Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 10

As the sun rose on the day of the test, Santa felt a mixture of anxiety and determination. For the past few days, he had been buried in textbooks, studying late into the night with Perth and his friends—Aou, Winny, and Jimmy. The study sessions had become a whirlwind of notes, discussions, and the occasional teasing, creating a dynamic that was both exhausting and oddly comforting.

In the bustling campus café, they’d spent hours poring over material, with Santa often finding himself in the role of teacher, explaining concepts while Perth watched with a mixture of frustration and fascination. Despite the chaos, Santa had to admit he enjoyed the camaraderie, even as he navigated the complexities of his evolving relationship with Perth.

Today, as Santa spotted Perth leaning casually against the wall in the hallway, a small smile crept onto his face. "Hey," he called, walking up to him.

Perth turned, his eyes brightening. "Hey, ready for the big day?" he asked, a playful smirk crossing his lips.

Santa nodded, his stomach fluttering with nerves. "I hope so. Good luck on the test, phi."

"Thanks," Perth replied, his smile widening. "You too. Just remember to breathe. You’ve got this."

As they walked to the entrance of their classroom, they ran into Aou, Winny, and Jimmy, who were chatting excitedly. Santa paused and turned to them, a sense of camaraderie swelling in his chest. "Good luck, everyone! We’ve got this!"

"Thanks, Santa! You too!" Winny said, grinning.

"Let’s crush this test!" Aou added, pumping his fist in the air.

"Yeah, and then we can celebrate after," Jimmy chimed in, nudging Perth playfully.

With a wave, they headed into their respective classrooms, the air thickening with anticipation. Santa took a deep breath, pushing aside the worry gnawing at him. He glanced at Perth, who was already flipping through his notes, a focused look on his face.

The professor entered, and Santa's mind raced. He could feel the weight of the upcoming test pressing down on him. Just before the professor started the instructions, he leaned closer to Perth. "You know, if you need help, just raise your hand. I’ll be right here," he whispered.

Perth looked over, his expression softening. "You’re a good luck charm, Santa. Just keep your head in the game."

With a final nod, Santa steeled himself for the test. As the questions were handed out, he focused, determined to do his best.

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After what felt like an eternity, the professor announced the end of the test. Santa released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and glanced at Perth, who looked equally relieved.

"Well? How do you think you did?" Santa asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Better than I expected," Perth replied, grinning. "Thanks for the encouragement."

As Santa and Perth stepped out of their classroom, the tension of the test began to lift. The hallway buzzed with chatter, but suddenly, a loud, excited scream pierced the air.

"Santa!"

Before he could react, Aou came barreling toward him, arms wide open. He wrapped Santa in a tight hug, nearly lifting him off the ground. "Thank you, thank you! You’re the best teacher! I answered all the questions! I’m so happy!"

Santa chuckled, slightly taken aback by Aou's enthusiasm. "I’m glad! You worked hard for it,phi."

Perth watched with an amused smirk, arms crossed. "Okay, okay, that’s enough, Aou! You’re making the kid look like he almost died from excitement."