Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 15

The lake was peaceful, the golden light of late afternoon casting a warm glow over everything. Santa and Perth sat close, their gazes meeting in a moment suspended by Perth's words. The confession hung in the air, gentle yet powerful, and Santa’s heart raced as he processed what he had just heard. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself quiet, feeling both exhilarated and nervous.

Perth noticed Santa’s silence, and a slight frown creased his face. With a soft, understanding smile, he murmured, "It’s fine if you don’t feel the—" But before he could finish, Santa reached out, gently pulling Perth toward him, and closed the distance with a kiss.

The kiss was soft and tentative, but full of unspoken feelings that Santa had held back for so long. When they finally pulled back, Santa rested his forehead against Perth’s, his voice barely above a whisper. "I like you too," he confessed, his tone filled with a shy honesty that made Perth’s heart flutter.

Perth’s face lit up with a smile as he took in Santa’s words, letting the warmth of the moment settle between them. Unable to hold back his happiness, he kissed Santa again, a bit more confidently this time. His hands moved to Santa’s cheeks, gently holding him close. A few yards away, Est, who had been watching from his spot, noticed them. A warm smile spread across his face as he watched his friend find a happiness that had seemed out of reach.

When they finally broke away from the kiss, Perth looked at Santa with wonder. "I didn’t know you felt the same way," he murmured, brushing a thumb over Santa’s cheek, the touch light and affectionate.

Santa chuckled, cheeks flushed. "I’ve liked you since the first day our eyes met…during the royal visit," he admitted, his words spilling out softly, as if sharing a precious secret. Perth’s smile grew as he gently caressed Santa’s cheek, his gaze full of warmth.

"You’re so cute," Perth said with a playful grin, watching as Santa’s cheeks turned even pinker under his touch. Santa lowered his eyes, trying to hide his shy smile, but Perth’s hand gently tilted his chin back up, keeping their eyes locked.

"Well," Perth said, his voice teasing, "at least it’s not just our sisters dating…now we’re dating, too."

Santa’s smile widened. "I like that," he replied, his voice soft but full of sincerity. Perth’s heart swelled with gratitude, feeling a sense of completeness he hadn’t expected.

They spent the next while talking, laughter blending with the soft sounds of the lake. They shared stories, dreams, and little jokes, feeling as though they were the only two people in the world. For the first time, Santa could simply be himself, without the pressures of royal expectations.

As the sky turned to evening shades, Est slowly made his way over, clearing his throat to get their attention. "Santa, it’s time to go," he said, his tone gentle but firm.

Perth’s smile faded slightly. "Already?" he asked, unable to hide the disappointment in his voice.

Est gave him a sympathetic smile. "I’m sorry, Perth, but it’s time for Santa to go. It’s getting late, and you know how it is."

Perth sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Fine…" he murmured, looking over at Santa with a hint of sadness.

Santa offered a reassuring smile. "I’ll see you soon," he promised. "Tomorrow is Becky’s turn to meet Freen, so…how about the day after? I’ll come back then."

Perth’s expression brightened at Santa’s words. "I’ll be waiting for you, then…my prince," he replied, the last words whispered with a playful smile.

Santa chuckled, feeling his cheeks warm at the title. Perth gently cupped Santa’s face, pressing one last tender kiss to his lips. Est, watching the affectionate exchange, sighed and mumbled to himself, "Ugh, I wish William was here…" Perth and Santa laughed softly, the joy in their voices clear.