By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 12

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains of Perth's dorm room, but Perth was already awake, staring blankly at the ceiling. His mind wandered as he processed the previous day's events, particularly the orientation and the sight of Santa on Aou's shoulders. After a few moments, he sighed, sat up, and glanced over at the other bed in the room. Gemini was still fast asleep, his blanket pulled halfway down, leaving him sprawled in a comfortable mess. 

Perth chuckled softly, then got up and walked over to Gemini’s bed. Shaking him gently by the shoulder, he said, “Gem, wake up. We have class.” 

Gemini stirred and groaned, slowly opening his eyes. “Hmm… five more minutes.” 

“Nope, get up now,” Perth insisted with a small smile. Gemini rubbed his eyes, sat up groggily, and nodded. Satisfied, Perth grabbed his towel from the closet and made his way to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. 

As the warm water cascaded over him, Perth let his thoughts drift again. He wondered if Santa had managed to rest well after the exhausting orientation. Though they had interacted briefly, the memory of Santa's bright smile stayed with him. Shaking off the thoughts, he finished his shower, wrapped a towel around his waist, and stepped out of the bathroom. 

Gemini had already started rummaging through his closet. “Your turn,” Perth said, before heading to his own closet to dress. Gemini nodded, grabbed his own towel, and headed to the bathroom. 

Perth put on his neatly pressed uniform and straightening the tie before checking himself in the mirror. Satisfied, he picked up his phone and car keys from the nightstand and slung his bag over his shoulder. As he waited for Gemini, he opened the window slightly to check the weather and noticed the drizzle quickly turning into heavy rain. 

A short while later, Gemini emerged from the bathroom with the towel wrapped around his waist, he then walk to his closet and wear his uniform. “Alright, let’s go,” he said, grabbing his bag and phone. The two of them made their way downstairs, but as they reached the exit, the downpour greeted them with a loud patter. 

“Great,” Gemini muttered, looking at the rain. 

“Gem, you can ride with me today,” Perth said. “If you take your motorcycle, you’ll be soaking wet before you even get to class.” 

Gemini smiled appreciatively. “Thanks, Perth. I owe you one.” 

As they prepared to head to Perth's car, they heard familiar voices behind them. Turning around, they saw Santa and Fourth approaching.

“Ta! Fourth!” Perth called out, a hint of warmth in his voice. 

Santa and Fourth smiled as they reached them. “Phi Perth,” Santa greeted. 

Perth glanced at the rain again and said, “It’s pouring out here. Let me give you a ride to your faculty.” 

Santa and Fourth exchanged a look and nodded gratefully. “Thank you, phi,” Santa said, his voice sincere. 

The four of them made their way to Perth’s car, where Gemini grinned mischievously. “Santa, you sit in the front next to Perth. I’ll sit with Fourth in the back.” 

Santa blinked at him, then nodded as he slid into the passenger seat. Perth smiled knowingly at Gemini before settling into the driver’s seat. Fourth and Gemini climbed into the back, where Gemini immediately struck up a cheerful conversation with Fourth. 

As Perth started the engine, his ears caught snippets of their conversation. Gemini was teasing Fourth about his shy responses, and Fourth, blushing furiously, tried to defend himself. The laughter in the backseat was contagious, and even Santa couldn’t help but smile. Perth glanced briefly at Santa, noticing his contented expression.