By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 17

It was still early morning when Santa woke up, sunlight barely peeking through the curtains. He remembered his plan for the day—Aou had invited him to the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts’ practice room to dance together. Feeling a rush of excitement, Santa sat up and stretched, grateful that he had finished his assignments the day before. He hopped out of bed and grabbed his towel from the closet before heading to the bathroom.

As the sound of running water filled the room, William stirred awake. Sitting up groggily, he rubbed his eyes, wondering why Santa was up so early. Moments later, Santa emerged from the bathroom, with towel wrapped around his waist. He glanced over and noticed William sitting up. 

"You're awake already, William?" Santa asked with a smile. 

William nodded sleepily. "Yeah, but why are you up so early? It's still weekend, I thought you want to sleep in." 

Santa chuckled softly. "Phi Aou invited me to go dance with him at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts’ practice room. We planned it yesterday." 

William raised an eyebrow but said nothing, watching as Santa walked to his closet, selecting a casual but stylish outfit. Santa put on his earrings, grabbed his phone and wallet from the nightstand, and slipped on his sneakers. 

"I'm heading out now. See you later, William," Santa said cheerfully as he opened the door. 

William gave him a small smile. "Alright, have fun." 

Once out of his room, Santa descended the stairs, feeling the cool morning air, Just as he reached the final flight, two hands suddenly covered his eyes from behind. Startled, he froze. 

"Who are you?" Santa exclaimed, a hint of panic in his voice. 

A familiar chuckle came from behind him, and the hands moved away. "It's me," Aou said, stepping around to face him with a grin. 

Santa let out a relieved sigh, playfully swatting Aou's arm. "Phi Aou! You scared me." 

"Sorry, I couldn’t resist," Aou said with a laugh. "Anyway, I already booked the practice room with my friend, but before that, let’s grab some breakfast. You can’t dance on an empty stomach, right?" 

Santa nodded. "Sure, phi." 

Aou led the way to his parked motorcycle just outside the dormitory. He handed Santa a helmet, taking a moment to adjust the strap under Santa’s chin. "There, all set," Aou said, his fingers brushing lightly against Santa’s cheek as he secured the helmet. 

Santa blinked as he was stunned, "Thanks, phi." 

Aou smiled, patting the seat of his bike. "Hop on." 

Santa climbed on behind him, holding onto the sides of the seat cautiously as Aou started the engine and pulled away from the dormitory. 

At a small food stall near the dorm building, they enjoyed a simple breakfast of rice porridge and fried dough sticks. Aou insisted on paying, despite Santa’s protests. 

"Phi Aou, I can pay for myself," Santa said, pulling out his wallet. 

Aou waved him off. "It’s fine, Ta. I invited you, so this is on me." 

Santa smiled warmly. "Thank you, phi." 

After breakfast, they rode to the faculty building. Aou parked the motorcycle, and they walked to the practice room together. 

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Meanwhile, back at the dormitory, William already finished the shower and wear his outfit to go grab some breakfast, William was walking down to the dormitory stairs, when a voice called his name. He turned to see Est approaching, his smile bright and confident.