By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 24

Perth stared deeply into Santa’s eyes, his chest tightening as he worked up the courage to say what had been weighing on his heart for so long. His voice was soft but determined as he began, “I actually—”

Before he could finish, a loud bang echoed through the park, startling both of them. Perth and Santa immediately turned toward the noise, spotting two young kids who had accidentally crashed their bicycle into a tree. Santa’s eyes widened in concern. “Wait, phi! Let’s go check on the kids.”

Perth sighed, as his moment interrupted but he nodded, pushing his frustration aside. “Alright.” The two of them hurried toward the kids, who were already picking themselves up off the ground. Santa crouched down, his expression full of concern. “Are you two okay?” he asked gently.

One of the kids, a boy who looked to be about eight, nodded quickly. “Yes, we’re fine, phi.”

Perth, standing slightly behind Santa, crossed his arms. His tone was firm but caring as he said, “You should be more careful, nong. You could get seriously injured.”

The kids exchanged guilty glances before nodding. “We’ll be careful next time, phi,” the older boy promised, his voice quiet.

Suddenly, a low rumble of thunder rolled through the sky, making everyone glance upward. Dark clouds were gathering quickly, and the air smelled of rain. Santa stood up and turned to the kids. “It’s almost raining. You two should head home now.”

The kids nodded, grabbing their bicycle and hopping on. “Thank you, phi!” they called out as they pedaled away, their voices fading into the distance.

Santa turned to Perth, brushing his hands together as if to dust them off. “I think we should go too, phi Perth. It looks like it’s about to pour.”

Perth sighed, glancing up at the threatening sky. The moment was gone. “Fine. Let’s go.” As they walked back to his car, Perth couldn’t help but let his thoughts wander. "Not today, I guess", he thought to himself, frustration bubbling under the surface. He glanced at Santa, who seemed completely unaware of Perth’s inner turmoil.

Once they reached the car, they climbed in, Perth sliding into the driver’s seat while Santa settled into the passenger side. The drive back to their houses was quiet, save for the soft hum of the car engine. Perth’s mind raced with a mix of irritation and self-reproach. "Why can’t I just say it? Just three words—how hard can it be?"

When they pulled up in front of their houses, Perth parked the car and turned to Santa. “I’ll see you later,” he said, managing a small smile despite his frustration.

Santa smiled back, unbuckling his seatbelt. “Alright, phi. Thank you for today.” He stepped out of the car and waved as he walked toward his house.

Perth watched him go, his hand gripping the steering wheel tightly. Once Santa disappeared inside, Perth groaned, slumping back against the seat. “Why can’t I just say the damn words? Just say, ‘I like you,’ damn it!” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head in frustration before finally stepping out of the car.

When Perth walked into his own house, Ariya and Arthit were waiting for him in the living room. Ariya looked up from her book, her expression curious. “How did it go?”

Perth ran a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. “I failed,” he admitted, slumping into a nearby chair.

Arthit chuckled, clapping a hand on Perth’s shoulder. “It’s fine, son. You’ll get another chance. Just don’t give up, alright?”

Ariya chimed in with a warm smile. “Your father’s right. Keep trying. These things take time.”

Perth nodded, though he still felt the weight of his failure. “I’ll go take a shower. Santa and I need to head back to CU tonight.”