By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 16

The morning sunlight crept into the dorm room, but Est groaned as Dew shook him awake. “Come on, Est, it’s already late! Let’s grab breakfast, I'm starving” Dew said, standing impatiently by Est’s bed. 

Est turned over, rubbing his eyes. “Can’t we just eat later?” 

“Nope. If you don’t get up now, I’ll eat without you, you don't need to take shower, let's just eat first.” Dew replied with a teasing grin. 

Sighing, Est finally got out of bed, threw on a hoodie, and followed Dew out. A short walk later, the two of them arrived at a small food stall near their dorm building. The place was bustling with students and locals grabbing breakfast. Dew ordered first, calling for two bowls of steaming noodles, while Est lazily scanned the menu. 

As they sat at a small table with their food, Est poked at his bowl, lost in thought. Dew looked up from his noodles and raised an eyebrow. “What are you thinking about, Est?” 

Est smiled, shaking his head. “None of your business, man.” 

Dew scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Oh, come on. You’ve been quiet since we got here. Spill it.” 

Est chuckled, taking a bite before replying. “I was just thinking…I want to grab some breakfast for our juniors as well.” 

Dew frowned, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. “Which junior?” 

Est smirked. “None of your business.” 

Dew muttered under his breath, “You piece of shit,” but Est ignored him, waving over the stall owner to place another order for takeaway. He asked for two portions, enough for Santa and William. 

After they paid for both their food and the packed meals, the boys began their walk back to the dorm building. Once they reached Santa’s floor, Est stopped. He turned to Dew and said, “You can go to our room first.” 

Dew shrugged, already climbing the stairs to their floor. “Don’t take too long, lover boy,” he muttered just loud enough for Est to hear. 

Est chuckled, shaking his head as he approached Santa’s door. He knocked softly, but there was no response. He tried again, the sound echoing faintly down the hallway.

Inside, Santa groaned, half-asleep. “William, go check who it is,” he mumbled, turning over in his bed. 

William groaned in return. “You go check, Ta. I’m too sleepy.” 

Santa buried his face in his pillow. “Come on, just go, William. I’m sleeping.” 

William sighed dramatically before dragging himself out of bed. His hair was a mess, and he rubbed his eyes as he shuffled to the door. When he opened it, he froze. Standing there was Est, smiling warmly. 

“Good morning, Nong. I brought some breakfast for you and Santa,” Est said, holding up the bags of food. 

William blinked, suddenly acutely aware of his messy hair and sleepy appearance. His face flushed with embarrassment. “T-Thank you, Phi Est,” he stammered, quickly taking the bags. 

Est chuckled softly at William’s reaction. “No problem. I’ll get going now. Make sure you both eat, alright?” He gave a small wave before turning and heading back to the stairs. 

William shut the door and leaned against it, his face still red. He placed the food on his desk, sat on his bed, and lightly slapped his cheeks. “What the heck, William? Why didn’t you wash your face first? Phi Est just saw me like this…damn it,” he muttered, letting out a long sigh.