By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 8

A few days later, on the eve of Santa's registration at Chulalongkorn University. In his room, Santa was seated cross-legged on the floor, the soft glow of his lamp illuminating the scattered clothes and items yet to be packed into his open suitcase. He held his phone to his ear, chatting with Fourth.

"So, you’ll bring everything you’ve bought, right?" Fourth asked through the call, his tone curious and slightly teasing. 

Santa chuckled, glancing at the folded uniforms and accessories beside him. "Yeah, of course. It’s all packed already."

Fourth sighed wistfully. "I really hope we can end up in the same room. It’d be so much better if we’re roommates."

Santa nodded even though Fourth couldn’t see him. "Yeah, that’s true. But even if we don’t, I hope our roommates are nice." 

"Yeah," Fourth agreed. "That’s the most important thing. No drama, please!"

The two shared a laugh, the excitement and nervousness about starting their university journey evident in their voices. 

Just then, Santa heard the sound of the door opening. He looked up to see his mother, Ploy, peeking into the room. "Ta?"

"Yes, Ma?" Santa replied, holding the phone slightly away from his face. 

"Are you on a call with Fourth?" she asked, stepping into the room with a warm smile. 

Santa nodded, smiling back. “Yes, Ma.” 

On the other end, Fourth heard the exchange and quickly chimed in. "Hi, Mrs. Ploy!" 

Ploy’s smile widened. "Hi, Fourth! Have you finished packing yet?" 

"Almost," Fourth replied with a sheepish laugh. "Well, Ta, my mom is calling me now. I need to hang up. See you tomorrow!"

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Santa said with a smile. The call ended, and Santa placed his phone down on the bed. 

Ploy walked over and sat beside him on the floor, observing the partially packed suitcase. "Are you excited about tomorrow?"

Santa smiled softly, folding a T-shirt and placing it neatly inside the luggage. "Yeah, but I know I’ll miss you and Pa a lot."

Ploy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don’t worry. If you miss us, just call. And if you really want to see us, we’ll drive to Chulalongkorn right away. It’s not even far." 

Her words brought a warm smile to Santa’s face. "Thanks, Ma." 

“Good,” Ploy said, patting his shoulder before standing. "Now, finish up your packing. I’ll go cook some dinner."

"Okay, Ma," Santa replied, watching her leave before turning back to his task. He packed carefully, ensuring he had everything: his university uniform, casual outfits, shoes, sneakers, toiletries, and accessories. He also double-checked his smaller bag, which held his laptop, notebooks, stationery and other important documents for the registration.

Once he was done, Santa stood back to admire his neatly packed luggage. Grinning, he snapped a picture of it and sent it to Perth with the caption, "See you tomorrow."

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Meanwhile, at Chulalongkorn University, Perth was seated on the floor of his room with his friends Gemini and Est. Books and notes were sprawled out between them as they studied together. 

Perth’s phone vibrated, and he unlocked it to see Santa’s text and picture. Smiling, he quickly typed a reply: "See you tomorrow too."

Est, who noticed the subtle change in Perth’s expression, leaned closer. "Who are you texting?"