We Meet Again✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 35

The morning light began to filter through the hospital room's window, casting a soft glow over the still form of Santa. The room was quiet, with only the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor breaking the silence.

Perth, exhausted but determined, moved slowly to the restroom. He splashed cold water on his face, trying to shake off the weariness and clear his mind. He needed to be strong, especially for Santa. As he glanced at his reflection, he could hardly recognize the person staring back—his face was haggard and worn from lack of sleep and worry.

Back in the hospital room, Santa's eyelids fluttered open. He took in the unfamiliar surroundings, confusion clouding his gaze. His eyes landed on an empty chair beside the bed. The faint memory of the night before came back in fragments..nightmares, voices, and a profound sense of longing.

Santa's gaze drifted toward the door of the room, and he tried to call out, his voice a hoarse whisper. "Phi Perth?"

Hearing the sound, Perth rushed out of the restroom, his heart pounding. He quickly moved to Santa's side, his face a mixture of relief and concern.

"Hey," Perth said softly, taking Santa's hand. "You’re awake."

Santa's eyes filled with tears as he looked at Perth, his voice trembling. "Phi, you’re really here, right? I’m not hallucinating... are you really here?"

Tears streamed down Santa's face, his vulnerability laid bare. He gripped Perth's hand tightly, as if fearing that Perth might disappear if he let go.

Perth's heart ached at the sight of Santa’s tears. He squeezed Santa's hand gently, his own eyes moistening. "Yes, Ta, I’m here. I’m right here with you. I’m not going anywhere anymore nong"

Santa’s eyes, still filled with tears, met Perth’s with a look of deep regret. "Phi, I’m so sorry for everything. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I... I don’t want to lose you, please I'm so sorry."

Perth’s heart softened at Santa’s heartfelt apology. He gently brushed the tears from Santa’s cheeks, his own eyes glistening with emotion. "Ta, you don’t have to apologize. I’m here now, and we’ll get through this together. Stop crying alright"

Santa’s tears continued to flow, but a faint, relieved smile appeared on his lips. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion.

Perth sat by Santa’s side, his hand still holding Santa’s. He knew the road to recovery would be long, but seeing Santa awake and aware, even just barely, gave him a glimmer of hope.

As the morning continued, the hospital room began to fill with the gentle hum of activity. Perth stayed close to Santa, ready to face whatever came next together.

A tender smile spread across Perth’s face as he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on top of Santa’s forehead. The gesture was both soothing and reassuring, a silent promise of his unwavering support.

Just as the moment between them seemed to deepen, the door to the hospital room creaked open. Prem, Yatch, and Sammy walked in, their expressions a mix of relief and amusement. They exchanged knowing smiles as they took in the sight of Perth and Santa.

Prem, with a teasing grin, said, "Looks like we missed the apology party."

Sammy chuckled and added, "We were starting to think you two would need a break from all the drama."

Yatch, with a lighthearted tone, commented, "And here we thought Santa was just being dramatic."

Prem, smiling warmly, said, "Well, it’s good to see you both together again."

Perth couldn’t help but laugh softly, his earlier tension easing with the presence of his friends. He turned back to Santa, who was now smiling faintly, the weight of the previous night’s fears beginning to lift.