Taken by the Mafia ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 36

A few days had passed, and the tension that once hung heavy in the air between Perth, Santa, Jeff, and Barcode had dissolved. The revelation of their father’s death, the chaos that followed, and the confrontation with Fort, Boss, and Est now felt like distant memories. With their enemies gone and the truth out in the open, the families finally felt at peace. The two couples—Perth and Santa, Jeff and Barcode—had settled back into a comfortable routine, filled with love and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Perth, as if unable to resist any longer, would often kiss Santa openly now. There was no need to hide his affections, and each gesture only brought the two of them closer. Jeff, too, had softened, often wrapping Barcode in warm hugs whenever the moment called for it. Aunty Mai would watch them with a smile, grateful that, after all the darkness, there was finally light.

That morning, they all gathered around the dining table for breakfast, the air filled with the usual clatter of plates and soft laughter. A sense of normalcy had returned, and the warmth of the family could be felt in every word, every glance shared.

Perth looked across the table at Santa, who was just finished his meal. His heart swelled with affection, and he couldn’t resist the urge to lean in. "I want to take you on a sweet date today," Perth said, his voice full of warmth as he reached out to take Santa’s hand.

Santa glanced up, surprised by the sudden offer, but his eyes softened, and he smiled. "Really?" he asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Yeah," Perth nodded. "Go get ready, alright? We’ll head out soon."

Santa’s smile widened, and he nodded eagerly. He excused himself from the table, pushing his chair back as he made his way upstairs to get ready.

Across the table, Jeff glanced at Barcode, quietly munching on his breakfast. "What about you, Code? Do you want to go on a date today too?"

Barcode shook his head, looking up at Jeff with a playful smile. "No, I think I’d rather stay home today and practice guitar with you again."

Jeff chuckled, clearly pleased by the answer. "Alright, if that’s what you want."

Perth, then get up from his seat and then excused himself "I'll go upstairs to get ready then." Which earn a nodded and smile from aunty Mai, Jeff and barcode. Perth heading to his room to get changed.

As Santa and Perth prepared for their date, Barcode,stood up to help Aunty Mai clear the table. Jeff joined him, the two of them working together to clean up the breakfast dishes, all while chatting quietly with Aunty Mai about the plans for the day.

Not long after, Perth and Santa came back downstairs, dressed and ready for their date. Perth was wearing a simple yet stylish outfit, while Santa looked effortlessly handsome, his smile bright as ever. Before they could make their way out the door, Jeff called after them with a mischievous grin. "Have a great date, you two!" he yelled teasingly, his voice echoing through the house.

Perth and Santa chuckled in response, waving as they stepped outside. The two left hand in hand, heading off for a day together, excited to enjoy a peaceful and romantic outing.

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Back inside, Barcode, who was feeling content as he and Jeff finished up in the kitchen. Once they were done, they excused themselves and made their way to Jeff’s room, where Barcode settled comfortably on the bed, waiting for what had now become a cherished routine—guitar practice.

Jeff, always eager to spend time with Barcode, went to grab his guitar from the corner of the room. He sat on the edge of the bed, gently strumming a few chords before looking up at Barcode with a smile. "Alright, let’s get started," he said, positioning the guitar so Barcode could join in.