By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 20

Fourth finished his first class of the day and walked toward the faculty café alongside Chokun and Aston. He had just shared his concerns about Santa being sick, and Chokun gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. 

"Fourth, even if you're worried about Santa, you still need to eat something, alright?" Chokun said in a calm yet encouraging tone. 

Fourth nodded, giving a small smile. "Yeah, I know. You're right." 

The three of them entered the café and browsed the stalls, picking up plates of traditional Thai dishes—Fourth opted for pad kra pao, Chokun chose tom yum, and Aston went for pad see ew. Once they all had their meals, they found an empty table and sat down to eat. 

As they began eating, a familiar voice called out to them. 

"Hi, nong!" 

They turned to see Mark, Dew, and Aou approaching. Smiling, the three juniors greeted them in unison, "Hi, phi!" 

"Can we join you guys?" Dew asked politely. 

Aston gestured to the empty seats. "Of course, phi. Please sit." 

Mark, Dew, and Aou went to buy their meals before returning to the table. Once everyone settled in, the group began chatting. Mark, always the joker, turned his attention to Aston with a teasing grin. 

"Aston, you look so cute. Has anyone ever told you that?" Mark asked casually, earning a mix of laughter and shocked expressions from the table. 

Before Aston could respond, Dew smacked Mark lightly on the back of the head. "What's wrong with you? Trying to be like Aou now?" 

Mark rubbed the back of his head, feigning innocence. "I'm just asking, that’s all." 

Chokun, always quick to jump in, leaned forward and smirked. "Sorry to disappoint you, phi Mark, but Aston isn’t available anymore." 

This comment left everyone stunned, especially Aston. He turned to Chokun with wide eyes. "What are you talking about? I’m not dating anyone!" 

Chokun flashed a mischievous smile and replied confidently, "You’re not available because you belong to me." 

Fourth groaned and shook his head, trying not to laugh. "Oh my god, you two are unbelievable." 

The whole table erupted into laughter, except for Aou, who frowned slightly and glanced at Fourth. 

"By the way, where’s Santa?" Aou asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. 

Fourth glanced at him and sighed. "He’s not feeling well today, phi. He’s resting in his room." 

Aou’s expression softened, though a hint of worry lingered. "Is he okay?" 

Fourth nodded. "Yeah, phi Perth is taking care of him right now." 

Hearing this, Aou gave a faint smile, but something in his demeanor seemed off as he quietly returned to his meal. 

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Hours later, as classes wrapped up for the day, Gemini walked out of his faculty building alongside Est. 

"Est, I’ll see you later, okay?" Gemini said with a small wave. 

Est nodded in response, watching as Gemini walked to his motorcycle and rode off. Gemini made his way to Fourth’s faculty, parking near the building and leaning casually against his bike as he waited. 

A few minutes later, Fourth emerged from the building, chatting with Chokun and Aston. Spotting Gemini, Fourth excused himself. "I’ll head out now. Phi Gem’s here."