By Your Side ✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 27

As the warm hues of the evening sky signaled the end of another day, students began streaming out of their faculties, their faces lit with relief after a long day of classes. Santa, Fourth, Chokun, and Aston walked out together, chatting lightly about their day. Chokun, ever the bold one, grabbed Aston's wrist playfully and said, “Well, Aston and I are heading off now. See you guys later!” 

Santa and Fourth chuckled, waving them goodbye as they disappeared into the crowd. A few moments later, the sound of a motorcycle engine approached, and Gemini arrived, parking right by the faculty steps. Fourth’s face lit up, and he said, “I’ll see you later, Ta.” Gemini handed him a helmet and said with a smile, “Don’t worry, Perth will be here soon.” Santa nodded with a warm smile, reassured by Gemini’s words. With that, Gemini revved up the motorcycle and drove away, with Fourth securely behind him. 

Santa stood near the steps, his thoughts drifting, when he suddenly noticed Aou walking towards his motorcycle. He raised his hand and called out, “Phi Aou! Wait!” Aou turned, looking hesitant, and said, “What is it, Ta?” 

Santa noticed the faint bruises on Aou’s face, remnants of the fight at the club the night before. His voice softened with concern. “Are you okay? You’ve been avoiding me all day.” 

Aou sighed, his expression conflicted. “I just… I don’t want any more problems, especially with Perth.” 

Santa stepped closer, his brows furrowed in confusion. “I don’t understand. You two are best friends. How long are you going to keep fighting? You don’t need to keep this up because of me.” 

Aou looked away, his voice quiet but heavy. “I think Perth doesn’t want to be my friend anymore.” 

Santa shook his head vehemently. “That’s not true! He’s just upset. You both need to talk and—” 

Before Santa could finish, the sound of a car approaching drew Aou’s attention. He glanced over to see Perth’s car pulling up and quickly said, “I’ve got to go now. Bye, Ta.” Without waiting for a reply, he climbed onto his motorcycle and sped off, leaving Santa standing there with a sigh. 

Perth’s car came to a stop in front of the faculty, and Santa walked over, climbing into the passenger seat. Perth gave him a quick glance and asked, “How was class?” 

Santa smiled faintly. “It was fine.” 

Perth noticed Santa actually talked with Aou earlier but decided not to press further. Instead, he focused on the road as they drove toward the dorm building. 

Once they arrived, both of them stepped out of the car. They walked side by side up the stairs, the quiet of the evening settling around them. When they reached Santa’s floor, Santa turned to Perth with a soft smile and said, “I’ll see you later, phi.” 

Perth nodded. “See you later, Ta.” 

Santa headed toward his room, while Perth continued up another flight of stairs to his own floor. 

Inside Santa’s room, William was already seated at his desk, diligently studying. He glanced up briefly as Santa entered. “You’re crazy, William,” Santa teased. “You just finished class, and now you’re studying again?” 

William chuckled. “Just some revision. Nothing too crazy.” 

Santa shook his head with a small smile and grabbed his towel from the closet before heading to the bathroom. As he showered, he could hear faint singing through the walls. Surprised, he paused to listen. When he emerged from the bathroom, William’s angelic voice filled the room as he sang "Ghost" by Jeff Satur.