Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 12

The warm afternoon gradually faded, and a peaceful evening settled over the village. Santa found himself sitting beneath a large tree at the edge of the field, where he and Perth had retreated to watch the others play. The quiet moments they shared watching the game were calming, and Santa felt a sense of ease in Perth’s company. Though they were silent, he felt as if they understood each other’s thoughts without needing to say anything. Perth, sitting close by, cast occasional glances at Santa, watching the way the setting sun cast a soft glow on his face.

Eventually, the game wrapped up as the players grew tired and laughter filled the field. Pond jogged over to Santa, a wide grin on his face, slightly out of breath. "Sorry for taking so long, Ta," he apologized, brushing a few strands of hair out of his eyes.

Santa shook his head, smiling at his friend. "It’s fine. Did you have fun?"

Pond nodded, still catching his breath, but then his face lit up as if he’d remembered something. "Oh, right! I saw this flower while we were playing…" He reached into his pocket and carefully pulled out a small, delicate wildflower—a vibrant purple bloom with petals that seemed to shimmer in the evening light.

Santa looked at the flower, somewhat surprised. He noticed Perth glancing at it too, a faint tension building in his expression. Perth’s eyes darkened subtly, and Santa could feel a wave of jealousy in the way Perth’s posture shifted. Pond extended the flower toward Santa, his smile gentle.

"Here," Pond said softly, holding it out to him. Santa took the flower with a small, appreciative smile, though he couldn’t ignore the awkwardness settling between him and Perth. He felt the weight of Perth’s gaze, and as he glanced at Perth, he noticed the hint of irritation in his friend’s eyes. Santa couldn’t help but feel torn—Pond’s kindness made him happy, but the unexpected jealousy in Perth’s expression unsettled him.

Mark noticed the exchange and made his way over, his usual teasing grin lighting up his face. "Aww, look at that! Prince Pond giving Prince Santa a flower—how cute!" He gave Pond a playful nudge. "No wonder you asked us to stop for a while earlier."

Pond laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head as he blushed. "It’s just… a small gift."

Lego, who had followed Mark, smirked and added, "You two are so adorable."

Pond’s smile softened, though he seemed a bit flustered. "Alright, alright," he laughed, trying to brush off the teasing. He turned to Santa, his expression turning thoughtful. "We should probably head back, right?"

Santa, who still held the flower, nodded. "Yes, it’s getting late."

Gemini, overhearing their conversation, chimed in with a hopeful smile. "Will you guys come visit again?"

Pond gave him an encouraging nod. "We hope so. Maybe sooner than you think."

The group laughed and exchanged goodbyes, and Santa gave a parting smile to Perth, hoping to share a final warm glance before they left. But to his surprise, Perth didn’t smile back. His expression was closed off, his gaze slightly averted. A strange pang shot through Santa’s chest at the lack of response; he hadn’t expected Perth to look at him like that.

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After a final wave, Santa and Pond mounted their horses and started the ride back to Santa’s castle. The journey was quiet, though Pond was in high spirits, chatting briefly about the game and the friends they’d made at the village. Santa nodded along, though his mind kept drifting back to Perth’s reaction. Why had Perth looked at him that way? Could it really be… jealousy? But why would Perth feel that way over a simple flower from Pond?