CHAPTER 14

CONFESSION TIME~

Santa's POV

Something was definitely up. He couldn't pinpoint what, but he could feel it. His family had been acting strangely around him. Stacey was out with her friends a lot more than usual. Once, she even came home with tiramisu cream on her clothes without realizing it. She claimed it happened when she was eating with her friends, but Santa knew her, she always went for strawberry shortcake, not tiramisu.

His mae and phor were no different. They kept asking him over and over about his plans for the next few days, what he wanted to eat, what he was going to wear, where he planned to go. It was strange, because they hardly ever checked in like that. To make it worse, whenever he asked them a normal question, they would exchange knowing smiles or even wink at each other, leaving him utterly confused.

But the one that hurt the most was his phi Perth. He had been visiting less than usual, saying he had family matters in Chiang Mai. When he did come by, it was only for a short while before he had to leave again. Santa tried to accept it, not wanting to seem too clingy, but deep down it stung. He missed his phi, and the sudden distance left him with a hollow feeling he didn't know how to fill.

The more he thought about it, the more worried he became.

'Did I hang out with him too much until he got bored?'

'Or was it because I played too hard to get?'

All these doubts piled up until Santa felt like he was slipping back into the bubble he had worked so hard to break.

—------------------------------------------------------

-8.30 AM, Santa's room-

The alarm buzzes beside him, but he can't find the energy to get up. It's already the third day since Perth left Bangkok for Chiang Mai, and he feels completely drained.

Soft footsteps approach from outside the room. "Ta, dear... are you awake? We're leaving in about 45 minutes, okay? Go take a bath and get changed. I'll make some blueberry pancakes for you."

Oh, right. Today's the trip to the newly opened aquarium. Somehow, Phor had decided on a family outing, even though he'd been looking forward to his golf game all week. Apparently, the course needed some repairs.

"Hah... I guess I could use a little fresh air to clear my head," Santa mutters, slowly dragging himself toward the bathroom.

A few minutes later...

-Pongsapak dining table-

Santa walks down to the first floor, spotting everyone already gathered at the table, enjoying breakfast together.

"Morning, phor, mae, jee..." he murmurs, sliding into the empty seat beside his sister.

Stacey glances up briefly. "What's with that face? Didn't sleep enough?" she asked, before turning her attention back to her phone.

"Hm," Santa replies vaguely.

Mrs. Pongsapak studies her son with concern. "Tata, darling, are you alright? You've been looking so tired these days."

"I'm fine, mae... just not feeling my best, but nothing serious," he says, forcing a small smile.

"Are you sure? Maybe you should rest at home today. You really don't look well." She reaches over to gently touch his face, checking for any signs of fever.

Santa shakes his head softly. "No, mae... it's been a while since we all went out together. I want to go."

She sighs but smiles warmly. "Alright, then. But promise me, if you start feeling worse, you'll let mae know right away, okay?"

"Mm," Santa hummed, nodding.

—-----------------------------------------------------

Perth's POV

His heart races as he takes a step back, surveying the room. This is it, two hours to make everything perfect before Santa walks through that door.

Perth stands in the middle of the Pongsapak living room, carefully stringing the last fairy lights along the curtain rail. The glow is soft and warm, casting light over all the little details he's spent weeks planning: fresh flowers, balloons, framed photos of their happiest moments, and an entire couch overflowing with Hello Kitty treasures—plushies, a mug, a pillow, and more.

(Just roughly imagine these sitting on the couch, waiting for Tata...)

Right in the center of it all sits the Hello Kitty plush he stitched together with his own hands, waiting like the star of the show. Around it, Santa's favorite snacks are neatly arranged, secrets Stacey had slipped him one by one. In Perth's arms, a handmade bouquet rests, each flower sewed and pieced together with care, ready to be given away. Nearby, a large box holds a stack of letters he wrote whenever his heart told him Santa was the one. And soon, the homemade tiramisu cake will join the pile, the final sweet touch.

After one last round of adjusting and straightening, everything is in place. Perth steps back again, his smile growing as he takes in the scene.

"I hope you'll like this, Ta," he whispers.

—--------------------------------------------------

-At the Aquarium-

They stroll through the aquarium, admiring the sea creatures and snapping pictures. Santa forces a smile for each photo, trying hard to focus on the moment and enjoy some family time.

Suddenly...

"Omg! Dear, I think I forgot to lock the door!" Mrs. Pongsapak gasps, clutching her handbag. Everyone turns to look at her.

"Huh? Are you sure, dear?" Mr. Pongsapak asks, frowning.

"Y-yes! I was the last one to leave the house... Oh no, we have to go back!" Mrs. Pongsapak bites her lip, clearly anxious.

"Santa and I can go—" Stacey begins, but Santa interrupts.

"It's okay, jee. I'll go check by myself." He steps forward, volunteering.

"B-but, Ta, are you sure you can go alone?" Stacey asks, worried.

"Yes, jee... don't worry. I'm a bit tired anyway, so you all should enjoy the aquarium. I'll call you once I'm done, and we can meet up again." Santa smiles reassuringly.

"Alright, just be careful, Ta. Call us if anything happens," Mr. Pongsapak reminds him.

"Okay, see you soon."

Without another word, Santa jogs off toward home. The three of them exchange glances and grin knowingly. Stacey claps her hands softly, whispering, "Mission accomplished."

—-----------------------------------------------

-Back to Pongsapak House-

A notification pops up on Perth's phone: "Perth, Tata is on his way back!" It had come about thirty minutes ago, which meant Santa would walk through the door in just a few minutes.

Perth's heart races as adrenaline floods his chest. He straightens his shirt, smooths down his hair, and checks the reflection in the glass door. The bouquet in his hands feels heavier than it really is, weighed down by nerves and anticipation.

Click.

The front door unlocks. Perth's stomach twists. He steps forward, adjusting the flowers one last time.

The door swings open, and Santa steps inside, looking sleepy from the morning. Then his eyes widen. "P-phi Perth?!" he stammers, frozen at the entrance.

"What... what are you doing here?"

"I-I thought you were still in Chiang Mai until tomorrow!" Santa's voice shakes, a mix of disbelief and confusion.

Perth swallows hard and steps closer, his heart thudding. "This...is the surprise I owed you since forever. I'm sorry I could only do it now."

Santa blinks, still in shock, and his gaze drifts over the living room. Fairy lights twinkle softly along the curtains. The couch is covered in plushies, mugs, pillows, and all of Santa's favorite things. Bright flowers are arranged around the room, and a pile of snacks, carefully chosen from his favorites, sits neatly on the table.

His eyes snap back to Perth, standing in the center of it all, bouquet in hand, nervously smiling.

"P-phi...?" Santa whispers, trembling, unsure if he's real.

Perth steps closer, holding out the bouquet and gently taking Santa's hand in his. "Ta... I've wanted to tell you this for a long time. Ever since we've known each other, every moment with you has made me so happy. You make my days brighter, my heart lighter... You're my everything, Ta. My joy, my inspiration, my favorite person in the world."

Santa's lips tremble, and tears gather, shimmering like tiny stars in his eyes.

"I know I'm not perfect, and I'll probably stumble a lot," Perth whispers softly, brushing a tear from Santa's cheek. "But I want to be with you... take care of you... and share every adventure with you... forever."

His heart races as he swallows, staring deep into Santa's wide, glistening eyes. "So... Tata... can I... be your boyfriend?"

"Hiks... Hiks... P-Phiiiii... Huaaa!" Santa's sobs spill over, shaking him in Perth's arms.

"Hey... hey, what's wrong? Are you hurt anywhere?" Perth murmurs, but before he can finish, Santa buries his face in Perth's chest, clinging tightly. His small hands grip him as though letting go would mean losing everything.

"*Sniff* I-I thought... *sniff* you didn't... like me anymore..." Santa pouts, tears glinting as he peeks up, his expression a mix of sadness and hope.

"Ta... why would you ever think that?!" Perth hugs him tighter, pulling him flush against his chest. "I could never get bored of you, kitty. I... I'm sorry I haven't visited or texted as often. I got so caught up planning this surprise... I didn't mean to make you feel alone."

Santa trembles in his arms, taking in every word. Perth rests his chin gently on his head, whispering, "Shh... it's okay. I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."

"...You're serious, phi?" Santa murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Always," Perth says, his fingers lightly patting Santa's back. "Always serious when it comes to you."

Sant swallows, nodding. 

Perth voices, "...Then... can I have your answer?"

"...Uhm..."

"What??"

"Okay... you can," Santa whispers shyly.

"For real, Ta?"

Santa nods into the embrace, still trembling, but a shy smile peeking through his tears. "Yes... I love you too, phi."

"I love you too, Ta," Perth replies, smiling softly, brushing a stray tear from Santa's cheek.

Suddenly- "OMG YEEEYY FINALLY!! THE WAR IS OVERRRR!"

Both of them turn their heads to see phor and mae beaming with pride, and Stacey jumping around, phone in hand, still documenting everything.

"You have no idea how hard it was to keep this secret from my precious little brother!" Stacey exclaims dramatically.

"Wait... so everyone was part of this plan?" Santa asks, still nestled against Perth, eyes wide.

"Yep! Phor, mae, Stacey... all helping to make your surprise perfect," Perth says softly.

"I helped a lot, so you better treat me to lots of food and smoothies," Stacey teases.

Heh, alright alright... thanks for your help," Perth chuckles, squeezing Santa's hand gently.

Santa looks up at him, a tiny, shy smile breaking through his tears. Perth leans down, resting his forehead against his, hearts beating in sync. Surrounded by twinkling lights, flowers, plushies, and their favorite little things, they sit together, laughing softly, hearts full, and love finally shining openly.

In that moment, their little family feels complete or maybe even a little bigger, now that Santa has a new special someone to share it with.

.

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HUUAAAAAAAA WAR IS OVERRRRR .·'¯'(>▂<)'¯'·. ヽ（≧□≦）ノ After squeezing so much of my braincells, I'm finally done with the main part of the story 🥲😭💖💖 And that means...we are nearing at the end of the story too huhuuuuu 😭😭😭

It's been like a rollercoaster from the moment i wrote my first chapter till now... And i truly enjoyed writing them so muchhhhh 😆💞

Although for now I have only a few of you reading this story, I still would like to thank all of you who have been here since chapter 1! I appreciate that you still here, waiting for my updates hiks 〒▽〒 

I may end this story in few more chapters, so it won't be too draggy and too long for everyone. Maybe if i want to make more special chapters, i will separate it into new story! I'll see how ehehee 💅✨

As always, do comment and vote if you enjoy reading my story! see you on my next chapterrr 💞💞💞💞