Perth’s eyes remained locked on the group in front of him. Without hesitation, he began walking toward Santa, Fourth, Aou, Chokun, and Aston. Santa was the first to notice Perth’s approach. His expression softened as he called out, “Phi Perth!”
Perth stopped in front of the group, his gaze lingering on Santa for a moment before speaking. “I came to pick you and Fourth up. How about we grab lunch at my faculty café?”
Before Santa or Fourth could respond, Aou interjected with a casual smile. “Perth, I think these juniors can have lunch with me instead. After all, we’re in the same faculty. I also planned to help them buy their textbooks at the university bookstore.”
Perth’s jaw tightened, but he kept his tone even. “Well, Gemini and Est are waiting for Santa and Fourth to eat with them. And if it’s about the textbooks, I can help them get those too. Don’t worry, Aou.” His tone turned a bit sharper. “Besides, Santa is my brother and my junior.”
Aou’s expression didn’t falter, but there was a slight edge to his voice as he replied, “Can’t you just let me take care of my juniors too, Perth?”
Perth raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. “You want to take care of your juniors?” He glanced at Chokun and Aston before continuing, “Then take care of these two boys instead. Fourth, Santa—let’s go.”
Santa and Fourth exchanged brief looks before nodding. “Okay, phi,” they said in unison. Both followed Perth toward his car, leaving Aou standing there with a groan of frustration.
Turning to Chokun and Aston, Aou asked, “Nong, do you still want to eat lunch?”
Chokun smiled politely. “It’s fine, phi. Aston and I will go buy our textbooks first.”
Aou nodded in understanding, and Chokun gently grabbed Aston’s hand, pulling him along. Aston’s cheeks flushed as they made their way toward the university bookstore.
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Meanwhile, Perth was driving toward his faculty café. Santa and Fourth sat in the back seat, both unusually quiet. Santa occasionally glanced at Perth’s reflection in the rearview mirror, noticing the tension in his jaw. He bit his lip, deciding to stay silent.
The car ride was quiet, with only the hum of the engine filling the space. After a while, Perth pulled into the parking lot near his faculty. Once he parked, everyone stepped out. As Santa moved to follow Fourth, Perth gently grabbed his arm.
“Wait, Ta. I need to talk to you.”
Santa turned, confused. “What is it, phi?”
Perth glanced at Fourth. “Fourth, you can go ahead to the café. Gemini and Est are already there.”
Fourth nodded. “Okay, phi.” Without hesitation, he walked off toward the café, leaving Perth and Santa behind.
As soon as Fourth was out of sight, Perth stepped closer to Santa, pinning him lightly against the car. His serious gaze made Santa’s heart race.
“What’s wrong, phi?” Santa asked cautiously.
Perth’s eyes narrowed. “What were you talking to Aou about?”
Santa blinked in surprise. “Phi Aou? We were just talking about him helping us buy our textbooks at the university bookstore. Why? Is that wrong?”
Perth sighed, clearly frustrated. “You know I don’t like you talking to just anyone.”
Santa frowned, crossing his arms. “What do you mean by that? You allow me to talk to my friends. Phi Aou is my senior—why can’t I talk to him?”
YOU ARE READING
By Your Side ✧*。
FanfictionA story of two childhoods bestfriend who have always been so close with eachother and clueless about their own feelings, however once they enter the same university, jealousy begin to spark among one of them which driven to furious, disappointment a...
