Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 14

After their visit to Perth's parents' house, a wave of confusion washed over Perth regarding his feelings for Santa. His mother's words echoed in his mind, making him question the nature of their relationship. Did he truly see Santa as more than just his "slave," or was that all there was to it?

As they walked side by side toward the campus café, Perth's thoughts swirled with uncertainty. The familiar sights and sounds of campus faded into the background as he contemplated their dynamic.

Once they reached the café, Perth made a decision. He chose to sit with his friends, a familiar group filled with laughter and casual chatter. Meanwhile, Santa took a seat at his usual table, joining his group of classmates as Perth is loosen up with him and allow Santa to sit with his friends.

Perth glanced back at Santa, feeling a tug in his chest. The space between them felt larger than just a few feet, amplifying his inner conflict.

Winny noticed Perth glancing at Santa and smirked. "Don't tell me, you're missing him already. He's just a few feet away from us."

Jimmy chuckled, shaking his head. "Looks like our friend is missing his little pet."

Perth shot them both a sharp stare. "Shut up," he said shortly, trying to dismiss the teasing.

Aou glanced at Perth with a raised eyebrow. "Is there something wrong, Perth?"

Perth hesitated for a moment, running a hand through his hair before asking, "Do you guys think... I like Santa? More than just... a slave?"

His friends paused, momentarily shocked by Perth's sudden vulnerability. Jimmy was the first to respond, breaking the silence. "Yeah, I mean... we all saw how possessive you are with him. You don't treat him like just a slave."

Winny nodded in agreement, still smirking. "And let's be real, Perth. You're always looking out for him, watching his every move. It's not just some master-slave thing."

Aou leaned forward, his expression serious. "It's more than that, man. The way you look at him... it doesn't feel like you're just his master. You seem... kinda madly in love with him."

Perth clenched his jaw, his thoughts spinning. He hadn't expected such direct responses. Was it true? Could he really be in love with Santa?

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Santa sat comfortably with his group of friends, laughter bubbling around the table as they talked about random things. Sammy suddenly turned towards Santa with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Santa, I've been meaning to ask you... do you think phi Perth is a green flag or a red flag?"

Santa frowned, clearly confused by the sudden question. "What kind of question is that?" he asked, his eyebrows knitted together. He wasn't sure where this was going.

Before Sammy could answer, Satang jumped in, waving his hand dramatically. "Come on, Sammy. Of course he's a red flag! He made Santa his slave, remember?" Satang emphasized the last word, leaning forward like he was delivering breaking news.

Santa rolled his eyes at the over-the-top reaction, but before he could defend himself, Boom chimed in. "But don't you think phi Perth's kind of loosened up with Santa lately?" he asked thoughtfully. "I mean, I've been watching, and it feels like he's changed. Maybe he's not as harsh as before."

Yatch, who had been quietly observing the conversation, nodded in agreement. "Boom has a point. Maybe phi Perth really has changed. We can't be sure of everything. But still, what's your answer, Santa?" Yatch's voice was calm, but there was a twinkle in his eyes, as if he was genuinely curious about how Santa felt about Perth.