Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 9

As the sun streamed through the window, Santa sat at his desk, textbooks sprawled before him. He glanced at Perth, who was staring blankly at his notes, frustration evident in his furrowed brow.

"Okay, let’s try this again," Santa said, trying to keep his patience in check. "If demand increases, what happens to the price?"

Perth scratched the back of his neck, the confusion deepening in his eyes. "Um… it goes up?" he guessed hesitantly, but the uncertainty in his voice was unmistakable.

"Close, but no," Santa replied, exhaling softly. "I don't understand...when I first entered this university, You answered our Professor questions without breaking a sweat when you trying to argue me with your point. What changed?"

Perth shrugged, a hint of defiance in his posture. "maybe that's because I want you to stop feeling like you better than anyone else since you just a freshman"

Santa, rolls his eyes while looking at Perth "really? That's all?"

Perth then chuckle "Well another reason is because he always asks the same thing. I did my own research to ace his class"

Santa raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "So you do make your own research about something?"

"Yeah, looks like I’m not that stupid," Perth shot back, crossing his arms with a smirk.

"Right now, you kind of are, phi" Santa teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Okay, Mr. Smartass," Perth retorted, feigning exasperation. "You don’t need to roast me like that. Whatever, I give up. I’ll never pass this test. My parents will definitely scold me"

"Wait," Santa interjected, a spark of inspiration igniting in him. " What if I explain it one more time?"

Perth leaned back, an intrigued expression crossing his face. "And if I finally understand? What’s in it for me?"

Santa felt a thrill run through him, the tension between them shifting. "You can make me do anything. Even though you already did, since you know.... I’m your slave."

Perth’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned closer, their faces just inches apart. "Alright then. If I understand, and I get to ask every question you want, you have to let me kiss you."

Santa’s breath caught in his throat at the proposition. The weight of Perth’s challenge hung in the air, igniting a fire within him. "Deal," he replied, his heart racing as anticipation coursed through him.

With a newfound determination, Santa dove back into the material, explaining the concepts with fervor. But as he spoke, he couldn’t ignore the electricity crackling between them. Every time their eyes met, the world outside faded, leaving only the intensity of the moment.

-30 minutes later-

"Okay, okay," Perth interrupted, his voice suddenly serious. "I think I’m getting it, but can you explain that part again? The one about elasticity?"

As Santa launched into the explanation, he noticed Perth hanging on his every word, a mixture of focus and admiration in his gaze.

As Santa finished explaining the concept of elasticity, he leaned back in his chair, watching as Perth’s expression shifted from confusion to realization.

"Wait," Perth said, his eyes widening. "So, if demand is elastic, it means consumers are sensitive to price changes, right?"

"Exactly!" Santa replied, a surge of excitement rushing through him. "You got it,phi!"

Perth’s face broke into a grin, a mix of triumph and surprise lighting up his features. "I can’t believe I actually understood that. Surprising, thanks, Ta. So… about that kiss?"