Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 26

Perth and Santa woke up together in Perth’s dorm, the soft morning light slipping through the curtains. Perth noticed how Santa was moving gingerly, clearly avoiding putting weight on his ankle. "Are you sure you're okay?" Perth asked, concern etched in his voice. Santa quickly brushed him off, a little too casually, insisting it wasn’t a big deal. Perth didn’t push it for now, but the look in his eyes showed that he wasn’t convinced.

When they arrived at university, their friends—Winny, Satang, Aou, and Boom—were already waiting for them. The usual chatter and laughter filled the air as they caught up, but Santa couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably, trying to keep the pressure off his ankle without drawing too much attention. Satang noticed it first, tilting his head in concern. "Santa, you good?" he asked, his voice full of curiosity.

Santa laughed awkwardly, trying to wave off the attention. "I’m fine, really. Just a little sore." But his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Winny wasn’t buying it either. "You don’t look so fine, Ta. What’s going on?" he pressed, his gaze dropping to Santa’s foot.

Perth had been quietly watching the whole exchange, his eyes narrowing as he took in the situation. "You should sit this out," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. Santa opened his mouth to protest, but their friends quickly sided with Perth. "He’s right," Aou added. "No point in pushing yourself, Ta."

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In class, Perth sat beside Santa, his gaze occasionally flickering toward him as Santa tried to focus on the lecture. But the more Santa shifted in his seat, the harder it became for Perth to stay silent. Leaning over, he whispered, "You’re pushing yourself too hard. Please, Ta, let me help you." Santa turned to look at him, their faces inches apart. Perth’s eyes were filled with concern, almost pleading. Santa hesitated, then nodded slightly, knowing Perth was right but still reluctant to fully give in.

After class, their friends circled around them again, but this time their attention was focused squarely on Santa’s ankle, which was now visibly swollen. Winny frowned, pointing at it. "That doesn’t look 'just sore' to me," he said, a hint of worry in his voice. Aou crossed his arms, his tone more serious than usual. "You should have told us, Ta. That’s not something to mess around with." Boom nodded in agreement. "You need to stop walking on that, man."

Perth looked at Santa, his eyes filled with concern after Aou and Boom spoke. Santa could see that Perth wasn’t going to let this slide anymore. His ankle had gotten worse, and it was clear that Perth wasn’t taking no for an answer this time.

"Let’s go," Perth said, but this time, instead of waiting for Santa to walk, he bent down and scooped Santa up into his arms. Santa gasped in surprise, instinctively wrapping his arms around Perth’s neck. "Phi! You don’t have to carry me," Santa protested, but Perth’s hold was firm and secure.

"Your ankle’s too swollen. I’m not letting you walk on it anymore," Perth said, his voice low but filled with resolve. Santa couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through his chest as Perth carried him out, cradling him gently yet protectively.

Their friends watched with a mixture of concern and amusement, but no one said anything. The sight of Perth carrying Santa so carefully spoke louder than words.

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Back at Perth’s dorm, Perth set Santa down carefully on the bed. Santa winced slightly as his ankle shifted, and Perth’s brow furrowed with worry. "Stay here," he ordered gently, going to grab the ice pack and bandages.

Santa sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. He hated feeling weak, but there was something about the way Perth was looking after him that made it hard to stay annoyed.