By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 2

The morning light seeped through the curtains of Perth’s dorm room, waking him gently. Blinking a few times, he turned his head to glance at the clock on his nightstand. It was already morning, and though the campus was quiet—it was the weekend, after all—Perth was wide awake. He shifted slightly and saw Gemini still sprawled across his bed, snoring softly. It didn’t surprise Perth. Most students preferred to sleep in on weekends, but not him. Today was special. He had told his mother, Ariya, that he would visit home. 

Stretching lazily, Perth pushed himself out of bed. He walked to his closet, pulling out a towel before heading to the bathroom inside his room. Once inside, he undressed, his lean and toned chest catching the faint steam from the showers. He turned on the water, letting it cascade over him, the warmth waking him fully. As he lathered up, he mentally planned his day. "Go home, have breakfast with Ma and Pa, then head over to see Nong Ta."

After a while, Perth stepped out of the shower, droplets clinging to his skin. He quickly dried himself with the towel before wrapping it around his waist. He then walk out from the bathroom, Gemini was still fast asleep, his blanket tangled around him. Perth chuckled to himself as he opened his closet and pulled out a casual outfit—a simple white shirt and jeans. After getting dressed, he grabbed his phone and car keys, ready to head out. 

As Perth walked out of the dorm room and descended the stairs, he suddenly bumped into someone coming from the opposite direction. "Oh, sorry," Perth said, stepping back slightly, only to realize it was Est, one of his closest friends from high school. 

"Hey, Perth," Est greeted with a bright smile. "Where are you off to this early?"

"I’m going home," Perth replied with a small grin. "What about you?"

"Just heading out for a bit," Est said with a shrug. 

"Alright, take care," Perth said, giving him a nod. 

"You too," Est replied before the two of them parted ways. 

Perth continued down the stairs and made his way to the parking lot, where his car was parked. It was a sleek, practical car that his father, Arthit, had gifted him when he got into university. Unlocking it, Perth slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and began the familiar drive home. 

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As he approached the neighborhood, a sense of nostalgia washed over him. The house next to his—Santa’s house—stood just as he remembered it. Parking his car in front of his home, he stepped out, breathing in the fresh morning air. He walked up the pathway and entered the house, the scent of freshly cooked food immediately hitting his nose. 

At the dining table sat his father, Arthit, sipping coffee and flipping through a newspaper. In the kitchen, Ariya was bustling around, preparing breakfast. 

"I’m home," Perth called out, smiling warmly. 

Both his parents turned to him, their faces lighting up with joy. Ariya quickly abandoned the stove and rushed to her son, pulling him into a tight hug. Arthit joined them moments later, clapping a hand on Perth’s shoulder. 

"Son, we missed you!" Ariya said, her voice filled with affection. 

"I missed you too, Ma, Pa," Perth replied, returning the hug. 

Ariya tugged him gently toward the dining table. "Breakfast is almost ready. Sit down and relax."

Perth smiled and nodded, taking a seat. Arthit looked at him, a warm but curious smile on his face. "What brings you home, Perth? It’s the weekend. Don’t you want to rest?"