Star's Room

I am a human

[cyrjovie]

Saw someone saying the only thing Wu is missing is romance and for the millionth time I remind you all that stories about love and life do not require romance.

[byallaccountsitdoesntmakesense]

so refreshing to watch a show that starts amazing and stays amazing and then sticks the fucking landing like no ones business.

[ginnymoonbeam]

I've been wondering the whole time where Wu was going with its political plot, and apparently the answer was "going so much harder than you imagined."

Niran affirming that Qi Rong's violent outrage has a place in the world, although we hope it is not here and now? The not-a-ritual but still spiritually revelatory mirror questioning? The once-idealistic politician who has made compromises, which might have been necessary and even good, but in the end crossed a line one must not cross?

I love that the show has said from beginning to end that the yao are also part of the natural order. I love that Pete learned to work with the demon inside of him instead of expelling it. I love the lack of purity, the recognition of grim struggle in every aspect of life. Philosophically, it feels more sound and resonant to me than a lot of common fantasy/supernatural stories.

[patpranishome]

I had thought of writing a love letter for Thame, Po and MARS for the anniversary, but, somehow, I just couldn’t. I have no idea why. It could be that I was never good at writing letters, or writing in general. It could be that I was too fixated in making it special that everything I wrote felt like garbage. Or it could be that my feelings towards this show were so overwhelming that I just shortcircuit everytime I wanted to write it down. Or it could be all the above. I was too caught up with the structure I dreamed of that it stopped me from putting my appreciation of ThamePo to words. Thus, this vomit of words came out. Enjoy!

You see, I found ThamePo during a period of my life where everything was changing and I was running to keep up with the change. It was exhausting, scary and quite lonely despite the fact that I was actually surrounded by my family. Changes, no matter if it was bad or good, took a lot of your energy and needed a lot of courage to do. I was and am still a coward pretending to be brave because at the end of the day, I still had to do this no matter what.  

Finding ThamePo was an accident that I would forever be grateful for. After all, ThamePo is essentially the story of lonely people facing changes in their life, no? Po who freshed out of a break up, struggling to find a job (like me), and Thame, the boy who had always been lonely, currently facing the biggest changes in his life. The way both of them found each other, lightened each other’s loneliness and fought for each other, brought me so much comfort. 

Somehow, ThamePo became my safe place, my respite from the real world. When I felt the world was too overwhelming, I found myself back at the group house, surrounded by MARS and Po. When I needed a moment to breathe, I was back with Baifern to fangirl about MARS. ThamePo helped me get through one of the defining moments of my life by just telling a simple story that some may call cliche, yet so full of life. 

Through ThamePo, LYKN finally is in my focus and no longer just a blurry foreground ( I just had to for that one, it was right there),I rediscovered Est who had become much more charming since the last I saw him and most importantly, I found WilliamEst. I don’t know how but at one point, every single social media I had was filled with them. And to be honest, I am not complaining. I can spin a thousand word thesis on how much WilliamEst meant to me but, today is not the day for that. Today is all about ThamePo.

ThamePo gave me Thame, a lonely boy struggling to hold on to the connections he had. He went about it the wrong way the first time, but he learned from his mistakes and worked his way to ensure he did not make the mistakes again. The way he loves with his whole being is just so comforting to watch and actually drove me crazy for like a week after I finished watching. I mean look at how he treated Po, look!

Talking about Po, he has such a steady and reliable presence. Sure, he had insecurities about himself but, he never made it someone else's problem. In the midst of the chaos, Po had been so understanding and reliable in helping everyone that it came to no surprise he managed to attract two of the members (him being a cutie also did not help). Po is just so precious and I understand Baifern so much in terms of protecting him because he is not exactly naive but, the way he loves invited people to take advantage of him. And his love is precious and only should be given to the worthy ones.

MARS, oh my MARS. It was obvious that they love each other so much. And because of that love they were hurt so much from the miscommunication. I love that above everything, they truly love each other, they love performing with each other and they wanted to chase their dream together. Thame who puts MARS first and devoted his entire being for the group. Jun who despite his outward personality, is actually the one who held on to MARS the longest. Pepper who is always calm headed, the north star of the team. Dylan who not only lost his friends but his family, his home when MARS almost disbanded. Lastly, Nano, the youngest who was always protected but also desperate to protect his older brothers. They were young when they started out, and they were surrounded by adults who were continuously disappointing, misguiding and manipulating them. They love each other but, with things thrown to them continuously including the betrayal by the one they are supposed to trust, it was never going to be easy. But, I am so proud of them to be able to see past all of those things and come out stronger and together.

This post actually took me a month to write and it was not even that impressive. Heck, the anniversary had long passed. But, I felt the need to do this because I need, for my sake, to acknowledge the comfort and warmth ThamePo gave me during a time when I needed it most. I love ThamePo so much. So so much.

[romemok]

thamepo fmv: I have nothing covered by william jakrapatr

[patpranishome]

Thame grew up in an emotionally distant family. His parents were far away from him, both physically and emotionally. Because of this, Thame craved connection more than anything else, holding onto every bond with fierce devotion. He was genuinely kind and selfless, not just by nature, but because those connections were his lifeline, his very reason to live.

MARS became that lifeline. It was more than a group or a team, it was Thame’s family, the one place where he felt he belonged. The only reason he let go of that rope was because he believed MARS had already left him, just as Jun had said. But it wasn’t Thame who walked away first, MARS gave up on him first. That tragic truth was born from a painful lack of communication.

The moment Thame sensed even the smallest hope that his members still wanted to be part of this family, he clung to it with stubborn determination. Because underneath it all, Thame is just a boy who wants to be loved.

His relationship with Po reflects this deep need for connection. After the misunderstanding between them was cleared, they instantly clicked. Why? Because Po offered Thame what very few had: a lifeline, a rope to hold onto. Po created a space in his life where Thame could simply be himself, honest and unguarded.

While Thame initially does not recognize the romantic nature of his feelings toward Po, having never experienced such emotions before, he is aware that Po holds a unique and special place in his life. Po arrived at a time when Thame had no one else to hold onto, making their bond indispensable.

This is why Thame’s letter to Po was dripping with desperation, begging Po not to let go of his hand. Thame was willing to face anything, to fight for anything, because he would never be the one to let go. He wanted the people he loved to be happy with him, even if it meant he alone suffered.

A line from the the book that I wish was in the series, perfectly captures this spirit: “If we rise, we rise together. If one of us falls, let it be me alone.”

That’s why Thame was willing to sign the contract, to work himself to the bone, as long as MARS could continue to exist and stay in his life. But in his desperate grip to hold on, he forgot something crucial—communication. He forgot that those around him also loved him and needed to be heard.

That’s why Jun stepped in the way he did. If he hadn’t (in Jun’s point of view), Thame would have continued to suffer under the weight of that harsh contract. That’s also why Po took action—he had seen the fallout from the cover-up of their dating scandal and feared it would break MARS apart. Yet, neither fully understood the depth of Thame’s loneliness, a boy desperate simply wanting to be with the people he loves.

Thame, my boy—I love you.

[patpranishome]

It’s hard for me to admit how much I relate to Po. I’ve tried to avoid it, to distance myself from his story, but no matter how much I deny it, the truth remains. And I hate that truth, because it forces me to face a reality I’d rather avoid, that I share the same deep-rooted insecurity Po struggles with. The fear of not being enough. The exhausting need to prove our worth, while secretly believing we don’t have what it takes to ever truly be seen as “worthy.”

When I rewatched the series, I started paying closer attention to Po’s character arc. His dream of becoming a famous director wasn’t his real goal, it was his insecurity speaking. What he truly wanted was to feel like he was enough. Earn leaving him, especially citing their different life trajectories, devastated him. We’re led to believe that Earn never really respected Po’s work at the suit shop, even though that job was what supported their life together. When someone you love doesn’t value what you do, it slowly wears you down. Add to that the societal hierarchy that places creative, prestigious careers above service or retail jobs, and it’s no surprise that Po felt like he had to become a director. Not just for himself, but to prove to Earn, and the world, that he was good enough.

Then Thame came along. Thame acknowledged Po’s value, not just as a director, but as a suit shop employee, too. He didn’t offer vague praise; he highlighted specific things like Po’s attention to detail and strong work ethic. These were things that Thame himself understood and appreciated. He never made a comparison between jobs. He just saw Po for who he was and not what he offered, and in doing so, made Po feel like he didn’t need to prove anything. Thame’s love was steady, not dependent on status or success, and that gave Po something he’d never had before: the sense that he was already enough.

It’s true that Po lost his job at ONER because of his connection to Thame and MARS. But what matters most in his story isn’t whether he ended up a successful director, it’s that, by the end, he had finally accepted himself. He no longer needed validation through career success or others’ approval. He could show up to the reunion, speak openly about his current job, and feel at peace. He was no longer chasing empty approval. He had found contentment. He had found himself.

I didn’t expect to feel so deeply about Po. But the truth is, what he achieved by the end, contentment, and self-acceptance is something I long for, too. To get there, though, I know I have to start with the hardest step: believing that I am enough. It’s not easy. Some days, insecurity circles like sharks sensing blood. But even when we stumble, we can rise again and again and keep reminding ourselves: we are enough.

[romemok]

thamepo pilot trailer you’ll be missed 😭

no subtitles sorry

[patpranishome]

When you are a corporate girlie and suddenly got hit with SaintShin feels in the middle of the office.

[patpranishome]

Why are so many people losing it over that interview where they were like, “We’re not dating, we like each other but we’re not dating”? Like okay? And??

I’m not here for confirmed relationships, I’m here for the shenanigans, the talent, and the chaotic energy they bring together. That’s the real gold.

As someone who lived through the TayNew divorce of 2020 and is the emotional child of the OhmNanon breakup, I’ve learned one thing: what actually matters is that they love and respect each other, no matter the label, and most importantly, THEY ACTUALLY INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER AND ACKNOWLEDGE EACH OTHER'S EXISTENCE (iykyk... LOL 2021/2022 and 2023 press tours were painful to witness).

Friendship, partnership, whatever-ship, I just want them to be close and happy. Labels be damned.

[patpranishome]

This post might come back to haunt me someday, but I need to get this off my chest before I explode. WilliamEst is driving me absolutely insane—in the best (and worst) way possible. I’ve completely fallen down the rabbit hole with them. My TikTok FYP and YouTube recommendations are nothing but WilliamEst content, and honestly? I feel like I’m losing it.

It’s kind of wild how obsessed I’ve become. I’ve never seriously considered paying for a fancon stream before (except for BTS), but now? I’m literally saving up just to watch theirs.

I think I know why I’m so drawn to them. First of all, they’ve got a solid series. ThamePo was genuinely good, and it helped me see them in such a positive light. Then there's their visuals — they just fit together. William and Est are both insanely good-looking, but in such different, complementary ways. Someone on Reddit described Est as “delicately handsome,” and it stuck with me. He has these soft features balanced by a quiet masculinity. William, on the other hand, is more striking — that bold kind of handsome that turns heads. He still has a touch of boyish softness now, but give it a few years, and he’s going to be even more jaw-dropping.

But beyond looks and series, it’s their relationship that’s truly captivating. They’re this soft-spoken duo who sneak in little moments of physical attacks. I love how they make time for each other, even with their packed schedules. The vacation vlogs are gold — those private little glimpses into their time together are so precious. The dinner date, the way they constantly mention choosing to stay by each other’s side, how they talk things out when facing outside pressure — it’s all just so genuine.

Watching them, I find myself wishing for a relationship like that. Something grounded in mutual care, deep conversation, and quiet effort. The ease they have with each other didn’t happen overnight — it’s clearly something they’ve built intentionally. And it’s heartwarming to witness. It reminds me that meaningful human connection, regardless of label, is real and possible.

So yeah… that’s where I’m at. Fully, deeply, hopelessly in the WilliamEst hole. Thanks for reading. Bye.

[patpranishome]

So I somehow ended up with what I think is the MTL version of the ThamePo book, and here are my unfiltered, chaotic live reactions. Nothing is coherent, nothing makes sense unless you've read it—but this is me being real. Take it as you will.

Thame and Baifern’s relationship? Comedy gold.

Earn is so much worse in the book. What do you mean you're publishing a book about your “solo journey” to success? Get out of here, Earn.

Seriously, Earn is the worst. Your boyfriend quit his job, fed you, went into debt for you, and you really had the nerve to claim you did it all on your own? Absolutely not.

Book Thame gives full Diva energy—like, the water bottle scene? Iconic and dramatic.

Peemika's manipulative hold on Thame is even clearer here. She's a top-tier, S+ level manipulator. All she sees is profit.

The trauma bonding was real. Didn’t expect Po to open up that quickly, but thinking back, he did share that story in a public interview, so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.

Book Thame and Po are not the soft, gentle versions we got in the series. This feels way closer to the vibe of that original pilot trailer—and honestly? I want both versions. If we can get two Justice Leagues, we can get two ThamePos. They were cheaper anyway (don’t mind me, I’m deep in delulu land).

The phone number scene? It made more sense in the book, but the show definitely made it more romantic.

I get why scenes had to be cut, but it kind of hurt that they didn’t include how Thame helped Po get the footage. These two just want to help each other. And Thame’s quick “don’t say no first, tell me” line? Ai Thame, why you not exist in my life huh?

No storeroom forced proximity (rip), but Jun is an even bigger menace here than in the series.

Thame’s jealousy is adorable. Full stop.

I LIVE FOR JUNPO FRIENDSHIP!!!!

Jun, with love, please stop bothering Po about his age. I didn’t pencil in an age-related existential crisis today, thanks.

Wait—we didn’t get the 9-hour phone call?! Or the “good morning” serenade?!?

BUT that hug where they confirm their feelings? It hit even harder in the book. Screaming.

I momentarily forgot “faen” is gender-neutral. When Pepper said “boyfriend” in the translation, I did a double take.

Pepper and Thame out here making “I like older people” a lifestyle choice. Icons.

The book makes it clear that Jun’s “I didn’t actually like Po, just testing you” thing at the arcade was 100% a lie. And Thame knew. Tsundere Jun strikes again.

Sadly, no adorable mutual walking-each-other-home scenes. Still can’t believe that they did that. People in love do be doing some crazy shit.

We didn’t get that kiss or Thame’s full-on jealousy, but we did get him secretly replacing Earn’s stuff with his. Power move.

Pemika, the asshole extraordinaire (derogatory).

Aside from a few cuts and tone shifts, most of it lines up with the series.

Final Thoughts:

There are some clear differences between the book and the show, even though the book is adapted from the original screenplay. I totally get why the changes were made—pacing, tone, time constraints—but I’m so grateful I got to read this version. That said, the novel definitely feels like it’s made for the fans. This book wasn’t made to convert new fans—it’s for the unhinged loyalists. The ones already too deep. The ones who’d sell a kidney for a deleted scene. The magic of the story doesn’t quite come through from just reading the text. The writing style is very much like a screenplay—minimalist descriptions, some vague spots where it’s obvious decisions were left for production or filming. But still, as a fan? A treasure.

[tanrak]

thamepo is peak romance because they don’t just like each other romantically, they enjoy spending time together so much. they enjoy talking and learning about each other’s lives. they literally spent an entire night talking on the phone and then they literally spent yet another night taking turns walking each other home because they didn’t want to say goodbye, doing Anything to stay in each other’s company for one more minute. being apart now feeling unbearable. so they kept walking and talking as time passed by. they weren’t even touching for most part and yet it felt so all encompassing and tense and intense and romantic

when we say that the rituals are intricate THIS is what we mean. when characters have their own little ways of showing how much affection they have for each other and it’s clear as day even if they’re not kissing or hugging. the relationship gets to progress little by little but it still feels intimate because their hearts are connecting and nothing else exists besides them when they’re alone together

[athousandbyeol]

it's because po loves thame too much, that he has to let go.

it's because thame loves himself too little, that he can't make everyone stay.

[patpranishome]

Watching Perfect 10 Liners completely solidifies my belief that Perth Tanapon is an insanely talented actor.

I’ve always considered him one of those rare actors who can make an impression even if you haven’t seen much of their work. I’ve only truly watched Love By Chance, and even back then—15 to 17-year-old Perth playing Ae—he already had me melting into a puddle. Like, how was he that emotionally tuned-in at that age?

But as Yotha in Perfect 10 Liners? He’s on another level entirely.

The way Perth brings Yotha to life is so natural, so seamless, that I found myself rewinding scenes just to catch all the little details. His micro-expressions. The way he carries himself. The shifts in body language when Yotha is trying to stay guarded. He makes Yotha feel so real—someone who’s emotionally closed off, who keeps people at arm’s length, who might even come off as intimidating.

And the wild thing? Some of these moments aren’t even in focus. They’re in the background or off to the side, but once you notice them, you can’t stop seeing them. Perth is always reacting, always responding as Yotha would, even when the camera isn’t directly on him. It’s the kind of performance that rewards rewatching.

I wish I were good at making GIFs because I desperately want to show you all the subtle stuff he does. Like, there are scenes I’ve watched multiple times just to absorb everything Perth put into them.

In conclusion: Perth is phenomenal at playing “cool” characters without making them feel like they’re performing coolness. Yotha isn’t posturing. He is that closed-off, emotionally layered, quietly powerful person—and Perth makes that believable at every turn.

[patpranishome]

Dude. I never thought I'd be this feral about this show. And yet, here I am—screaming, crying, clawing at the walls over ThamePo.

This show… this show is everything. It's beautiful to look at, perfectly sound-designed, the OST is gorgeous, and the plot?? Actually solid. Someone said it felt like a K-drama, and I've never agreed with anything more in my life. It captures that magic—the sweetness, the slow burn, the ache—and then grounds it in characters who make sense together.

And the way they fall in love??? Don’t even get me started.

Thame falls in love with Po because Po is kind, empathetic, and quietly wise. Po falls in love with Thame because Thame is gentle, attentive, and honest. And the way they show each other love??? Thame constantly reassuring Po that he’s wanted and loved. Po quietly supporting Thame, making space for him, choosing to understand. It’s love that’s built, not just declared.

And the best part is, it’s the small things.

The movie dates (and I mean, movie dates). The nighttime walks. The sandwich stop. The little questions about each other’s families, fears, likes, and dislikes. It’s never grand gestures. It’s intimacy in the quietest moments. It’s so stupidly cute I want to cry. I want that.

And the conflict??? Actually made sense?? It wasn’t “you didn’t text me back” or some wild misunderstanding—it was about the world pushing in on them. About what it actually means to love someone who lives in the spotlight. Po asking Thame if he’s not tired. Thame practically on his knees, begging him to stay. It hurt because it was earned.

And the letter. Don’t talk to me about the letter.

From Thame’s perspective, Po read it and left anyway. From Po’s side, he never got to truly see the depth of what Thame wrote—the love, the desperation, the need. It’s such a painful, human miscommunication. It’s not noble idiocy. It’s two people trying so hard to love each other, but the world keeps making it harder.

Also: ThamePo. Tempo.

“Heart That Skips a Beat.”

Of course it is. Their love doesn’t follow a steady rhythm. It skips. It stumbles. It races. And the fact that each episode title is a song??? It’s a mixtape. It’s their love story in musical beats. Brilliant. Beautiful. Rude.

I get it now. WilliamEst fans, I get it. I understand what it means to fall face-first into a fictional love that feels realer than most. I understand what it’s like to want that kind of love—slow, honest, and tender. Something that holds your hand in the dark and learns your favorite sandwich.

I love ThamePo so much. This show took my heart, skipped a beat, and never gave it back.

[patpranishome]

Why is high school frenemy is gayer than peaceful property that has established BL pairing? The yearning and the angst, so delicious