Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 18

The awkward tumble of Gemini, Satang, and Mark breaking through the bushes had everyone laughing, while the three friends scrambled to regain their composure. Perth crossed his arms, trying to hide a grin as he asked, "Wait, what are you guys doing here?"

Mark, still brushing leaves off his shirt, stood up and pointed his finger in what he thought was Perth’s direction. "You're not allowed to talk!" he declared with authority, only to hear another wave of laughter around him. He blinked, suddenly noticing that he was actually facing a tree instead of Perth.

A moment of silence passed as he processed his mistake, and then he whirled around, cheeks red with embarrassment. Pointing directly at Perth this time, he repeated, "You don’t get to talk, Perth!" His determined expression only made everyone laugh harder, leaving him confused but eventually chuckling along.

As the laughter died down, Gemini’s curiosity got the better of him. Glancing between Santa and Becky, he raised an eyebrow at Perth. "The royal family, You know them, Perth?"

Perth’s face softened as he looked at Santa beside him. "Well, not only know…" He leaned closer, brushing his lips softly against Santa’s, a simple yet tender kiss that spoke volumes.

Gemini, Satang, and Mark’s jaws dropped simultaneously. "You’re… dating?!" they shouted in unison, their voices filled with shock and excitement.

Not to be outdone, Freen flashed a playful smirk, leaned over, and kissed Becky as well. The gesture was warm and natural, and even a bit mischievous, but it was enough to make Ariya, their mother, chuckle and shake her head.

"Alright, alright, that’s enough," Ariya interjected, gently but firmly. "We don’t all need to see the kissing, thank you very much."

Est and William laughed, chiming in, "Yeah, Mae Ariya is right, everyone!"

Perth laughed, pulling back but keeping his arm wrapped comfortably around Santa. "Well, let’s just say it’s official. I’m dating Prince Santa, and Freen here is with Princess Becky."

Mark, Satang, and Gemini exchanged glances, wide-eyed and clearly still reeling from the discovery. They finally walked closer, processing it all. "And we’re just finding this out now? What the fuck, Perth" Mark asked, looking half-annoyed but mostly amused.

Ariya shook her head with a good-natured smile. "Not just you boys. I’m just learning about it myself."

Gemini tilted his head, still in disbelief. "But… how? How did this even start?"

Santa chuckled, exchanging a quick glance with Becky before explaining, "Let’s just say we stumbled into their secret spot before… accidentally."

Perth chuckled, recalling the memory. It was a funny twist of fate that the hidden place they thought would shield their budding relationships had become the very place where it all began.

Mark, still wrapping his head around it all, shook his head. "Wow. I thought… well, I thought you might’ve been dating Prince Pond or something, Prince Santa."

Hearing Pond’s name made Perth’s jaw tighten ever so slightly. But Santa, sensing the tension, quickly squeezed Perth’s hand and offered a reassuring smile. "Pond’s just my best friend," he said simply.

Satang cleared his throat, looking somewhat awkward. "Um… so, uh, can we… sit here too, or… uh, Your—"

Before he could finish, Santa waved him off with a warm smile. "Yes, please. Sit, and drop the ‘Your Highness’ thing, alright? Just… call me Santa. And my sister Becky. Titles are not needed here."

Becky nodded in agreement, smiling gratefully. "Yes, it’s much better that way. We’re just here to relax, after all."

Est grinned, looking at Satang, Gemini, and Mark. "Trust me, they really don’t like being addressed like that."