By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 3

The morning light seeped through the curtains of Perth’s childhood bedroom. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling for a while, his mind wandering back to the day before. Helping Santa with his university application really bringing back memories of their shared dreams and youthful adventures. Later, they had spent time at the park where they used to play as kids, laughing and reminiscing. That evening, Perth’s parents, Arthit and Ariya, had prepared an elaborate dinner and invited Santa’s family—Min and Ploy—to join them. The six of them had shared a meal filled with hearty conversation and lighthearted teasing, their laughter echoing through the house. It felt like old times, a reminder of the deep bond their families shared. When it was time to part ways, Santa and his parents had returned home, leaving Perth with a warmth in his heart.

With a soft sigh, Perth finally sat up in bed and stretched. He knew he needed to prepare for his journey back to Chulalongkorn University. Tomorrow, classes would resume, and he wanted to be ready. Rising to his feet, he walked to the bathroom, stepping into the shower to wash away his lingering drowsiness. The cool water refreshed him, and after a while, he emerged and dried off, dressing in a casual yet neat outfit suitable for the drive back. Grabbing his phone and car key from the nightstand, he made his way downstairs.

At the dining table, Perth found his parents already seated. His father, Arthit, looked up and greeted him. 
"Oh, Perth! Where are you off to? Back to CU?"

Perth nodded as he took a seat. "Yes, Pa. I need to head back today since classes start tomorrow."

His mother, Ariya, smiled warmly. "I see. Well, before you go, make sure you eat breakfast."

Perth smiled back. "Of course, Ma."

Ariya stood and brought over a plate of steaming hot food, setting it before him. They all began to eat together, the atmosphere cozy and familiar. As they ate, Ariya asked, "How long does Santa have to wait before he hears back from CU?"

Perth took a sip of water before replying, "It’ll probably take a few weeks, maybe four to eight weeks."

Ariya nodded thoughtfully. "I see. I hope he gets in."

"I’m sure he will," Perth said confidently, the corners of his mouth lifting into a small smile. 

After they finished breakfast, Perth stood and began collecting the dishes. "Ma, let me help you with the dishes."

Ariya smiled at her son’s gesture. "Thank you, dear."

Together, they cleaned up, chatting casually as they worked. Once the dishes were done, Perth dried his hands and said, "I’m going to head over to Uncle Min and Auntie Ploy’s house before I leave."

Arthit and Ariya both nodded, and Ariya said, "alright, we'll be waiting for you."

Perth nodded and left, walking the short distance to the neighboring house. He knocked on the door, and moments later, Ploy opened it, her expression lighting up at the sight of him. 

"Oh, Perth! What brings you here? Missing us already?"

Perth laughed softly. "Not exactly, Auntie. I’m heading back to CU today, and I wanted to say goodbye."

Ploy raised an eyebrow. "So soon? It’s still early." 

Perth smiled. "I want to get settled and take a rest first at my dorm."

Ploy nodded in understanding and called into the house, "Min! Santa! Come here, Perth is here to see us!"

A moment later, Min and Santa appeared. Min smiled warmly. "Perth! Why are you here? We just saw you last night."