CHAPTER 2

-Santa's room-

Earlier, Santa went to take a bath first while Perth was still informing his family about the stay over. He waited quietly at the side of the bed with his phone on hand. Looking around, he noticed how surprisingly clean Santa room is. Well, considering his personality, Perth expected something worse. Everything is well organised, including the figurine collections that fill the entire shelf. He also noticed a pink hello kitty plushie that was sitting on the bed with a big ribbon on top of its head.

'Didn't expect you to like something this cute.' Perth smiled a little, finding the younger one adorable.

Few minutes later, Santa came out with his cute pajama set and wet hair. He could hear someone was giggling at the corner of the room. He cracked his neck, gave that person a straight death stare before approaching him. "What."

"Hmm...nothing. I just... really didn't expect you to like this kind of cutesy stuff." Covering his mouth with his right hand, turning away to avoid Santa's eyes.

Sighing, he sat on the bed while still drying his hair with towel, explaining, "well, I can't help it, ok? Every time my parents bought something for me and Jee, they would always make it a set. As a good and filial son, I just accept what they gave me."

Perth just nodded, but still had that mocking smile on his face.

Santa rolled his eyes, before going to his wardrobe finding clothes for Perth. "Go bath now. You are really stinky, phi." Pinching his nose with his fingers.

"Here, my biggest t-shirt and pants I own. I've put your towel in the bathroom."

"Thanks, kitty."

"Ugh, don't call me that. It sounds weird, especially when it comes out of your mouth."

"What's wrong with that?""You like cute stuff, even own a kitty plush. That's cute."

"Hah... stop mocking me and just go bath. I want to off the light soon."

"Alright, alright." "What a fierce kitty..." murmuring to himself.

————————————————————————

-00:20 AM-The room is eerily silent. Both of them are in their sleeping position, starring at the ceiling blankly. The night light is on, making Santa able to look at Perth the corner of his eyes.

"Phi."

"..."

"Phi Perth."

No answer.

"I know you are still awake."

"I'm trying to sleep, Santa. I'm tired."

Santa turns his head to the older one, "But I can't sleep, phi. Because of you, the room feels different."

"What do you want me to do? Read you a story? Pat your head? Sing you a lullaby?" Quietly replying to Santa while his eyes are still closed shut.

"Hmm.. can you just talk to me for a bit?"

"Fine, 3 questions and we sleep."..."Do you have anyone you like?"

"Not at the moment."

"Why?"

"I just find it too time consuming." "But aren't you like, reaaallyy popular at school?"

"Well, seems like it."

"Then, what's your type?"

"That's already 3 questions. Now as promised, sleep." Perth turns away, facing back towards Santa.

"Damn, you are really no fun, phi..." annoyed but slowly closing his eyes, Santa hopes that counting on jumping sheep will help him sleep. ...-04:00 AM-

Just like what he said, Santa is really be sleeping like a worm. He started out turning to Perth's side, kicking him, putting his arm over the older one, and turning 90 degrees until both of his legs were on top of Perth. What about Perth? With that amount of disturbances, he can't help but to be awake in the middle of the night.

"Remind me to never sleep beside you again." He said softly, while slowly opening his eyes. Letting out a sigh, he stares at Santa for few seconds, before observing the younger one's face. His peaceful face shows how deep his sleep is right now, even an earthquake won't wake him up. ...-7.30 AM-

Perth gets waken up by the bright sunlight that passes through the window, surrounded by the pillows and blankets after last night's disaster. He stretches, only to realise something heavy is pressing against his arm.

He looks down and sees Santa, still fast asleep, clinging onto him like a pillow.

Perth tries to move his arm, whispering, "Oi, let go, you oversized leech."

No response, Santa mumbles half-asleep, and instead snuggles closer, tightening his grip.

Perth freezes, caught between irritation and sudden rush of warmth. He mutters under his breath, "...Annoying brat."

——————————————————————

-Pongsapak dining table-

At the dining table, Stacey and her mom serve breakfast while everyone gathers. Perth sits down, still collecting his soul, when a glass of orange juice is placed in front of him. Slowly opening his sleepy eyes, he sees that it was Stacey who placed it.

"Good morning, Perth. Did you sleep well last night?" Asking shyly.

Before he can even respond, Santa plops into the chair beside him. He yawns loudly and nudges Perth with his elbow.

"Yea, phi. Did you sleep well last night?"

"You weren't lying when you said you slept like a a helicopter. My arm and body still feel numb. I think just age 10 years within a night."

Santa grins, leaning closer. "You should be honoured. Not everyone gets the privilege to experience it."

Stacey rolls her eyes. "Can you two not start bickering first thing in the morning?" "...And sorry, Perth. I should have known better that he really can't share his bed with anyone."

But Perth notices something odd. Santa is smirking at him, waiting for his reaction, and somehow for once... Perth isn't sure if he's annoyed, or flustered. ...

Ok, that's all for the second chapter ✨💃 Honestly it feels way harder to write now compared to my previous stories. Either I still have no clear idea on how this story ends or I lost some of my braincells already...(hope y'all still get it)  Anyways, I hope you enjoy the story and do let me know if you have any suggestions for the ending~ I'm still thinking how to make a good writing flow hiks... 😭👊 See you on the next chap!