Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 17

The morning sun filters through the windows of the lecture hall, illuminating the quiet concentration of students. Perth and Santa are seated next to each other, but despite the lecturer's words, Santa's mind is still clouded by memories of their date last night.

Perth notices Santa's distracted expression and smirks to himself. He leans closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "You seem off today. Still thinking about yesterday, Ta?"

Santa flinches at the sudden comment and glances at Perth, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Phi Perth, we're in class. Focus."

But Perth has no intention of letting it go. He leans back casually, his eyes glinting mischievously as he places his hand on Santa's thigh under the desk. Santa gasps softly, his heart skipping a beat.

"Phi, stop..." Santa whispers, his voice a mix of panic and frustration. He shoots a quick glance around the room, hoping no one has noticed.

Perth's fingers gently stroke Santa's thigh, drawing slow, teasing circles. "Why? It's just a little touch, Ta. You're not going to lose focus over something this small, are you?"

Santa feels heat rising in his face as he grips the edge of his notebook tighter, trying to ignore the sensation. "This isn't the time, phi Perth."

Perth chuckles softly, his eyes still on the lecturer while his hand remains on Santa's leg. "You look cute when you're flustered. Focus, Ta. The lecture's important."

Santa's mind is a whirlwind, and he tries to focus on the lecture, but all he can feel is the warmth of Perth's hand. The seconds tick by agonizingly slowly until the professor finally announces a break.

Perth removes his hand, leaving Santa breathless and frazzled. "See? You survived," Perth says with a wink, acting like nothing happened.

Santa glares at him, his face still flushed. "You're impossible, phi."

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The bell rings, signaling the end of the class. Perth stretches his arms above his head, glancing at Santa beside him, who is hurriedly gathering his things. They exchange a brief look, and Perth's smirk from earlier still lingers, making Santa's cheeks flush again.

As they walk out of the lecture hall, Perth and Santa spot their friends gathered near the lockers in the hallway. Winny is leaning casually against the wall while Satang scrolls through his phone. Jimmy, Aou, and Boom are there too, already deep in conversation.

"Hey! There you guys are!" Winny calls out, waving them over.

Perth and Santa approach the group, with Perth keeping his usual playful expression. As they join the circle, Winny suddenly grins and throws his arm around Satang's shoulders, pulling him close.

"So, Satang," Winny starts, his tone teasing, "I've been thinking... How about we go on a proper date later? You know, somewhere nice."

Satang's eyes widen in surprise, and the group falls silent for a second. Everyone turns to Winny, shocked by the sudden declaration.

"Wait, what?" Jimmy laughs. "Winny, are you serious right now?"

"Dead serious," Winny replies, grinning proudly. "I figured it's about time. What do you say, Satang?"

Satang blinks, clearly flustered. "Uh... yeah, sure, phi why not?"

The group erupts in laughter, teasing Winny and Satang about their upcoming date. Satang tries to hide his blush, while Winny beams, enjoying the attention.

"You guys are really something," Aou says, shaking his head. "Just don't cause a scene on campus."

Boom chuckles, nudging Winny. "You're full of surprises, Phi Winny."