By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 21

William woke up to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through Est’s window. His face flushed as he realized he was still in Est’s bed, completely naked under the covers. Memories of yesterday flooded his mind, making his cheeks grow warmer. He glanced over and saw Est still asleep beside him, his arm lazily draped across the pillow. Trying not to wake him, William carefully slid out of bed, reaching for his uniform scattered on the floor. He quickly dressed, his movements quiet and precise. Just as he was about to walk to est's desk to grab his bag, he felt a firm grip on his wrist, and before he could react, Est pulled him back onto the bed.

William yelped softly, finding himself on top of Est, their faces mere inches apart. “P...Phi Est, let me go,” William stammered, his voice laced with nervousness. Est smirked, his voice deep and teasing as he replied, “No. I’d rather stay here with you a little longer.” 

William squirmed, trying to free himself. “Phi, we have class,” he protested. Est chuckled, clearly amused by William’s flustered state. “i Don't care,” he murmured before cupping William’s face and pulling him in for a kiss. It started gentle, but Est deepened it, his tongue slipping into William’s mouth, eliciting a soft, involuntary moan from the younger boy. Est pulled back slightly, his grin playful. “I like hearing you like that,” he teased.

William blushed furiously. “S...Shut up, Phi,” he muttered, his voice barely audible. Est laughed, sitting up and ruffling William’s hair. “Was I too rough with you last night?” he asked, his tone softening. William hesitated before answering, “Kind of...but it wasn’t bad.” Est’s lips curved into a satisfied smile as he kissed the back of William’s hand.

William looked away, embarrassed. “Phi...what are we?” he asked shyly. Est tilted his head, considering the question before answering, “We can be anything you want. Boyfriends, perhaps?” William’s heart raced at the word, and his cheeks turned crimson. Est chuckled again. “You’re so cute when you blush,” he teased. William quickly stood, grabbing his bag from Est’s desk. “I’ll go back to my room now,” he said hurriedly.

Est watched him with a soft smile. “Alright. But let me send you to your faculty later.” William nodded shyly before slipping out of the room. Est leaned back on his bed, grinning to himself before getting up to get ready for his own classes.

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In Santa’s room, Perth was still fast asleep beside Santa, the faint sound of birds chirping outside. He then stirred up from his sleep, he then look at Santa then put his hand on Santa's forehead to check on his temperature which cause Santa stirred awake, groaning softly as he turned to see Perth leaning over him, checking his temperature. “Phi...what are you doing?” Santa asked, his voice groggy. Perth smiled warmly. “Checking your temperature. You’re still a bit warm,” he replied, his voice filled with concern. Santa sat up slightly. “I feel fine now,” he insisted, sit up on his bed and rubbing his eyes.

Perth gently pushed him back down onto the bed. “Are you sure? You don’t look completely recovered yet,” he said, his face mere inches from Santa’s. Santa blushed at the close proximity. “I’m fine,” he muttered, glancing away. Before Perth could say more, the door creaked open, and William peeked inside.

“Am I interrupting something?” William asked with a smirk. Santa sat up quickly, flustered. “N-No, not at all!” he stammered. William chuckled, stepping into the room. “How are you feeling, Ta? Better?” he asked. Santa nodded. “Yeah, much better,” he said, avoiding eye contact. Perth chimed in smugly, “Of course, he’s better. He had me taking care of him.”

William chuckle and nodded, Perth then smirk and a teasing grin spreading across his face. “And what about you, William? What did you do with Est yesterday?” William blush, hearing that's question, he then stutter, "n.. nothing phi," Perth chuckle, he then stretched, looking at his things on Santa’s desk. “I’ll head back to my room to shower,” he said, standing up.