing his words carefully. "People love drama, Vegas. Kelly and Mon's relationship was revealed in the most dramatic way possible. And now, they're the center of attention. You, on the other hand, don't have anything going on in your life that catches the public's eye."
"Shut up, Nop," Vegas snapped, turning his back to his manager. He didn't want to hear it, even though deep down, he knew Nop was right. The public thrived on gossip, on the highs and lows of celebrity lives, and right now, Mon and Kelly's story was the talk of the town. The narrative of the second lead male finally winning the female lead had captured everyone's hearts, while he was left to grapple with the fallout.
Vegas clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath the surface. He missed acting—truly missed it. But the roles being offered to him were less than what he deserved, and he knew he couldn't just take anything that came his way. His reputation was on the line, and he refused to tarnish it further by accepting mediocre roles.
"Fuck this!" Vegas whispered to himself, his voice laced with bitterness. He had worked hard to build his career, yet here he was, sidelined while others took the spotlight.
Nop, sensing the need to shift the mood, quietly returned to his tablet, leaving Vegas to his thoughts. The rest of the ride was silent, filled only with the soft hum of the engine and the distant sound of the city outside.
As they neared his home, Vegas's mind raced with conflicting emotions. He was tired of being in the background, tired of answering questions about a past that no longer mattered to him. He needed a fresh start, a new direction. But for now, all he wanted was to escape the noise and find some peace, even if it was just for one day.
---
The day of the fashion show had arrived, and Vegas Theerapanyakul found himself walking down the red carpet, surrounded by flashing cameras and the excited cheers of his fans. The energy in the air was electric, with people calling out his name and waving signs, some of which still featured pictures of him with Kelly, his former onscreen partner. He forced a smile for the cameras, though the reminders of his past weighed on him.
As the photo op concluded, a staff member guided Vegas to his seat, which was prominently positioned in the front row. He nodded and exchanged polite greetings with a few celebrities already seated nearby before finally taking his place. While the event buzzed with energy, Vegas found himself longing for the comfort of home. The thought of the socialization that would follow the show made him sigh inwardly.
Suddenly, the seat beside him was filled, and Vegas turned to see who had joined him. His eyes widened slightly as he recognized the person next to him. It was Pete Saengtham, the immensely popular singer. In person, Pete was even more striking—his black lace polo shirt, black pants, and sleek red-bottom black-heeled shoes complemented his androgynous features. He smiled warmly at the crowd, occasionally waving at familiar faces.
When Pete's gaze finally met Vegas's, his smile broadened and wai-ed at him. "Hi," Pete greeted, his voice as smooth as his public persona.
"Hello," Vegas wai-ed back, a bit surprised by how friendly Pete seemed. He hadn't expected to be noticed, much less greeted so warmly.
Pete leaned in slightly, "I'm Pete."
"I know. I'm Vegas Theerapanyakul," Vegas responded, "It's nice to meet you."
Pete settled back into his seat and chuckled. "I'm not really used to these fashion shows. I'm usually busy with concerts, working on new songs, or staying at home."
Vegas smiled, understanding the feeling. "I can imagine. Congratulations on your recent concert, by the way. I heard it was a huge success."
"Thank you," Pete said, his smile turning sheepish. Then he hesitated, looking slightly apologetic. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm not really sure what you do."
Vegas let out a soft laugh, used to being overlooked in such a way. "I'm an actor."
Pete tilted his head, clearly intrigued. "Ohh? What kind of work have you done?"
"Just a few TV series and movies," Vegas replied modestly.
"Like what?" Pete pressed, his curiosity growing. "I might have seen one of them."
Vegas hesitated for a moment before mentioning one of his most successful projects. "There was a series called 'Blue Moon.'"
Pete's eyes widened in recognition, and he quickly covered his mouth with his hand. "Wait, you played Max, right? The lead male character?"
Vegas nodded, amused by Pete's reaction. "That's right."
"No way," Pete said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I loved that series! I binged it recently. You were incredible!"
"Thank you," Vegas said, genuinely touched.
"I'm sorry I didn't recognize you right away," Pete continued, still in awe. "You looked so different in the series—kind of plain and simple. But now, you're... well, you're really well-dressed."
Vegas chuckled, feeling a bit flattered. "Thank you, Pete."
Before they could continue their conversation, an event photographer approached them, camera in hand. "Excuse me, could I take a picture of the two of you together?"
Vegas and Pete exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. They stood up and posed for the camera, side by side. The crowd's attention shifted toward them, drawn by the sight of two well-known celebrities from two different entertainment scenes. Despite their different backgrounds, they seemed surprisingly at ease with each other, as if they'd known each other for a long time.
After the photos were taken, they returned to their seats. The conversation between them resumed naturally, with both feeling more relaxed in each other's company. When the fashion show finally began, they watched the models parade down the runway, occasionally whispering comments to each other.
"What do you think that fabric is?" Pete asked at one point, his tone playful.
Vegas squinted at the outfit in question, trying to give an informed guess. "Maybe silk? I'm not entirely sure."
Pete chuckled. "Do you ever imagine yourself wearing some of these clothes?"
"Some of them, maybe," Vegas joked, glancing at Pete. "What about you?"
"Possibly a few. It will look awesome on stage," Pete admitted, grinning.
As the show came to an end, Vegas and Pete found themselves walking together to the party hall where the socialization would take place. Vegas and Pete were inseparable. Despite mingling with other celebrities, they always gravitated back to each other. Their bond was so apparent that one celebrity even pointed it out.
"You two seem like you've known each other forever," the celebrity remarked with a curious smile.
Vegas chuckled and glanced at Pete before responding, "We actually just met."
"Really?" the celebrity looked surprised. "You wouldn't think so."
After a bit more small talk, Vegas and Pete made their way to one of the quieter booths, away from the crowded dance floor. The noise of the party faded slightly as they settled into their seats. Pete began sharing stories from his recent tours. Vegas listens carefully about his tour in Singapore, seeing how enthusiastic Pete when the fans are cheering for him.
"So, Singapore last month," Pete started. "Then Manila and Taipei right after that. The fans in all three cities were amazing, especially in Manila. They're so passionate about music and they sing along with me. I almost didn't hear myself singing."
Vegas listened intently, nodding as Pete continued to share details about his travels. Pete eventually paused, a sheepish look on his face.
"Sorry, I'm blabbing too much, aren't I?"
Vegas shook his head. "No, it's fine. I don't have much to tell you that would interest you anyway."
Pete raised an eyebrow and smiled. "That's not true. I find you interesting."
Vegas smiled faintly and shrugged. "It's just the glitz and glamour of showbiz, really."
"Do you have any upcoming projects I should keep an eye out for?" Pete asked.
Vegas hesitated, then shook his head. "None at the moment."
"Why's that?" Pete looked genuinely curious.
Vegas glanced around, making sure no one was listening too closely before he answered. "Well, it's because my onscreen partner got exposed for dating another actor, yet they're the one with all the jobs and opportunities now. Meanwhile, I'm struggling to get a new series unless it's a cameo or a minor role. Not to be rude or anything but I feel like it's unfair that I'm the one suffering for what they have together."
Pete just nodded, "As in no offers at all?
"There are some," Vegas sighed. "It's not like I'm picky, but I know what I deserve. The roles they're offering me are either mediocre or just don't challenge me at all. I want to be an actor that shows versatility with every role I take, you know? So I can't just pick up anything for the sake that I have work."
Pete nodded in understanding. "I get that. I'm the same way with releasing new songs. I want everything to be perfect, so it took me a year just to pick the right song that I'm going to release soon."
Vegas's face lit up. "Really? Congratulations! I'll definitely look forward to it."
"Thanks," Pete smiled. "But even though the song is ready, I haven't shot a music video for it yet. I've been too busy with my concerts, and I haven't found the right actor to star in it."
Vegas took a sip of his drink and gave Pete an encouraging smile. "I'm sure you'll find someone soon."
Pete's eyes suddenly lit up, as if a lightbulb had gone off in his head. "Hey, have you ever tried acting in a gay role?"
Vegas thought for a moment. "I've worked with queer actors before, but I've never played a gay character myself."
Pete's smile turned mischievous. "Well, how about this—you could co-act with me in my music video. We could even turn it into a short film to really flesh out the story."
Vegas blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting the suggestion. "That sounds... interesting," he admitted. "I'm not sure about my management, considering I'm a Lakorn actor."
Pete sighed but nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I figured. But would you be interested?"
Vegas shrugged casually. "I don't mind, honestly."
"Great!" Pete grinned. "I'll talk to my company and see if we can make it happen."
Vegas raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because I know how good of an actor you are," Pete replied with sincerity. "And since you like challenging roles, I think you'd fit perfectly with the theme of my new song."
Vegas chuckled softly. "Well, I look forward to it, then."
Pete laughed too. "You should. It will be fun!"
They raised their glasses and clinked them together, sharing a moment of light-hearted laughter as the noise of the party buzzed around them.
When it was finally time to leave, Vegas and Pete headed out, met by their managers at the parking waiting area. Pete turned to Vegas with a genuine smile. "I'm really happy we met tonight, P'Vegas. It was nice meeting you."
"Likewise, Pete. It was a pleasure meeting you," Vegas replied, feeling a warm connection with the singer.
"Before we go, do you mind if we take a few more pictures together?" Pete asked, pulling out his phone.
"Of course," Vegas agreed. Pete called over his manager, who snapped a few shots of the two of them together. Vegas then asked for a selfie, which Pete gladly obliged.
As they parted ways and headed to their respective vehicles, Vegas couldn't resist the urge to share the moment with his followers. He posted a story on Instagram, featuring the photo of him and Pete, tagging the singer in the post. Then, with a small smile, he went to Pete's profile and followed him on both Instagram and X, wondering what the future might hold after this unexpected encounter.
---
<BelleMagazine: Last night at the Bangkok Fashion Show, the event dazzled with an array of celebrities and high-profile figures, each dressed to perfection. The show itself was a triumph, and the after-party radiated glamour. Among those who stole the spotlight were actor Vegas Theerapanyakul and singer Pete Saengtham. Seated together, their striking appearance and intriguing chemistry made them the talk of the evening, captivating everyone's attention.>
Picture: Two photos show Vegas and Pete standing together, facing the camera. In one, they have serious expressions, while in the other, they are smiling.
<OMG! I saw my love @petesaengtham last nice. Too bad I was sitting on the other side but look how gorgeous he is. He's sitting with @vtheerapanyakul>
Video: Vegas and Pete are talking when Pete suddenly looks surprised and then smiles sheepishly at Vegas. Vegas smiles back and says something to Pete.
<EXCUSE ME?! VEGAS AND PETE TOGETHER? My two idols are interacting. Did I save the country in my past life? Is the end of the world coming soon?>
<@PeteTHOfficial: Pete Saengtham IG Story Update from @vtheerapanyakul. #petesaengtham >
Picture: Vegas and Pete's selfie last night. They are both smiling and close to each other.
<Wow! I haven't seen Pete this sociable for a while. Baby Yoon will be jealous!>
<Vegas and Pete? The introverts?! OMG! Who wants to ship this with me? They look great together!!! #VegasPete>
Picture: Two photos were attached. The first shows a female celebrity, with Vegas and Pete visible in the background. The second is a cropped version of the first, focusing on Vegas and Pete as they face each other, holding glasses of white wine. Pete is laughing, while Vegas smiles while looking at Pete.
<Gurlllll where do I sign up for shipping Vegas and Pete? I'm in! #VegasPete>
---
Vegas hummed to himself as he moved around his small kitchen, the aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filling the air. The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the cozy space. He was in a good mood, savoring the quiet before the day truly began.
Just as he was flipping the last piece of bacon, his phone buzzed on the countertop. Glancing at the screen, he saw Nop's name flashing. He smiled and picked up the call.
"Morning, Nop," Vegas greeted cheerfully as he balanced the phone between his ear and shoulder, tending to his breakfast.
"Vegas, what happened last night?" Nop's voice was urgent, cutting straight to the point.
Vegas paused, frowning slightly. "What do you mean? I don't think anything happened."
"You're going viral," Nop replied, his tone a mix of disbelief and amusement. "On social media. Because of your interaction with Pete Saengtham."
Vegas's expression softened as memories of the previous night came rushing back. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of Pete. "Oh, that," he said casually, flipping the bacon onto a plate. "Is there a problem?"
Nop let out a short laugh. "Well, aside from the media blowing up my phone with questions about you and Pete, not really. But you should know that the hashtag VegasPete is trending worldwide on Twitter."
Vegas chuckled as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Let the fans have their fun, Nop. It's nothing to worry about."
Nop's voice took on a lighter tone. "I'm not complaining. In fact, I just got off the phone with some producers. You've got five new series proposals."
Vegas's eyes widened in surprise as he took a sip of his coffee. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah, but there's a twist," Nop continued, sounding intrigued. "Four out of the five proposals are for lead roles in BL series."
Vegas was momentarily speechless, staring blankly at the bacon on his plate. BL, or Boys' Love, was a genre he had never considered before. "BL series?" he finally said, his voice a mix of curiosity and hesitation.
"Yep. It seems like the fans aren't the only ones shipping you and Pete," Nop replied, the amusement clear in his voice. "We can take a look at the offers on Monday, see if anything catches your interest."
"Okay," Vegas agreed, still processing the unexpected turn of events. "Monday it is."
They wrapped up the call, and as soon as Vegas hung up, he immediately opened X. Sure enough, his notifications were blowing up. The hashtag #VegasPete was trending, just as Nop had said, and there were countless pictures and videos of him and Pete from the event last night. Fans had already started creating edits and memes, shipping them together as a couple.
As Vegas scrolled through the posts, something caught his eye. Pete had followed him back. Not only that, but Pete had also posted an Instagram Story featuring a picture of them together that they took before separating, captioned, "Great to meet you, @vtheerapanyakul. Last night was fun!"
Vegas felt a flutter of excitement as he quickly shared Pete's post on his own IG Story, adding his own caption: "It's an honor to meet you, @petesaengtham."
With a smile, Vegas set his phone down and took a bite of his breakfast, his mind already drifting to thoughts of what the future might hold.
---
Pete sat down in his gaming chair, adjusting his phone stand as he prepared for his Instagram live stream. He glanced at the time; his notification feed was already buzzing with excitement. The hashtag #VegasPete had peaked at #1 worldwide just a few hours ago, and though he found it slightly embarrassing, Pete couldn't help but smile. He didn't recognize Vegas at first when they met, but in his defense, he only knew him as his lead character in the TV series 'Blue Moon', Max, a poor man with his long, messy hair tied in a careless ponytail and his worn-out clothes. Vegas, in real life, was the epitome of high fashion and charm, oozing with sex appeal. Pete had been thrilled to meet him—Vegas had kept him company throughout the night, and even now, it felt like a dream. Their worlds couldn't be more different. Pete was a singer, mostly on tour or locked away in his studio, while Vegas was an in-demand Lakorn actor. And, as far as Pete knew, Vegas is straight.
Before going to bed last night, Pete had done a little Googling. He found out that Vegas only had two ex-girlfriends—one from high school, the other from university. He hadn't dated any celebrities since then, mostly focusing on his career. The only woman linked to him was his ex-onscreen partner, Kelly Chaiyawan. While Pete thought Kelly was pretty, something about her felt off about his presence. Maybe because of what Pete knew about her. She was dating another actor, Mon, which caused the sudden break up of Vegas and Kelly's tandem. Kelly and Vegas were just professionals, and somewhat friends. Still, Pete thought it was unfair to Vegas—Kelly and Mon were suddenly everywhere, getting all the best gigs, while Vegas hadn't had any acting work since the couple's relationship went public.
Pete sighed, wishing Vegas would get back into a series soon, or at least really consider acting in his music video. He adjusted himself in his chair, glancing at the screen. His finger hovered over the "Go Live" button. He clicked it and the live session started.
"Hello everyone!" Pete greeted with a smile, waving at the screen. "Hope you're all having a great Sunday!"
The comments came pouring in, fans excited to see him and eager to hear what he was about to say. He smiled, nodding as he read through the messages, giving special shoutouts to some of his colleagues who had tuned in. But then, as expected, the flood of #VegasPete comments began.
Pete couldn't help but laugh. "You guys, calm down about the VegasPete thing! It's cute, though. I've seen the hashtag. But let's keep it fun, okay? I don't want it turning into any kind of drama, especially for Khun Vegas. He's a great guy."
More comments popped up, with fans asking about his meeting with Vegas last night. Pete chuckled again.
"Okay, okay. I'll share about that. It's a funny story, though," Pete began. "You all know I love to relax by watching series in my free time, right? 'Blue Moon' is one of my favorites. Max is my favorite character—he's an ordinary person, but always so positive, always seeing the bright side of things. So, when I sat down next to Khun Vegas at the event last night, I didn't recognize him at all. Not even a little!" He laughed, shaking his head at the memory.
"We introduced ourselves, and I asked him what he does for work. He said, 'I'm an actor,'. But I was still clueless," Pete continued, shaking his head. "It wasn't until he mentioned he was in 'Blue Moon' that it hit me. I was so embarrassed. There's a video of the moment floating around online—I saw it last night. But, I thought, 'Wow, this guy is so humble.' Like, he's the Vegas Theerapanyakul, you know!"
Pete smiled at the camera, his expression softening. "Vegas is a really nice guy. So down-to-earth and friendly."
The comments kept rolling in, but Pete knew it was time for the big reveal. "Alright, now for the real reason I'm live today—I've got some exciting news! After a year of working on it, I'm finally releasing a new single soon!"
The fans erupted with excitement, and Pete could see them asking what kind of song it would be. He smiled again. "It's a ballad, about forbidden love. I already have the concept for the music video in mind, but I still need a co-actor for it."
Almost instantly, the comments filled with one name: Vegas Theerapanyakul.
Pete blinked in surprise, then laughed. "Wait, you guys want Khun Vegas to be in the music video? Really? But it's going to be a gay love story—do you think that's even possible?"
The fans responded overwhelmingly, many urging Pete to ask Vegas. Some even commented that it would be a chance to see him acting again.
Pete leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "I mean, I don't know if it'll happen, but it's an interesting idea. For now, I'm just excited to share that my new song is coming out soon!"
As he wrapped up the live session, Pete mentioned that the first day of his concert in Vietnam had sold out, with only a few seats left for day two. He encouraged his fans to grab their tickets while they still could. Then, with a wave, he ended the live and leaned back in his chair, exhaling a deep sigh.
He'd made the announcement, but his mind was still on Vegas. Could he really offer him the role? Could it even work?
The idea was tempting, and the thought of Vegas as his leading man was one Pete just couldn't shake.
---
<ISTG! If Vegas will be on Pete's new MV, I'll dye my hair neon green!>
<screenshot this for receipt! hahaha. i hope king entertainment will allow vegas to be in pete's mv.>
<Who and what do I need to sacrifice for #VegasPete in a MV happen?>
<TAKE MY MONEY! GIVE US VEGASPETE IN A MUSIC VIDEO!!!>
<Pete will release a new song after a year! So happy! But I'll be happier if Vegas acts with Pete in the MV! Universe! Please give it to us!!! #vegaspete>