Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 15

The next day, after finishing their class, the group gathered in the hallway, excited for their upcoming free day due to a university faculty activity. Sammy, ever the one to get things going, asked, "So, anyone got any plans for tomorrow?"

Aou was the first to respond. "I do."

Everyone turned their heads, curious. "What kind of plans?" Satang raised an eyebrow playfully.

Aou gave a small smirk and, without breaking eye contact, looked directly at Boom. "I’m taking Boom on a date."

The statement hung in the air for a moment as Boom’s eyes widened in shock. The rest of the group burst out, half-laughing and half-gasping. "What?!" Boom stammered, still processing the sudden declaration.

Yatch chuckled, shaking his head. "Ohooo, lovebirds in the making!"

Boom blushed fiercely while everyone else teased him, but before anyone could continue, a familiar voice joined the conversation. It was Pond, walking up casually with a friendly smile. "Hey guys!"

Everyone greeted him, and Pond’s gaze quickly found Santa. "Santa," Pond said, his tone a bit more personal, "since we don’t have any classes tomorrow because of the faculty activity, how about we practice dance together? I could use a partner."

Santa blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting the invitation. Before he could respond, Perth’s expression darkened. He narrowed his eyes at Pond, and in a low voice, he cut in, "Sorry, Pond, but I’m taking Santa on a date tomorrow."

The entire group went silent, including Santa, who was completely stunned by Perth’s sudden claim. Everyone’s eyes were wide with disbelief. Even Pond seemed caught off guard, blinking a few times before recovering. "Oh… okay then. Another time, maybe," Pond replied with a slight smile before nodding to the group. "See you guys around."

As Pond walked away, the silence lingered for a few more moments. Jimmy was the first to break it, turning to Perth with a shocked expression. "Wait, hold on. Are you seriously asking Santa on a date?"

Winny, sensing the tension, couldn’t resist teasing. He nudged Perth’s shoulder, grinning. "Ohooo, what the hell is happening now? First Aou and Boom, now Perth and Santa?"

Perth, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on him, tried to remain composed, but his jealousy had clearly gotten the better of him. Santa, still processing everything, looked up at Perth, his heart racing as he tried to understand if Perth was serious or just acting out of jealousy.

Santa stared at Perth, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. Was Perth serious? His pulse quickened, feeling the weight of Perth’s words, while the rest of the group watched, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

Jimmy, never one to miss an opportunity to stir things up, leaned closer. "So… Perth, care to explain? A date, huh?" He smirked, watching Perth carefully.

Perth shifted uncomfortably under the pressure, but before he could speak, Winny stepped in, grinning widely. "I mean, come on, bro. Is this some secret romance you’ve been hiding from us?"

Perth shot Winny a sharp look, but Winny only raised his hands in mock surrender, still amused. "Fine, fine, no need to get all worked up. But seriously… a date?"

Santa, still processing the situation, finally found his voice. "Phi Perth, A date? Are you like joking right now? Or is this one of your order to me as your slave?"

Perth glanced at Santa, his mind racing. He hadn’t planned on saying that—it had just slipped out when he saw Pond getting too close to Santa. But now that it was out there, he had to decide if he was going to backtrack or go with it.