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Let's derail the usual broadcast, because I just want to document this masterpiece somewhere.
JOONG ARCHEN, I BOW DOWN TO YOU!
I mean look at them! Their cheekies all squished and soft smiles! My heart can't take this!
PS: This story has nothing to do with this photo, I just wanted to spread the love.
When Dylan saw Jun step through the studio door, his first thought, oddly enough, was of the taste of Jun's lips the last time they had kissed. He should have been surprised, as he hadn’t known Jun was part of the team that would be recording today. He should have thought about the fact they hadn’t spoken in five years or seen each other in four. But no, the image that popped into his head was that of Jun’s salty tears and the softness of his mouth when they had kissed goodbye.
Dylan only nodded in greeting and shook hands with P’Ko while everyone gathered around him in the studio room and took their seats on the comfortable sofas he had picked out himself. He tried to smile. He had gotten better at looking friendly over the years, but having Jun in the room made it difficult to not feel like the angry, shy kid he used to be.
He focused on P’Ko’s explanation of what they would do that day, unable to stop glancing at Jun from time to time. This OST for a series had been on Dylan’s schedule for about six months, as they had requested that he produce the song. It had been difficult to fit into his busy schedule. The studio had thrived since he produced his first award-winning song two years ago. The pride he had felt when he won his first award had been incomparable, but the recognition had been even more important.
“We wanted to work with the best of the best. Dylan won three awards for the OST he produced last year. He was the obvious choice.”
P’Ko’s praise was nice to hear but a bit conventional. Not that it mattered anyway, as Dylan hated bootlickers. He was there to do his job, nothing more, nothing less, and no amount of praise would change his approach to producing music.
After introducing the team. Mostly the lyricist, composer, and main actress. P’Ko ended with, “And I believe you already know Jun, our male lead.”
Dylan frowned at something in his tone before looking at Jun and confirming the statement. It didn’t seem like P’Ko had remembered that fact on his own; it seemed more like Jun had told him. However, he didn’t dwell on it.
Neither of them mentioned why they knew each other, and no one asked questions. Perhaps they already knew, or maybe they sensed the sudden tension that rose in Dylan's body at the mention of it.
Dylan wasn’t ashamed of his past as an idol. It had taught him a lot, but the way it had ended made remembering that time painful. The sudden departure of Thame for Korea, leaving the remaining four members jobless and aimless, had left an indelible scar on Dylan, who had probably lost the most with Nano. After leaving ONER on an angry whim, he had had to rebuild his life from scratch.
That day was the last day he saw Jun until today. He had bumped his shoulder on his way out of the elevator and building. He had been too angry and hurt to stop when he'd heard Jun call his name. In hindsight, it was probably for the best that he hadn’t stopped because things wouldn't have ended well. He would have either lashed out at Jun or, worse, slept with him before lashing out. Neither of those things would have helped.
Now, four years later, he was calmer, more settled, and happier. Water under the bridge and all of that.
The little pang in his heart was easily dismissed by explaining the process for the recording session. They had three songs to record in a matter of hours, and the schedule would be tight but manageable as long as they didn’t lose time.
"We'll start with the duet, since it'll probably take the longest because of the harmonies. You can decide which solo song will follow. It doesn't matter much," Dylan explained in his work-mode tone. He was already focused on the task at hand.
"Sunny will record first because she has to go to a gala tonight," P'Ko mentioned as both actors entered the recording booth for tone control.
Dylan hid his grimace by looking at the console. He had hoped Jun would go first so he could leave early, since he wouldn't be needed anymore. But that'd be fine. It wasn't like they'd be alone anyway.
He quickly prepared the backtrack he had already worked on for them to record on. It wasn’t finished, but it was enough to give them the melody and tone for today’s session.
Everything went smoothly and according to plan. That is, until Sunny finished her song and had to leave. She wasn’t the only one leaving, though. Everyone except Jun prepared to leave with her, and Dylan panicked.
“Aren’t you staying for the last song?” He asked the lyricist and composer because they usually stayed until the last track was finished.
Dylan didn’t miss the way they exchanged looks before answering, "Not for this one, no."
They left without further comment, leaving Dylan speechless and confused, staring at the closed door for too many seconds. Jun finally broke the silence with a simple, "Dylan," which made his skin erupt in goosebumps.
They hadn't spoken to each other at all so far, except when Dylan gave Jun directions in the booth. He intended to keep it that way.
"Let's keep it professional, shall we?" He asked, turning to Jun with a pointed look. He didn’t want to talk about the past. He simply wanted to do his job, move past this, and forget about Jun all over again.
He spun the chair around and focused back on the console and laptop, switching a few things for the new song. This one had been the most difficult to work on so far. They hadn't provided the lyrics, only a music sheet with the melody for a piano ballad. Dylan had recorded it himself one night when he stayed late at the studio.
Jun interrupted his thoughts, asking, "Can I - I know the chords of the song. Do you mind if I practice it on the piano first before going into the recording booth?”
It wasn't an unusual request. Over the years, Dylan had encountered tons of people who loved to run through the entire song before going into the booth to record it bit by bit. What surprised Dylan the most was that Jun not only played the piano now but had also learned the chords to that specific song.
"I recorded the piano backtrack myself, but if you feel more comfortable, we can record the singing while you play." He offered, knowing it sometimes yielded more compelling performances.
He also knew Jun's tendency to nitpick everything he did. Making him focus on the piano might divert his attention enough to prevent him from overthinking his singing. But Dylan would keep that knowledge to himself.
"We can try it that way," Jun agreed. Dylan moved his chair to the other console and connected the devices while Jun settled on the piano stool.
From his vantage point, Dylan had a direct view of Jun; the mic barely hid a quarter of his face. Dylan tried to focus on his keyboard while Jun played a couple of notes so he could adjust the settings. Soon, however, he found himself with nothing to do.
When he gave the go-ahead, his gaze landed on the only other living person in the studio. Jun looked focused, playing the chords with practiced ease while looking down at the keys. The musical intro sounded as beautiful as Dylan remembered, keeping him hooked.
Just before the singing cue, Jun looked up and locked eyes with him.
I still taste the salt of our last kiss
Dim lights flickering low beneath the stage
We said goodbye like it meant nothing
But maybe our silence said everything
The crowd was still singing out your name
And my heart was doing just the same
Dylan took a sharp intake of breath at the first few words. It couldn’t be, could it? He was glued to Jun’s lips, having forgotten how smooth his voice sounded when he was going for a soulful and deep sound. His voice had always had the magical ability to reach Dylan right to the core.
If I had said the words, would you have stayed?
Would we have burned or gently faded away?
By the elevator, I called your name
But you walked on by and I stayed the same
Missing you is all I’ve known
For a love I never let be shown
Even if Dylan had been able to let the first verse go, the mention of the elevator in the chorus was too telling. It couldn't be a coincidence. He should have stopped Jun right then and there, cut the bullshit short, but Dylan was hooked. In a twisted way, he needed to hear what Jun would say next.
We were fire behind closed doors
Burning hands and hearts too afraid
Every touch a secret war
That neither of us ever dared to name
We were more than just a phase
But we lived like shadows in a maze
I tried to speak so many times
But I feared my heart was too loud
Now I sing to empty rooms
Hoping to see you somewhere in the crowd
Despite his eyes being glued on Jun, Dylan could barely see him because his mind was flooded with memories he had carefully tucked away over the years. Now, the contents were spilling out and overflowing over the walls Dylan had taken so long to build.
He remembered the first time they'd kissed during a summer storm, when Jun had kept him company. Jun’s face had been lit up by the frequent lightning strikes. His gentle gaze and soothing words had broken all of Dylan’s barriers. Dylan had kissed Jun in a moment of vulnerability, and it had been enough to burst the dam.
Even if nothing more had happened that night, it sparked something neither could predict or fight. They never mentioned what had happened behind closed doors, most often in Dylan’s room. None of the other members had known about Dylan’s grabby hands or his harsh mouth, which bruised Jun’s skin. Nor had they known about the marks Jun had often left on Dylan’s stomach, the bites and hickeys carefully hidden behind his hoodies.
No one had known about the quiet conversations they'd whispered in the dead of night. No one had seen the way their arms had wrapped around each other after they'd received the news about Thame’s departure and the band's disbandment. No one had heard the quiet sobs that had escaped their lips as they'd poured it all into an ultimate kiss under the stage, knowing it would be their last moment together.
Dylan was thrown back to that last night. The night he had almost begged Jun not to let him go. It was the night he had understood what it meant to have his heart broken and shattered into a thousand tiny pieces, before it got stomped over. He had lost everything that night. His band, the only family he had ever known, was gone. His future had been stuck in a company that neither valued his talent nor appreciated his differences.
But what had hurt the most were the "what ifs." What if they had had more time? What if they had confessed that they felt more than physical attraction? What if they had dared to ask for more? What if he had asked Jun to stay? What if Jun had told him he loved him? Each "what if" had been like a gut punch, an uppercut, or a knife planted right into an already bleeding heart.
Rebuilding himself and stopping himself from missing Jun had taken so long. But here Jun was, reopening old wounds and forcing Dylan to realize that he had only sealed over the breaches without ever fully healing what was inside.
I’ve written your name in songs I’ll never share
Hoped one day you’d hear and maybe still care
But reaching for you now, would it be too much?
Would you run away, or tell me you missed my touch?
I kissed you goodbye
But I never let go
And I wish you'd known
I loved you so
Dylan’s eyes welled up with tears at the last few words. He was heartbroken all over again, but mostly furious. He was angry at the world for never giving them a fair chance. He was also angry at Jun for not being stronger than him back then, and for coming back years later to disrupt the peace he had tried to establish. Above all, he was angry at himself for not having been bold enough to ask for what he wanted, and for not having had enough faith in himself or Jun to try.
Daggers pierced his heart, slicing through him like a knife through cotton candy, meeting no resistance but destroying everything. He closed his eyes and tried to get his breathing under control. Inhale. Hold for five seconds. Exhale.
He didn’t resist when he felt his chair being turned and a pair of arms wrapping around his shoulders. He let it all out. Years of repressed tears poured down his cheeks as Jun sat on his lap and held him through it all.
“I’m sorry, Dylan. I’m so sorry.” Jun whispered, his hand threading through Dylan’s dark hair.
How he had missed this! He had missed Jun's sweet nothings in his ear and gentle touch on his skin.
Jun let Dylan cling to him for long minutes. Until his tears dried and his breathing evened out. Then, he pulled back just enough to look Dylan in the eye. His hand moved down to Dylan’s shoulder and rubbed in a soothing pattern.
“I’m sorry, Dylan. I tricked you into this,” Jun began gently.
He explained that P’Ko had been looking for a producer, and he had used the opportunity not only to recommend Dylan’s work but also to ask for a favor in return.
"I knew you wouldn't let me in any other way," he explained.
Dylan couldn't blame him because he was right. Had he shown up unannounced and alone, Dylan would have most likely slammed the door in his face.
“I just wanted to make amends. Nothing I say today can change what happened, but I need you to know that I wish I had handled things differently. I wish I had told you that I loved you. I want you to know that the young, scared, unsuccessful, and angry version of you was worth more than I gave you.”
It was a lot to process. Realistically, Dylan had always known that they had both felt more than they had let on back then. But hearing it years later felt like rubbing salt on an open wound and like a magic kiss on a bruised knee all at once.
"Why are you here, Jun?"
What was the point of bringing all this up five years later? No matter how pleasant it was to hear the words, why did Jun feel the need to say them so late? Dylan couldn’t wrap his head around the reasoning behind it all. What had prompted Jun to suddenly reach out?
“I just told you.”
"No, why are you telling me this now? Why do you care?"
Dylan guessed that what he truly wanted to know was whether this was a one-off. Something Jun felt the need to do to get closure and move on. Or maybe he wanted to make things right not only for their past selves but also for their present ones. Dylan had no idea which he’d prefer.
"I'm not asking for anything. If you never want to see me again, I’ll leave now and never bother you again.” He said, then waited for Dylan to respond, expecting him to tell him to leave. But Dylan was resilient and curious, and much more hopeful than people ever gave him credit for.
Dylan's silence prompted Jun to continue, "However, if you decide not tk hate me forever, I'd love to discover the new you. No pressure. No expectations. Just a chance to reconnect."
And see where life takes us. The unspoken words were heard either way. Dylan recognized the familiar flutter of wings in the pit of his stomach. It was something he hadn’t felt in relation to a person in five years, if he was honest. Or maybe four, if he counted the brief elevator incident and the touch of their shoulders at ONER’s headquarters.
It wasn’t much yet, nothing more than hope, but that feeling was powerful. It had taken over his life for the better part of a year a long time ago, and now that it was within reach again, Dylan felt like an addict tempted to taste the forbidden fruit all over again.
He had no idea what Jun had done during those five years. He hadn’t been able to keep up with their careers. He had only kept in touch with Nano for about two years before the messages gradually stopped.
Jun suddenly seemed to realize their situation and stood abruptly, creating distance between them, which made Dylan snort and finally open his mouth.
"I'd like to know what you've been up to." He said softly with a smile. They had a lot to catch up on.
"Ouch. You haven’t been keeping tabs on me?” Jun replied, smiling too.
It felt like being back five years ago, when they used to tease and make fun of each other for the simplest of things.
“Don’t push your luck, asshole.” Dylan teased back, trying to see how far he could take it before it became awkward or tense.
Far from being dejected, though, Jun laughed wholeheartedly. The sound bringing back a new wave of memories that Dylan hadn’t thought of in years.
Jun hadn’t changed much since then. He was still sporting the same stupid haircut and wearing dumb cardigans, looking annoyingly smug half the time. But there were slight differences that only someone as familiar with his body as Dylan could notice. For example, there were faint lines by his eyes when he smiled, and his shoulders were broader than Dylan remembered.
Jun also looked quieter and more reserved compared to the loud, boisterous man who had annoyed Dylan by thinking he was always the smartest person in the room. However, he also looked wiser and more self-assured, albeit in a less overt way. This probably meant that he had finally gained the self-confidence he had hidden behind jokes, fake nonchalance and sarcasm for so long.
Jun was probably making the same assessment of Dylan in the quiet room because, when their eyes met again, Jun simply smiled and said, "I missed you, Dylan."
Dylan could only respond to Jun’s words with one thing. It was something he had only realized when he heard Jun sing. It was something he hadn't thought of in years, but now, faced with it, he could not deny how true it was or had been.
"I missed you, too."
I loved you too remained silent. That was a conversation for another day.
Notes:
I'll let you make your own story, but my personal headcanon is that they take it slow, rediscovering each other, relearning who they are when together. Then, of course, they decide they're better together than apart and drop the most beautiful co-written album that tops the charts and makes them win tons of money and awards. Voilà!
PS: There is always something you can count on me for, it's that I loathe undisclosed sad endings. So, if I ever do ever write one someday, I'll put it in the tags ;)
Chapter 2: What's next?
Notes:
I love writing, and I love challenging myself. This is a little (very) different from my usual style, but I thought it could be fun.
Big thanks to ElectricAlice, aerynevenstar and gadaursan for the formatting tips!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chronically online
BREAKING NEWS: Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou Reunite for Surprise Joint Album
In a shocking development in the music and entertainment world, singer-actor Jun Junn Tangsakultham and rapper-producer Dylan Zhou announced the release of a surprise joint album set to drop within the next week.
The duo first rose to fame nearly a decade ago as part of an idol band and had not been seen publicly together for several years following the group’s disbandment.
Their creative paths crossed again a little over two years ago, when Dylan contributed to the production of the original soundtrack for Jun’s critically acclaimed and award-winning drama series, A Little Bit of Love.
Details of the album remain under wraps, but industry insiders suggest it will feature at least ten songs written, performed, and produced by both artists.
Stay tuned for more updates.
BREAKING NEWS: Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou Set to Release Documentary Ahead of Surprise Album
In an unexpected move, Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou are rumored to be releasing a tell-all documentary just hours before their surprise joint album drops.
While details about the highly anticipated album have emerged slowly, industry insiders have hinted that the documentary will chronicle the pair's rise to fame, their years apart following the breakup of their idol group, and their creative reunion that led to the upcoming release.
The documentary is expected to include never-before-seen footage, behind-the-scenes studio moments, and candid reflections from the artists on their careers, friendship, and the road to this collaboration.
With both the album and the documentary now in the spotlight, fans around the world are bracing for what promises to be an emotional and electrifying double release.
JUST IN: Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou Announce Album Title: Phoenix
The mystery surrounding the surprise collaboration between Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou is beginning to unravel, and fans now have a name to hold onto. The upcoming album, scheduled for release later this week, is titled Phoenix.
Sources close to the project confirmed the title earlier today, and it is already setting social media ablaze. Though the duo has remained cryptic about the album's content, Phoenix is said to reflect their rebirth following years of silence and personal growth.
It is said to draw from Jun and Dylan’s shared past as members of a once-prominent idol group and trace their evolution into two of the industry’s most respected solo talents.
This announcement follows the buzz around a documentary set to premiere just hours before the album drops.
As fans count down the final days, the documentary and the album are shaping up to be more than just a comeback. They may well mark a new chapter in both artists’ careers.
JUST IN: Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou’s Documentary Titled From Ashes to Wisdom
With just two hours to go before the highly anticipated premiere, new details have emerged about the surprise documentary accompanying the upcoming joint album by Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou. According to official sources, the film is titled From Ashes to Wisdom.
The title mirrors the previously announced album, Phoenix, and reinforces the narrative of rebirth, healing, and creative evolution surrounding the duo’s reunion after years apart. The documentary promises an intimate look at Jun and Dylan’s rise to fame, their abrupt disbandment from the idol group MARS, and their journey to their current collaboration.
However, it’s the rumors swirling around the documentary’s content that have truly captured public attention.
Industry chatter suggests that From Ashes to Wisdom may offer unprecedented insight into the nature of Jun and Dylan’s relationship. While no details have been officially confirmed, early previews hint at candid interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal commentary that could shed new light on the long-speculated dynamics between the two artists.
Representatives for both Jun and Dylan have declined to comment ahead of the release, saying only that the film is "deeply personal."
Whether the documentary confirms long-held fan theories or simply provides a rare, unfiltered look at two of the industry’s most enigmatic figures, one thing is certain: From Ashes to Wisdom is about to change the conversation.
FEATURE: From Ashes to Wisdom: Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou’s Powerful Truth Shakes the Industry
The documentary confirms the long-rumored romance and celebrates growth while calling for change.
The speculation is over. From Ashes to Wisdom, the documentary accompanying the surprise album Phoenix by Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou, premiered tonight, bringing with it a wave of heartfelt revelations.
The emotional and unapologetically honest film traces Jun and Dylan’s decade-long story, revealing a bond that began in silence and is now being celebrated openly.
A Hidden Relationship
For the first time ever, Jun and Dylan revealed that they were in a romantic relationship during the final year of their idol group, MARS. A fact known to no one, not even the other members of the band.
With the strict pressures of the idol industry forbidding romantic involvement, the two kept their relationship entirely private, even from their closest peers. The emotional weight of secrecy, coupled with the pressures of impending change is said to have become "overwhelming".
The Disbandment That Broke Them
The breaking point came when MARS member Thame left for Korea, triggering the sudden disbandment of the group. The already fragile relationship between Jun and Dylan collapsed soon after.
The documentary confirms that Jun cut ties with everyone immediately after the split. Dylan, meanwhile, remained in contact with bandmate Nano for a couple of years before that communication, too, faded away.
For years, there was silence. No calls. No texts. No second chances.
The Turning Point: Track 7, Goodbye
Two years ago, Jun, who was already an acclaimed actor by then, requested through a third party that Dylan produce part of the original soundtrack for his series, A Little Bit of Love. It was the first time they had spoken since their breakup.
In the documentary, Jun admits that his decision was calculated; he seized the opportunity to not only collaborate again with Dylan, but to apologize to him.
That apology is titled "Goodbye," the seventh track on their to-be-released album, Phoenix.
Phoenix: A Musical Memoir
The documentary reveals that Phoenix, which will be released in 30 minutes, is not just a reunion project, but rather a carefully structured musical memoir. Created over the course of a year, the album chronicles Jun and Dylan’s shared history.
From the heady beginnings of MARS to the pain of separation and the gradual rebuilding of trust, each track marks a milestone in both their careers and their relationship.
Present Day: Committed and Unapologetic
The final chapter of the film confirms that Jun and Dylan are in a committed relationship again. This time, they’re doing it on their own terms.
They describe Phoenix as a "beacon of hope." This beacon of hope is not only for themselves, but also for others in the entertainment world who feel forced to choose between authenticity and acceptance.
Jun and Dylan openly criticize the culture that prohibits idols from having romantic relationships and urge industry leaders and fans to reconsider the emotional toll of such restrictions.
Mutual Respect, Earned and Expressed
The documentary is also a mutual tribute. Jun openly praises Dylan’s transformation into an acclaimed producer and his creative vision. In turn, Dylan acknowledges Jun’s steady rise as a celebrated actor and vocalist.
Their admiration is quiet, grounded, and deeply felt. It's the kind of admiration that only comes from knowing someone at their lowest and their best.
________________________________________
From Ashes to Wisdom is both a confession and a celebration. It's the story of two artists who lost everything - fame, love, and even friendship - and found their way back by confronting their past, rewriting their future, and allowing the world to see them as they truly are.
In their own words, "true love always finds its way home."
FEATURE: Phoenix: Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou Retell a Decade-Long Story, Track by Track
After a week of speculation, Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou have returned with a concept album that unfolds like a personal history. Phoenix is more than just a musical collaboration. It’s a confession, a reconciliation, and ultimately, a triumph.
Crafted over a year and structured in chronological order, Phoenix retraces the artists’ journey from wide-eyed debut to stardom, collapse, and reunion. The album is as honest as it is elegant, with each track revealing a layer of their shared experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the album, track by track:
1. Nice to Meet You
A nostalgic, upbeat opening track filled with playful contrast.
The album begins with the memory of their first meeting as members of idol group MARS. Jun’s self-assured confidence clashing with Dylan’s guarded intensity.
“You said ‘hi’ like you owned the room I stayed quiet, always watching from the gloom Fire met ice, I rolled my eyes And thought, ‘I’ll never like this guy.’”
It’s the beginning of a dynamic that would define, and eventually transform, both of them.
2. Too Hot to Handle
A sultry, tension-laced track built around a heavy bassline.
The second track dives into their early chemistry: intense attraction wrapped in mutual annoyance. The song simmers with a mutual fascination both were too proud (and too afraid) to admit.
“You touched my sleeve. I turned away But dreamed of you every night anyway. We danced around the flame too long You’d roll your eyes, I’d bite my tongue You hated how I made you feel I hated that it felt so real”
It's sexy, reckless, and honest.
3. Hate to Love
A moody, emotionally layered ballad about falling for someone when you least want to.
After the fire of Too Hot to Handle, Hate to Love marks a tonal shift. One where the anger softens and the truth starts to slip through. The lyrics explore the quiet, reluctant beginnings of love, where late-night conversations and stolen moments start to mean more than either of them will admit.
What begins as frustration slowly turns into understanding and then something deeper.
“You made me furious, loud and proud But you were the only calm in the crowd I said I couldn’t stand your face But I memorized your smile just in case.” “I hated the way you got under my skin But I let you in again and again And somewhere between all our fights You became the only thing that felt right.”
This track doesn’t romanticize their story. It leans into the messiness of connection, the way love can grow in the cracks between arguments and awkward silences. It’s the sound of resistance fading, of walls beginning to crumble.
4. Lost
A melancholic, atmospheric track reflecting on collapse and confusion.
Lost captures the emotional aftermath of MARS’ disbandment. It’s raw, stripped down, and painful.
“The lights went out, the doors were closed We lost the map, the dream, the road.”
The track deals not only with the loss of a career but the sadness of a relationship ending too soon when it was only starting to bloom.
5. Rise (Jun Solo)
A cinematic, slow-building anthem of self-reinvention and quiet strength.
Rise marks the moment after the fall. In this solo track, Jun tells the story of vanishing from the public eye and reemerging on his own terms. It’s about rebuilding from the rubble of lost dreams.
“I disappeared without a sound No spotlight, no stage, no crowd. Just silence loud enough to drown The voice I’d spent too long shutting down. They wrote me off, a faded name But I stayed behind and lit the flame.”
Musically, the track begins sparse with just piano and a breathy voice then swells into strings and layered harmonies as Jun’s voice rises, not to shout, but to declare: he never stopped being an artist.
“I rose not from applause, but pain From ashes soaked in quiet rain You thought I vanished, turned to dust But I was only finding the me I could trust.”
It’s a beautifully well-thought-out song about finding yourself.
6. Wings (Dylan Solo)
A bold, rapid-fire rap anthem about carving your own path when the world expects you to vanish.
If Rise is about quiet rebirth, Wings is its fierce counterpart. A bold, statement of defiance, freedom, and self-made success.
“No label made me. No idol shaped me I built my wings from scars they gave me. They cut me loose, called me done I stitched my name into every drum.” “I don’t owe fame a thank you note It tried to crush me, but I never broke. Success wasn’t luck, it was blood and grit I own every verse, every fire I lit.”
With Wings, Dylan claims every ounce of his pain and turns it into power. The track is a rallying cry for independence and artistic identity.
7. Goodbye
A haunting piano ballad reborn as a duet with added rap verses.
This is the emotional centerpiece of the album. Originally written and performed by Jun as an apology, Dylan’s added verses turn it into a dialogue. A reconciliation in real time.
“I still taste the salt of our last kiss Dim lights flickering low beneath the stage We said goodbye like it meant nothing But maybe our silence said everything…”
Dylan’s rap verse:
“You called my name, I walked away Thought breaking first would make me stay But I kept the echoes, wore the blame Missing you like a second name.”
It’s devastating and cathartic, the kind of song that can only be written when the wounds are still healing.
8. I Missed You
A hopeful, mid-tempo track full of warmth.
This song captures the moment they find each other again, older, wiser, but still carrying the same fire.
“I didn’t know a part of me was gone Until I heard your laugh again and it felt like home.”
The title, as well as the lyrics, are pretty self-explanatory. The arrangement is soft, almost dreamlike.
9. Phoenix
The title track. Uplifting, soaring, and emotional.
If Goodbye is where the past is confronted, Phoenix is where the future begins. It’s an anthem about reclaiming the past and rewriting the ending.
“From ashes, we rose Not perfect, but whole What we lost, we rewrote With pieces of gold.” "We were fire, then dust But we never gave up. Torn apart, now rebuilt to last.”
It blends powerful vocals with a cinematic arrangement. A track built to be performed live, sparking hope of a reunion tour.
10. Happily Ever After
A soft, acoustic track with no theatrics, just honesty.
The final song brings peace. It’s not about fame or success. It’s about finding someone to share the quiet moments with.
“We’ve seen the fall, we’ve climbed the sky And now we sit, just you and I With coffee, laughter, future plans And time to hold each other’s hands.”
It ends not with fireworks, but with serenity.
A Legacy to be remembered
Phoenix is a rare kind of album, not just conceptually bold, but emotionally fearless. It tells a full-circle story that challenges the idol industry’s norms and calls for a world where authenticity, vulnerability, and love are not liabilities but legacies.
Jun and Dylan aren’t just revisiting their past. They’re reclaiming it. And in doing so, they’ve given us one of the most intimate, courageous, and beautiful albums in recent memory.
FAN REACTIONS: Jun and Dylan’s From Ashes to Wisdom and Phoenix Leave the World in Tears and Awe
Social media erupts with emotion, praise, and gratitude after the release of the most intimate comeback in recent music history.
The music industry may never be the same and neither will Spheres.
Following the back-to-back release of From Ashes to Wisdom and the joint album Phoenix, fans across the globe are experiencing a collective wave of emotions. From TikTok breakdowns and Twitter tears to Reddit essays and late-night listening parties, the reaction has been nothing short of explosive.
The documentary’s confirmation of their past relationship, the years of silence, and their eventual reunion has struck an emotional chord with viewers, many of whom saw their own stories reflected in the quiet heartbreak and slow healing the two artists revealed.
@MarsAttack
I watched the documentary three times. I’m still crying. They gave us ten years of their hearts in two hours. I’ll never recover.
❤ 1.9k 04:35 AM - 27 May 2032
103 people are talking about this
“Phoenix is a masterpiece. Full stop.”
The release of the album Phoenix just hours after the documentary only intensified the emotional impact. Fans have hailed it as one of the most conceptually cohesive and emotionally resonant albums in years.
Each track has already inspired deep dives and lyrical analyses, with Goodbye, Phoenix, and I Missed You trending across multiple platforms. On TikTok, a viral sound clip from Goodbye - “I kissed you goodbye / But I never let go” — has already spawned thousands of emotional edits, fan covers, and reaction videos.
“I’ve never cried through a whole album before,” said one listener in a now-viral TikTok video, wiping away tears. “They wrote every lyric like a scar they healed in front of us.”
@JustAGirl
Wings and Rise feel like watching two people grow into the versions of themselves they deserved to be. This album isn't just about love, it's about becoming
❤ 9.6k 01:26 AM - 27 May 2032
1.7k people are talking about this
Beyond the romance, many fans are calling Phoenix and From Ashes to Wisdom a major step forward for representation, transparency, and healing within the music industry. Jun and Dylan’s decision to openly share their relationship and criticize the industry’s policing of idols has sparked discussions across fan communities and beyond.
“For so long, idols have had to choose between their truth and their careers,” a fan wrote on Reddit. “Jun and Dylan just showed the world that you can have both and thrive.”
@JunDyl4Ever
They’re not just breaking rules. They’re building new ones. Ones where love, truth, and music/artistry can coexist.
❤ 16.8k 00:21 AM - 27 May 2032
1k people are talking about this
Memes, Montages, and Midnight Messages
Of course, the emotional intensity hasn’t stopped fans from celebrating in their own way: with humor, creativity, and shared nostalgia. Popular tweets and memes include:
• “Me after track 7: I’m fine 😭 (I'm not).”
• A side-by-side glow-up edit of Jun and Dylan captioned: “The exes who healed and then gave us a full concept album? Icon behavior.”
• A reedit of MARS-era and early content over Nice to Meet You with the caption: “The moment none of us knew would change everything.”
The dual release of From Ashes to Wisdom and Phoenix has left fans reeling, but they’re not the only ones. In the hours following the premiere, heartfelt messages began pouring in from listeners around the globe, including the people who knew Jun and Dylan long before the world did: their former MARS bandmates, Thame, Nano, and Pepper.
“I’m proud of them. I’m proud of their truth.” — Nano
Of all the former members, Nano’s message struck a particularly tender chord with longtime fans. Once closest to Dylan in the post-MARS years, Nano shared a short but emotional statement on Instagram:
“I knew parts of the story, but seeing it all unfold like this… I’m speechless. To rebuild something so broken with that kind of honesty takes more strength than most people will ever understand. I’m proud of them. I’m proud of their truth.”
He closed the post with a lyric from I Missed You:
“I didn’t know a part of me was gone until I heard your laugh again.”
“This album brought me to tears. I didn’t know. I wish I had.” — Pepper
Pepper, known during MARS’s heyday as the group’s emotional core, shared his thoughts on Twitter where his post was quickly shared by thousands of fans:
@PepperLove
This album brought me to tears. Not because of what it says, but because of everything they carried without ever telling us. I didn’t know. I wish I had. I would’ve stood by them no matter what. #Phoenix
❤ 130k 00:56 AM - 27 May 2032
25k people are talking about this
He added in a reply:
“Phoenix isn’t just a comeback. It’s a gift. It’s healing for them and for us too.”
“They rose from the fire. And they did it with grace.” — Thame
Thame, whose departure from MARS years ago triggered the band’s disbandment, had been absent from the public eye for some time. But shortly after the documentary aired, he posted a quiet but powerful message on his personal Weverse:
“It’s strange to look back and see the pieces now. To understand what was really happening between the lines. I left MARS not knowing the weight others would carry in my absence. Watching From Ashes to Wisdom brought all of that home.”
“I’m sorry for what I didn’t see. I’m in awe of what they’ve created. They rose from the fire. And they did it with grace.”
Looking Ahead at What’s Next?
Neither Jun nor Dylan has officially commented on the responses from their former bandmates, but fans are already speculating that this chapter of healing could open the door to something more in the future, even if just reconciliation behind the scenes.
Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: From Ashes to Wisdom and Phoenix have changed not only how fans see Jun and Dylan, but how they see what love, growth, and courage can sound like.
While Jun and Dylan have made no announcement about future performances or interviews, fans are already organizing tribute livestreams, lyric breakdown events, and charity fan projects under the hashtag #RisenWithPhoenix.
As one fan perfectly summarized:
@NamelessArtist
Jun and Dylan gave us a story that may feel like an ending. Or maybe... it’s only the beginning? #RisenWithPhoenix
❤ 10k 00:21 AM - 27 May 2032
2.5k people are talking about this
ONE WEEK LATER: Jun and Dylan Break Their Silence with Gratitude and a Confession
The duo finally responds to the tidal wave of support, revealing why they stayed quiet… and what they've been up to.
Seven days after the release of From Ashes to Wisdom and their joint album Phoenix, Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou have finally broken their silence and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. In heartfelt social media posts shared late last night, the duo responded to the outpouring of love, emotion, and industry-wide support that has followed their comeback.
The reactions were exactly what fans had hoped for: full of sincerity, humility, and a touch of the same warmth that made Phoenix such an unforgettable experience. But they also came with one very unexpected and joyful reveal.
“We didn’t expect this. We hoped, but we didn’t expect.”
Dylan was the first to post, sharing a photo of the two of them watching the sunset from what appeared to be a quiet coastal town, with the caption:
“It’s been a week since we let you in on our story. I’ve read your messages, your threads, your art, your tears, all of it. I didn’t think we’d ever get to tell the truth, let alone be embraced for it.”
“We didn’t expect this. We hoped, but we didn’t expect. Thank you for giving our love the space to be real.”
Dylan ended the post with a simple signature: “– D.”
“You made us feel safe in our own truth.”
Shortly after, Jun posted a lengthier message on his Instagram story, followed by a carousel of fan art, lyric tattoos, and a screen recording of trending hashtags like #PhoenixRising or #RisenWithPhoenix.
“This past week has been one of the most surreal experiences of my life,” Jun wrote. “We released a story we weren’t sure the world was ready to hear. But you all welcomed it, and us, with open hearts.”
“To see the reactions from fans… and from Thame, Nano, and Pepper… that meant more than we can ever say. You made us feel safe in our own truth. And for two people who spent a long time hiding, that’s a gift we’ll never take for granted.”
Then came the sign-off. Short, sweet, and totally unexpected:
“Sorry for the delay in replying. We were on our honeymoon.”
– Jun 🕊️
The internet, naturally, exploded.
Fans React (Again)
Within minutes, #JunDylanHoneymoon and #TheyGotMarried were trending worldwide. Fans reposted the messages with disbelief and joy, many still reeling from the sheer tenderness of it all.
@DylanFangirl
HONEYMOON?! We were out here writing thinkpieces and they were drinking wine by the ocean in love??? Relationship goals! #JunDylanHoneymoon
❤ 15.9k 03:21 PM - 5 June 2032
1.2k people are talking about this
Fellow MARS member Pepper reposted Jun’s post in his story with the caption:
"You didn’t invite me to the wedding but I forgive you because you made me cry for a week straight.”
@ForeverSad
Phoenix was their vows. The documentary was their wedding speech. We’ve been at the ceremony this whole time and didn’t even know it. #TheyGotMarried
❤ 12.1k 04:59 PM - 5 June 2032
5.3k people are talking about this
ONE YEAR OF PHOENIX: Jun and Dylan Reflect on the Album That Changed Everything
In an exclusive Q&A, the duo looks back on a project that healed old wounds, reignited friendships, and now belongs to the fans.
It’s been exactly one year since Phoenix - the surprise joint album from Jun Junn Tangsakultham and Dylan Zhou - was released alongside the groundbreaking documentary From Ashes to Wisdom. What began as a personal act of reconciliation became one of the most talked-about musical and cultural moments of the year 2032.
The album, which traced their story from idol beginnings and secret heartbreak to reunion and healing, quickly achieved critical and emotional acclaim. But while the world still plays and replays its ten tracks, Jun and Dylan themselves have moved into a new chapter. One that doesn’t necessarily include more music together, at least for now.
We sat down with the duo (virtually with Dylan in Seoul, Jun in Chiang Mai) to talk about how Phoenix lives on, what it meant to them, and why they’re ready to let it go.
The Studio Was a Safehouse
Though Phoenix tells a chronological story, its creation was far from linear.
“We didn’t write it in order,” Dylan revealed. “We tried, but emotions don’t work that way. Sometimes you sit down to write ‘Track 2’ and end up crying your way through Track 7 instead.”
“The first song we finished was ‘Wings,’ actually,” Jun added with a grin. “I think Dylan needed to remind himself he could still fly solo before we could write the rest together.”
Most of the album was written and recorded over nine months in a small private studio on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, far from the industry, far from expectations. They rented a house nearby, lived quietly, and treated the process like a retreat more than a production.
“We’d record all day, then cook dinner together, or just sit outside and talk about the past,” Jun said. “Sometimes we said too much. Sometimes we couldn’t say anything at all. But it was honest. That was our only rule.”
The final track, Happily Ever After, was recorded late at night on their last day at the studio. “It was just the two of us crammed into this tiny booth, but we needed one last piece of the puzzle.” Jun explained, before Dylan added “We knew we were done when our conversations delved more into the future than the past.”
The Honeymoon and the Silence
When Phoenix dropped, the world was ready. But Jun and Dylan were already gone.
“We disappeared,” Dylan admitted with a laugh. “We dropped the album, checked our phones, saw chaos and then turned them off. We were somewhere on a beach, staring at the sunset and listening to nothing but the ocean.”
They stayed off-grid for an entire week. No interviews. No press. No social media. Until Jun’s now-iconic post.
They never announced it. Never sold photos. Never confirmed a date. But in the aftermath of Phoenix, one single line in Jun’s Instagram post “Sorry for the delay in replying. We were on our honeymoon.” sent fans into an emotional tailspin.
Now, a year later, they’ve opened up just a little more about that moment and why they chose to keep it private.
“We got married a week before the album dropped,” Dylan shares quietly. “We wanted to be a family before we gave our story to the world.”
“It was small. Quiet,” Jun adds. “We said our vows in a garden just outside of Chiang Mai. No press. No stylists. No audience. Just us.”
When asked if they'd ever release photos or talk more about it, they both shrug gently.
“Maybe someday,” Dylan says. “But honestly? That moment was just ours. And we need it to stay that way for now.”
Q&A: A YEAR AFTER THE FIRE
Q: One year later... How does it feel looking back on Phoenix?
Dylan: Honestly? Surreal. It feels both very far away and still sitting right under my skin. I haven’t listened to the whole album in a while, but whenever I hear a snippet online, like someone covering “Goodbye” or remixing “Wings”, it just hits me all over again. That was us. That really happened.
Jun: Same here. When we were making it, it felt like we were writing a secret we’d carried for a decade. Now it belongs to everyone. And that’s the most beautiful part of it. It's not ours anymore. It's yours.
Q: Did you expect the kind of impact it had?
Jun: Absolutely not. We expected a quiet release, maybe some curiosity, some support from the people who remembered MARS. What we got was a tsunami of love.
Dylan: We hoped it would land. But we didn’t expect it to change conversations about the industry, about what artists are allowed to say, about love and identity. That wasn't fully the goal, but it became part of the story. And I think it makes us both proud.
Q: How did it change your relationship with the other MARS members?
Dylan: Oh, that was one of the best parts, actually. I didn’t expect them to react the way they did. Pepper called me crying. Nano sent me the longest message I’ve ever received.
Jun: We’ve reconnected, the five of us. It’s not like we’re forming a reunion band or anything, but there’s peace now. We talk. We check in. We support each other. That wouldn’t have happened without Phoenix.
Q: Fans are still hoping for a tour, a follow-up album... anything you want to say to them?
Dylan: We love you. Really. But right now, there’s no plan for that.
Jun: It’s not a no, but Phoenix was never meant to be the start of something ongoing. It was a moment. A very necessary, very vulnerable moment. For us, it was cathartic. Therapeutic. A chapter that needed writing.
Dylan: And now it belongs to you: the fans. Remix it. Cover it. Make it yours. That’s what art is for.
Q: So what’s next?
Jun:
I’ve got two films in post-production and a play I’m in talks for, something really intimate. And I’ve started writing again, just for me.
Dylan:
Back in the studio. Not for an album, just experimenting. I’m producing for other artists and trying to enjoy music without tying it to pain or my own story.
Life Now: Separate, but Not Apart
Since then, both artists have returned to their solo careers, intentionally stepping away from Phoenix’s spotlight.
Jun has starred in two films - one a romantic indie drama, the other a dark historical thriller - and is currently in rehearsals for his first stage production.
“Acting keeps me grounded,” he said. “I’m drawn to quiet characters these days. The ones who say little, but feel everything.”
Dylan, meanwhile, has been back in the studio producing music for rising Thai and Korean indie acts, mentoring behind the scenes.
“I haven’t written for myself in a while,” he said. “But I’ve written for others. And it feels good to lift someone else’s voice for a change.”
They still live together part-time, splitting their time between Bangkok and wherever Jun is shooting. Their relationship is, in their words, “low-key, but we're happy.”
They share domestic life in fragments, cooking late dinners, tending to a rooftop garden, sneaking away for long walks. Neither post about it often, but fans occasionally spot them holding hands in bookshops or riding scooters along country roads.
“It’s the little stuff,” Dylan says with a soft, private smile. “The boring, beautiful stuff. That’s what feels like forever.”
A Legacy Beyond the Charts
Though Phoenix never followed a traditional promotional cycle. No live tour, no press-heavy rollout, no deluxe reissue. It continues to thrive a year later. Its songs are still covered, quoted, dissected, and adored by a fandom that calls themselves The Ashes. A name inspired by the lyric “From ashes, we rose.”
Critics still cite the project as a rare blend of honesty and structure, and the documentary remains a touchstone for fans of both queer storytelling and emotionally raw artistic collaboration.
As Jun put it in closing:
“If that album made someone feel seen, or less alone, or gave them courage, that’s more than enough. That’s everything.”
Notes:
Hopefully you guys didn't hate this journaling of what was next for them. I just couldn't help myself, because in every universe, I need Jun and Dylan together in the end.
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