By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 6

Perth watched Santa sleep for a little while longer, the gentle rise and fall of his chest a soothing sight. Suddenly, Santa stirred, his lashes fluttering as he slowly woke up. His brows knitted slightly as he opened his eyes, blinking a few times before focusing on the figure beside his bed. 

"Phi Perth? You’re here?" Santa asked groggily, his voice still heavy with sleep. He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes in confusion. 

Perth smiled warmly, leaning back on his heels. "Surprise," he said with a chuckle. "I’m taking you out today to buy some stuff for university."

Santa opened his mouth to respond, but Perth raised a hand, cutting him off. "No excuses. Go take a shower first. I’ll wait for you downstairs."

Santa’s lips twitched into a small smile, and he nodded. "Okay, phi." He swung his legs off the bed and padded to his bathroom.

Perth stood, watching him for a moment before leaving the room and heading downstairs. As he reached the living room, he spotted Santa’s parents, Min and Ploy, sitting on the couch together. 

"Hi, Uncle Min" Perth greeted politely, bowing slightly. 

Min smiled warmly at him. "Perth, good to see you. Your aunty tells me you’re planning to take Santa out today. Is that right?"

"Yes, Uncle," Perth replied with a nod. "I thought I’d help him get some things he needs for university plus, today and tomorrow is weekend."

Min’s smile widened, and he nodded approvingly. "That’s very thoughtful of you, Perth. Thank you for looking out for him."

Meanwhile, upstairs, Santa finished his shower. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he stepped out of the bathroom and went to his closet. After some deliberation, he chose a casual yet stylish outfit that suited the sunny day. 

Dressed, he stood in front of the mirror and combed his damp hair before reaching for his earrings. He’d gotten his ears pierced just a few days ago, much to the initial shock of his parents. But they’d warmed up to the idea quickly, even complimenting him on how good it looked. Santa carefully put on a small silver stud in each ear, admiring the look. 

Satisfied, he sprayed on a light, citrusy cologne, grabbed his phone from the nightstand, and headed downstairs. As he reached the living room, his mother noticed him first. 

"There you are, Ta," Ploy said with a warm smile. 

Santa smiled back at her, then glanced at Perth, who was sitting on the couch. 

"Shall we go now?" Perth asked, standing up. 

Santa nodded eagerly, but Ploy interjected, "Before you go, make sure to take him for breakfast first. He hasn’t eaten yet, and I doubt you have either, Perth."

Perth grinned sheepishly. "You’re right, Aunty. I haven’t eaten yet either. Don’t worry; I’ll take him somewhere nice."

Min chimed in, "Be careful on the road, both of you."

Perth nodded. "Will do, Uncle."

Santa echoed, "Okay, Pa."

With that, the two of them stepped outside and walked to Perth’s car. Santa slid into the passenger seat while Perth settled into the driver’s seat. As he adjusted his seatbelt, Perth’s eyes caught something shiny on Santa’s ear. He leaned closer, gently brushing his fingers over the small stud. 

Santa blinked, turning to look at him. "What’s wrong, phi?"

Perth frowned slightly. "You pierced your ear?"