By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 1

The story begins long before Perth Tanapon and Santa Pongsapak were old enough to understand the complexities of relationships. Their connection was practically predestined, rooted in the deep friendship between their parents. Arthit and Ariya, Perth’s parents, and Min and Ploy, Santa’s parents, had been inseparable since their own school days. From high school to university and eventually into their professional lives, they were a team—a chosen family, even their house is next to eachother. It was only natural that their sons, born into this tight-knit circle, would also form an unbreakable bond.

Perth, the firstborn of Arthit and Ariya, had been an only child for a year when Santa entered the world. From the moment Santa was brought home from the hospital, Perth was there, a toddler standing on tiptoes to peer into Santa’s crib, his wide eyes filled with curiosity and an early sense of responsibility. While other children might grow out of such sibling-like closeness, Perth and Santa’s bond only grew stronger with time.

From their preschool days, Perth displayed an almost instinctual protectiveness over Santa. If anyone tried to take Santa’s toys or make him cry, Perth was there, his small frame standing tall like a shield. Their parents often laughed about how Perth acted like Santa’s bodyguard even then. By the time they reached high school, Perth’s protective nature had become more pronounced. He would visit Santa’s class during breaks, sometimes even during his own class hours, just to make sure Santa was okay. Teachers would occasionally call him out for his frequent absences, but Perth would dismiss their concerns, claiming he simply wasn’t feeling well. Est, one of Perth’s closest friends from high school, often covered for him, concocting excuses to keep Perth out of trouble.

Santa, with his warm and cheerful personality, naturally attracted attention. His bright smile lit up every room he entered, making him popular among his classmates. During high school, it wasn’t uncommon for Santa to receive gifts from admirers—chocolates, flowers, teddy bears, and sweet notes. At first, Santa found it amusing, but Perth did not share his enthusiasm. Whenever Santa mentioned who had given him a gift, Perth would seek that person out. He didn’t need to raise his voice or resort to physical confrontation; his icy stare and a few firm words were enough to send a clear message: stay away from Santa. This earned Perth a reputation among their peers. He wasn’t feared for being violent, but his intimidating aura and unwavering resolve made everyone think twice before approaching Santa.

Though Santa often saw Perth’s actions as brotherly, his friend Fourth, who had known him since middle school, saw things differently. Fourth had witnessed countless moments where Perth’s protectiveness bordered on possessiveness. He knew Santa sometimes avoided telling Perth about being teased or bullied because he didn’t want Perth to get into trouble. Instead, Fourth would discreetly inform Perth, knowing Perth would handle the situation in his own way. On more than one occasion, Perth had confronted bullies after school, ensuring they never laid a finger on Santa again.

Est, meanwhile, observed Perth’s behavior with growing curiosity. As Perth’s high school friend, he often wondered whether Perth’s attachment to Santa was purely platonic. Est had seen Perth skip class just to catch a glimpse of Santa through the classroom window or linger outside Santa’s practice sessions. "You sure he’s just your younger brother?" Est would tease, earning only a shrug or a glare in response. But deep down, even Perth didn’t have an answer to that question.

For Santa, Perth was his rock—someone he could always depend on. He admired how Perth always seemed to be there when he needed him, whether it was a comforting word, a reassuring presence, or a stern lecture to those who dared to cross him. Yet, Santa never questioned why Perth was so protective. To him, it was just who Perth was: a dependable older brother figure.

But beneath the surface of their seemingly straightforward relationship, feelings were beginning to stir—feelings neither of them fully understood yet. For Perth, the growing attention Santa received from others at school began to bother him more than he wanted to admit. He told himself it was just his instinct to protect Santa, but deep down, it felt different. For Santa, Perth’s constant presence was something he had always taken for granted, but as they grew older, he began to feel a strange warmth whenever Perth was near, though he chalked it up to their lifelong bond.