Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 11

Night had settled over the castle, and both Santa and Becky had retreated to their rooms after an evening spent with their parents in the grand dining hall. The dim glow of candlelight flickered across the long table as they shared a quiet meal, their conversation with King Adun and Queen Laila polite yet subdued. Becky and Santa exchanged knowing glances, each holding back thoughts of their friends they longed to see.

Once dinner was over, they bid goodnight to their parents and made their way upstairs. Each headed to their own room, slipping into the stillness of the night. Santa dried his damp hair from his recent bath, he then approached his desk. There, the stone Perth had given him glinted faintly in the candlelight. He picked it up, feeling its smooth surface and unique edges. Smiling to himself, he lay down on his bed, clutching the stone tightly in his hand.

As he lay there, he wondered, "When will I be able to see him again?" Thoughts of Perth filled his mind, recalling the warmth of his smile and the gentle way he’d spoken. Slowly, with the stone still in his grasp, Santa’s eyes grew heavy, and he drifted into sleep, a faint smile lingering on his face.

Meanwhile, in the village, Perth lay on his own bed, gazing up at the wooden beams on his ceiling. He couldn’t shake the image of Santa from his thoughts—the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed, his shy smile, and the way he’d blushed when Perth had handed him the stone. Perth felt his heartbeat quicken unexpectedly, and he chuckled softly to himself. "Meet you soon, Prince Santa," he murmured before rolling over and letting sleep finally claim him.

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The next morning dawned bright and clear, with sunlight spilling through the open windows of Perth’s house. He stretched and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom to freshen up. After a quick shower, he joined his sister Freen and their mother for breakfast, where the smell of freshly cooked rice and vegetables filled the air. They shared a pleasant meal together, laughing and conversation together.

Just as they finished, a knock sounded at the door. Perth got up to answer and found Gemini waiting with a big grin. "Perth, come on! Everyone’s already waiting," he said, practically bouncing with energy.

Perth turned back, kissing his mother on the cheek. "Mae, phi Freen, I’m heading out!" Freen laughed and waved him off, and with a cheerful goodbye, Perth left the house with Gemini. The two friends walked down the well-worn path, chatting excitedly about the day ahead.

In no time, they arrived at the small field on the edge of the village, a favorite spot where they’d gather with friends for a bit of competition and fun. As they approached, they spotted Satang and Mark waving, already waiting. Alongside them stood four other young men from the village—Tui, Lego, Keen, and Ashi, all smiling and eager for some action.

Lego grinned mischievously as he glanced at the newcomers. "So, what should we play today? I’m ready to win!" he boasted, nudging Tui. "How about a real challenge, something we can all enjoy?"

Mark, with a playful glint in his eye, quickly suggested, "How about football? I've already brought the ball,"

Everyone’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, They all nodded eagerly, ready for the game.

The group then formed two teams. Perth, Gemini, Mark, and Satang lined up on one side, while Tui, Lego, Keen, and Ashi stood opposite them. The field wasn’t marked, so they agreed to use two large stones on each end to serve as goals.

The game began, and right from the start, laughter filled the air as they kick the ball, Perth charged forward, his feet deftly maneuvering around the ball, but just as he was about to kick it toward Gemini, the ball bounced to the side. Keen tried to intercept, only to miss completely and stumble as the ball veered in another direction.