Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 25

Perth and Santa arrive at their dorm, tired but content from the trip. They both drop their bags and flop down on Perth’s bed, sharing a quiet, relaxed moment. Perth glances at Santa, who is already half-asleep, and smiles as he brushes a lock of hair away from Santa's face. He then whispers, "Tired, Ta?" to which Santa responds with a soft nod. Perth pulls him closer, their fingers naturally interlacing.

As they lay together on the bed, Perth turns to Santa, his eyes soft and full of warmth. "You know," Perth begins, his voice low, "I really loved the trip. But the best part wasn’t the places we went or the things we did."

Santa turns his head slightly to look at Perth, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? What was the best part then, phi?"

Perth smiles, his thumb gently rubbing the back of Santa's hand. "Having you there with me, Ta. Every moment was better because you were by my side."

Santa blushes at Perth's words, feeling warmth spread through him. He lowers his gaze shyly, but can’t help the small smile that tugs at his lips. "You're so cheesy, phi," he teases softly.

Perth chuckles and leans in to kiss Santa’s forehead. "Maybe, but it’s true. I don’t need fancy trips or anything like that—just you."

Santa feels a flutter in his chest as he rests his head on Perth’s shoulder, their hands still clasped together.

Perth smirks and reaches over to grab his phone from the nightstand. "And you know what..." he says, a teasing glint in his eyes as he pulls up a video.

Santa looks at him, confused, until Perth turns the phone to show him a video of Santa tripping and falling during the campus venue weeks ago. The camera shakes with laughter as Perth had filmed it.

Santa gasps, his face turning bright red. "Phi!" he exclaims, a mix of embarrassment and amusement in his voice. "You still have that?!"

Perth laughs, clearly enjoying himself. "Of course, but don’t worry," he says, bringing his hand to gently ruffle Santa’s hair. "This video... I'll delete it."

Santa's eyes narrow, suspicious of the smirk on Perth’s face. "Really, phi?" he asks cautiously.

Perth chuckles, leaning in closer. "Okay, maybe not just yet. It’s too cute." He leans back, laughing when Santa playfully hits his arm.

But then, Perth’s expression softens, and he takes a deep breath, turning serious. "Ta... I don’t want you to go through that fear again," he says quietly, locking eyes with Santa. "I don’t want you to remember anything about being bullied in high school. I know how much it hurt you back then."

Santa’s teasing expression fades as he listens, the weight of Perth’s words settling in.

Perth continues, gently reaching out to hold Santa's hand. "I promise you... I’ll never do this kind of thing again. I swear." His tone is sincere, his eyes full of care and concern.

Santa stares at him for a moment, his heart warming at Perth's words. He squeezes Perth’s hand back, his voice soft. "I trust you, phi. I know you wouldn’t hurt me."

Perth smiles, relieved, and pulls Santa closer, kissing his forehead. "I love you, Ta. You’re everything to me. I just want you to be happy."

Santa smiles, resting his head against Perth's chest. "I love you too, phi."

Perth and Santa are lying in bed, enjoying the quiet moment together, cuddled up in each other's arms. The soft glow of the afternoon sun fills the room, casting a warm light over them. Santa rests his head against Perth's chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.