By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 11

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a soft glow over the dormitory. Santa had just stepped out of the bathroom, his damp hair sticking to his forehead. He grabbed a towel, drying his hair as he walked to his closet. Picking out a simple white shirt and a pair of comfortable shorts, he changed quickly and glanced over at William, who was sitting cross-legged on his bed, scrolling through his phone.

Santa leaned against the closet door, tilting his head slightly. “William, do you want to eat some dinner? I saw some food stalls around the dorm building earlier,” he said casually.

William looked up, his eyes lighting up at the suggestion. “Yeah, sure. I’m starving.”

Santa smiled and grabbed his phone and purse from the nightstand. William did the same, and the two of them left their room, chatting softly as they walked down the hallway. The dormitory was quiet, with only the faint hum of conversations and occasional laughter filtering through the walls.

When they reached the food stalls, the enticing aroma of grilled meat, spices, and freshly cooked noodles greeted them. The area buzzed with activity as students and locals filled the empty table while waiting for their food. Santa and William take a seat at one of the empty table at the noodle stall, placing their orders and wait.

Meanwhile, in Perth's room, Perth was lying on his bed, absentmindedly flipping through his phone. His stomach growled, breaking the silence. He groaned and sat up, glancing over at Gemini, who was sprawled out on his bed with his headphones on.

“Gem, do you want to grab some food at the food stall?” Perth asked, his voice slightly hopeful.

Gemini didn’t even look up. “Nah, I’m too lazy,” he replied lazily.

Perth scoffed, shaking his head. “Fine, suit yourself.” He grabbed his purse and phone from the nightstand and headed for the door. Just as he stepped into the hallway, Est appeared, looking curious.

“Perth, where are you going?” Est asked.

Perth smiled at him. “I’m going to grab some dinner. Do you want to come?”

Est glanced back at his door. “Yeah, sure. Dew’s already asleep anyway.”

The two of them made their way downstairs and towards the food stalls. As they approached, Est’s eyes narrowed, spotting familiar faces. “Isn’t that Santa?” he asked, nodding towards the noodle stall.

Perth followed his gaze and nodded. “Yeah, it’s him…and William.”

Without hesitation, the two walked over. Santa, noticing them, greeted them with a smile. “Phi Perth, phi Est, hi!”

Perth returned the smile. “Hi, nong. Can we sit with you two?”

William smiled politely and nodded. “Sure, phi.”

Perth slid into the seat next to Santa while Est took the spot next to William. As Santa and William’s food arrived, Est and Perth placed their orders, the conversation flowing easily.

Santa smiled brightly at Perth as he picked up his chopsticks. “We’ll eat first, phi,” he said, glancing at their steaming bowls.

Perth nodded. “Go ahead.”

Est glanced at William as the younger boy started eating, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Perth noticed the exchange but said nothing, instead turning his attention back to Santa. “How were today’s activities? Did you have fun?”

Santa’s eyes sparkled as he nodded. “Yeah, it was fun! I really enjoyed it.”

William chimed in, his tone light. “Agreed. I’m just glad it wasn’t a long, boring speech.”