Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 20

Perth woke up to the sound of his alarm blaring, a reminder of the day ahead. His hand instinctively reached out to silence the sound, and that’s when he noticed Santa, fast asleep next to him, clinging onto him tightly. A soft smile crept across Perth’s face as he admired the peaceful look on Santa’s face. Leaning in, he gently kissed the tip of Santa's nose.

Santa stirred, his eyes half-open. "Why, phi?" he mumbled sleepily.

Perth chuckled, brushing a strand of hair away from Santa’s face. "Get up, Ta. We have class today, let’s get ready."

Santa groaned in protest, burying his face in the pillow. "No... five more minutes, phi. Please."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Perth leaned closer. "If you don't get up, I’ll carry you to the bathroom... maybe we can shower together."

Santa smirked with his eyes still closed. "You wouldn’t dare."

Without warning, Perth scooped Santa up in his arms, Santa gasping in surprise. "Oh, I dare," Perth said, making his way toward the bathroom as Santa, still half-asleep, laughed and squirmed in his arms.

The sound of their laughter echoed through the bathroom as they showered together, their playful banter continuing, and the morning started off perfectly.

The warm water cascaded down their bodies as steam filled the bathroom, creating a soft haze around them. Perth set Santa down, keeping his arms loosely wrapped around his waist. Santa blinked up at him, still half-asleep, a playful pout forming on his lips. "You're so mean, phi," Santa mumbled, though his tone held no real complaint.

Perth laughed softly, his thumb brushing gently against Santa's cheek. "Mean? I’m just helping you wake up." His fingers trailed down Santa's jaw, sending shivers through Santa's spine despite the warmth of the water. Perth leaned in closer, his lips ghosting over Santa’s ear as he whispered, "Besides, I kind of like seeing you like this... all sleepy and clingy."

Santa's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and he swatted Perth lightly on the chest. "Stop teasing," he muttered, but his lips curved into a small smile. Perth’s gentle touch and soft voice made his heart flutter, and though he resisted at first, he found himself sinking into the moment.

Perth chuckled again, pressing a quick kiss to Santa’s temple before reaching for the soap. As he lathered it between his hands, his gaze stayed locked on Santa, who finally opened his eyes fully and met Perth’s. The moment felt like an eternity, a quiet understanding passing between them, a silent recognition of how much they’d come to mean to each other.

"I’ll wash your hair," Perth offered, his voice a little softer now, filled with warmth. Before Santa could respond, Perth had already begun gently massaging the shampoo into Santa’s hair, his fingers moving through the strands with practiced ease. Santa closed his eyes again, this time letting himself relax completely under Perth’s touch, the tension from the previous days melting away.

Perth's hands were tender, each movement careful and intimate, as though he was memorizing every inch of Santa. Santa could feel the love and care in every touch, and a sense of peace washed over him.

"You're good at this," Santa murmured, his voice soft.

Perth smiled, rinsing the shampoo out of Santa's hair. "I used to company my mom went to the salon so I kinda observed everything that the workers do. It's kinda give benefit for that"

Santa hummed in response, leaning his head back slightly, his trust in Perth evident in the way he surrendered to the moment.

Once they were finished, Perth gently grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Santa, his arms pulling him close once more. They stood there for a moment, wrapped in warmth, the only sounds the soft drip of water and their steady breathing.