CHAPTER 7

Author's note: Well ya'll, Im pretty torn still on how to make Stacey find out about their feelings? Should I make her deeply hurt? or should I have her fully support them? IDK AAA 〒▽〒 I guess i will let the flow brings me again... Also, looks like i will need to add more chapters so pls bear with me booos :3

-Timeskip, Few days later-

Since that emotional vidcall, the gap between Perth and Santa has gone narrower. Although, it's mainly happening only through texts. Santa is now willing to engage text messages with his phi. He is willing to express his emotion throughout the texts, adding slight jokes here and there to ease the conversation. This delighted Perth, thinking that if they continue this pace, the thick wall of his nong will slowly crumble and they can go back the way they were back then.

But...is that what Perth really wants?

Back to be Phi and Nong again?

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For the after exams celebration that Stacey had planned, she suggested the three of them go on a beach trip. They can play with some games like volleyball, frisbee, or even just collecting some pretty seashells as memories. They will have a quick picnic under the shade too, it would be perfect.

Well, that would have been perfect if both Perth and Santa had already broken through that thick tension still lingering between them. But instead, they both bluntly refused. Santa suggested they could go to a museum or maybe bake some cakes at home. Perth, on the other hand, simply wasn't fond of sweat or heat in general, he much preferred staying indoors. (Author too, well, depending on my mood actually hehe)

However, as expected, they couldn't win against Stacey. She begged them, claiming that she just wanted this time to be extra special. Besides, none of them had ever gone to the beach before. She just wanted to experience it, just once. Eventually, they both gave in and agreed half-heartedly.

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-4:30 PM, at the beach-

The three of them arrived at the beach, immediately greeted by the bright sunlight. Perth, ever simple, wore a loose white linen shirt half-tucked into his black shorts, his sandals dangling lazily from one hand as he walked across the warm sand. Santa, in contrast, looked effortlessly beautiful in a white sleeveless shirt with wide armholes that revealed glimpses of his fair tone, paired with light brown shorts that matched his aesthetic. Stacey, vibrant as always, had on a pink tank with white flowy skirt that fluttered with the ocean breeze, her wide-brimmed hat shielding her from the sun as she led the way with excitement.

They all start walking around the beach, finding a good spot with wide enough shades for everyone. Once found, She starts unpacking snacks, humming happily as she sets everything up.

"This is perfect! Perth, Ta! Come and help a lady here, will ya? Don't just stand there like statues."

Perth lingers a few steps away from where the others have settled, his gaze is fixed and unwavering as if he's lost in thought. Santa stands near Stacey, trying to appear casual, but the weight of that stare pins down on him, sharp and unrelenting, as though it may burn a hole right through his head.

"...C-coming, jee!"

"Alright, alright, coming."

They spend 15 minutes arranging the mat, food, and other things, before the heat starts to greet them harshly.

"Let's go play in the water, guys! I'm starting to feel the heat." Stacey waves her hand, fanning her face.

Perth quietly sits down on the mat, replies, "You guys go ahead, I want to take a chill here for a bit.""Aww, you no fun, Perth! We're already here! we may as well enjoy it to the fullest!" She whines, grabs his right arm to pull him out of the shade.

"It's ok, I will join you guys later."

"Hmph, fine. Let's go, Ta! Let's leave this 'uncle' here and have fun in the water!"

Santa giggled a little, "Yep, let's go, jee!" They both quickly run like children straight to the water side.

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The waves greet their feet as Stacey runs ahead, squealing as a small wave splashes her legs. "Hey! Catch me if you can!"

Santa grins, feeling playful again after the awkward atmosphere earlier. He strikes toward a bigger wave, trying to splash Stacey, but misjudges his footing. His feet slip on the wet sand, and for a heartbeat, he falls behind into the water.

"Tata!" Stacey shouts instinctively, running back towards him.

Santa grunts softly as he pushes himself up, wet sand sticking to his hands and shirt. His once-loose white sleeveless shirt is now hugging his skin, outlining the lean shape of his torso and pretty small waist. He coughs a little, brushing water off his face with an embarrassed chuckle.

Before he can even reassure Stacey, another figure is already there.

Perth.

"Ta!" Perth's voice is out sharp with panic as he rushes from the shade, his feet splashing against the shallow water. He kneels beside Santa, one hand instinctively reaching for his shoulder, the other hovering as if not sure where to touch.

"Are you okay? Did you hit yourself?!"

Santa blinks at him, startled not by the fall, but the sound of urgency and worries coming from Perth's voice. His heart once again flips in a weird way when he realises the older one has been scanning him from head to toe, checking any injuries.

"I-I'm fine, Phi," Santa stammers, trying to laugh it off. He pushes some wet strands of hair from his forehead, forcing a grin. "The beach just decided to bully me, that's all."

Stacey finally reaches, kneels in front of Santa too and immediately rushes over her little brother, "Ta, are you okkk? Are you hurt? Let me see!"

Placing both of her palms on his cheeks, she moves his head from left to right, up and down. Then grabbing his arm, checking if there's any serious injuries.

"Jeee, stop it! I'm ok! I just fell into the water, that's all!" Santa tries to brush his sister's arms around him.

Stacey breathes a sigh of relief, puffing up her cheeks with slight pouting, "you are so careless, Ta! One day you're gonna fall so hard I can no longer save you."

Santa laughs lightly, tries to shake off the worry, "I bounce back fast, you know that." He gives her a playful grin, but it twitches a little when he feels Perth's hand still resting on his shoulder, steady, warm, reluctant to move away.

Santa glances up, their eyes meeting. Perth's jaw is tight, his brows still furrowed as though he's not fully convinced. Santa's grin drops further, and for a moment he feels completely bare under that gaze. His throat goes dry.

Perth seems to realise too late that his hand has been resting there, and he quickly pulls back, dusting his palms on his shorts. "...Just be careful next time," he mutters, softer, his voice dropping as though the words are meant only for Santa.

Santa swallows hard and looks down at his lap, cheeks heating. He tries to shake it off with a weak laugh, "Yes, sir."

Stacey watches this quiet exchange, scanning the situation. The tiny wrinkle on her forehead deepens, though she hides it quickly behind a teasing smile. "Alright then, mister bouncy. If you're really fine, let's go back and eat. I'm starving!"

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Back under the shade, they settle on the mat with their food. The sea breeze rustles around them, carrying the faint scent of grilled squid from a nearby stall. Stacey, chewing on a piece of watermelon, eyes her brother and Perth with something unspoken swirling behind her gaze.

Then, with a sudden spark in her eyes, she claps her hands together. "You know what? Let's make things more fun."

Santa, already halfway through sipping his drink, raises a brow. "More fun? We literally almost drowned thanks to me. What could be more fun than that?"

"Truth or dare," Stacey declares, grinning wide. Her tone is playful, but deep inside, her curiosity prickles. She wants to confirm what she's been sensing all along.

Santa nearly chokes on his drink, "What are we, twelve?"

"C'mon, it'll be fun!" Stacey insists, looking between him and Perth with a glint in her eyes.

"Besides, I'll go easy. Promise." Raising her left hand up, with two fingers stuck on each other.

Santa groans but doesn't argue further, because despite himself, he knows his sister well enough to realise nothing can convince her to stop.

Perth, on the other hand, tilts his head slightly, watching the siblings bicker. His lips curl just faintly in amusement. "Alright then," he says finally, his deep voice smooth but carrying a curious undertone. "I'll play."

Santa cracks his head towards Perth, shoots him a look, torn between dread and intrigue. Something isn't right.

Stacey smirks quietly to herself. Perfect.

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OK, look forward on how they play the 'truth or dare' games ok, booooo💞💞 I will try to make it as fun as possible 😆 Also, I've been reading some of ur comments and I truly apreaciate all the fun responses and comments! It makes me feel more motivated to update and complete this story as nice as possible! 🖤🤍As usual, if u like this story, do comment or vote ehe thank you so much! love ya so muchhh! See you on the next chapter!