CHAPTER 15

Author's note: HI PEEPS! this chapter onwards will probably considered as extra chapters of Perth and Santa's lives hehe ✨💅 I'm still thinking whether i should really separate these adult PerthSanta or still continue it here (hmmm) but right now i'm leading more towards continuing it here so that it is easier for everyone to read hehehe💞💞💞 

Anyways, I'm thinking to hint some intimate tension here and there from now on too- I will definitely put some signs if it goes a bit too inappropriate WELP- 👁️👄👁️ I will think about it HEHEHE(kinda traumatised to write ahem ahem scene cuz my previous story that had those and I cringed on it so much as i read it few years later...😶🫠 I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT CAME TO MA MIND BACK THEN SO YEA- but i kinda want to write...🤌🏻) As always, i hope you enjoys reading my story!😽

Timeskip, 5 years later 👋 (Apologize for the messy timeskip ><)

At just 21 years old, Perth has already started taking on some of his father's company responsibilities, all while balancing his business major at university. Life has gotten busier than ever for him, and though he tries his best, he can't help but feel guilty for not being able to spend as much time with his Tata.

Santa, on the other hand, is also at the same university as Perth and Stacey, but his heart lies in the arts. He chose to follow his passion for dance, pouring countless hours into practice and rehearsals. Because of this, and Perth's packed schedule, the two of them haven't had a chance to meet properly in almost two weeks, even though they live just next door to each other.

Stacey, meanwhile, decided to pursue media studies after discovering her love for crafting meaningful digital memories that touch people's hearts. With all three of them chasing their own paths, their days of spending endless hours together have slowly shifted into something rarer... yet somehow, even more precious when they do get to share them.

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Until, Santa realises that Perth's birthday is around the corner.

Perth's birthday was just five days away, and Santa's head was about to burst from overthinking. What on earth could he give this year? He had already tried all sorts of handmade gifts before, watches, cakes, even necktie that Perth proudly wears every time he goes to work. But Perth... Perth always went over the top with his presents.

On Santa's 20th birthday, for example, Perth had casually surprised him with a brand-new Fendex guitar, all because Santa once mentioned he wanted to try learning like him. The memory alone made Santa groan into his pillow. How was he supposed to compete with that?

The more he thought about it, the more hopeless he felt. His heart wanted to give something meaningful, but his brain kept whispering: Nothing will ever measure up.

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-8:30 AM, Pongsapak dining table-

It's the weekend, and the Pongsapak family finally has the chance to sit back and enjoy some time together.

"Ughhh..." Santa groans, slumping over the table.

"Ta, it's way too early to be this miserable. What's wrong with you now?" Stacey asks, scooting her chair closer.

"Jeeee, help meee..." he whines, stretching out his arms to cling onto his sister dramatically.

"Let me guess... Perth's birthday gift again?"

Santa nods with a small pout, looking utterly defeated.

Stacey sighs. "You're always like this every year. Didn't I tell you? He'll appreciate whatever you give him."

"But I want to make it special... it's his 22nd birthday."

"Then just bake his favorite cake and grab a few rocks from outside. Write his name on them and call it a day. I'm sure he'll love it."

"Jee! I'm serious!" Santa protests, puffing his cheeks. "I just... I want this birthday to feel different from all the others."

That's when Stacey's signature mischievous grin creeps across her face. Santa notices the sudden silence and looks up, immediately sensing danger.

She places a hand firmly on his shoulder. "So... you want it to be 'extra special', huh?" Her words are followed by an ominous little laugh.

"J-Jee... you're scaring me."

"Relax, Ta. Jee will help you find the perfect gift. Trust me." She leans back, nodding proudly to herself like she's already solved everything.

Santa gulps. "This better not be one of her crazy ideas..."

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-Santa's bedroom-

Scribble, scribble.

"...No... this isn't it."

"...ugh, scratch that. Too plain... way too cringey."

"Ughhh! Why is finding a gift so hard?!" Santa groans, ruffling his hair in pure frustration. His brain feels completely fried.

The truth is, he's still desperately searching for ideas because he doesn't want to use Stacey's suggestion. He knows that if he really gives 'that'  to Perth, he'll never be able to escape his boyfriend's arms. Perth would probably keep him locked up in his embrace forever.

Still, hours have passed, and Santa remains hunched over his desk, trying to squeeze out any last bit of inspiration to avoid that idea at all costs...

Yet deep down, a tiny, impulse voice whispers that maybe...just maybe...it's the perfect gift. Something truly special for Perth.

"...God dammit."

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Timeskip , Perth's Birthday Night

-12:00 AM, Perth's study room-

Ding!

Perth's phone lights up between the scattered documents on his desk. He slips off his glasses, rubbing at the bridge of his nose before checking the screen. The exhaustion on his face softens into a smile.

My Kitty🐱🤍:"Phi Perthhhh, HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY! 🎂🙌🎊😽 Thank you for always loving me, taking care of me, and treating me better than anyone else ever could. I hope I'm still the first person to wish you happy birthday, hehe (/≧▽≦)/ I love you so much, my Apon. And once you see this message... Can you please open your door?"

Perth blinks, startled, before leaping out of his chair and dashing toward the front door. Breathless, he swings it open-

-and there stands Santa, a bright smile on his face, holding a small birthday cake glowing with candles.

"Happy birthday, phi! I baked you a vanilla cake. I hope you'll like-"

Santa doesn't get to finish. Perth pulls him into a tight embrace, burying his face into the younger's shoulder, inhaling that familiar comforting scent: vanilla, sandalwood, and just the faintest trace of roses.

"Phi..? Are you okay?" Santa whispers.

"...Just let me hold you for a moment."

Santa softens. "Alright, phi. But you should make a wish and blow out the candles first, okay? Then we can go inside."

Reluctantly, Perth loosens his arms, clasps his hands together to make a wish, then carefully shields the candle smoke from drifting toward Santa before blowing them out.

"Happy birthday, phi! I hope it's your best one yet, and may all your wishes come true!"

"Thank you, kitty... For the surprise."

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They step inside the quiet house, empty as usual with his parents away overseas for business. Though they'd sent him early gifts and a quick video call, Perth knows that without Santa, and the Pongsapak family, he'd be spending his birthday alone.

Later, perched together on his bed, Perth doesn't waste a second before pulling Santa close again. He had carried him onto his arms earlier, clinging to him like a koala until they reached his room. Now, they stay that way, wrapped up in each other's warmth. Five minutes pass.

Santa's hand moves gently, stroking Perth's hair and back, giving him the comfort he didn't ask for but so badly needed.

"...How have you been, phi? I'm sorry I haven't been checking up on you much. I know you have a big project coming... Are you really okay?" Santa's soft voice is laced with worry.

"I feel... exhausted, Ta," Perth admits, his face buried against Santa's shoulder. "Everything was overwhelming before this. But then you came."

His lips curl into the smallest smile as he whispers, "I missed you so much, my kitty..."

Santa's cheeks and ears instantly flush pink. He lets out a little sigh, "I missed you a lot too, phi... I should've checked in on you more often."

Perth shakes his head gently, "No, it's not your fault, Ta. I'm already grateful you thought about not disturbing me. Just let me finish this project soon, and then... we'll have all the time in the world together." He nuzzles deeper into Santa's neck, making the younger giggle from the ticklish sensation.

"U-um... by the way, phi... this is your gift." Santa shyly pulls out a small box tied with a bright pink ribbon. "I-I hope you like it."

"Ta," Perth says softly, already touched, "you didn't have to get me anything. Having you here is already enough."

"B-but... aren't you curious what's inside?" Santa mumbles, cheeks glowing red as he avoids eye contact.

Perth chuckles and takes the box, carefully undoing the ribbon before lifting the lid. He tilts his head in confusion when he sees several folded slips of paper inside. Pulling one out, he squints before reading the cover aloud, a slow smile spreading on his face.

"'Perth's... Cuddle Coupons'?"

Santa's ears burn red as Perth flips through the tiny booklet, each page decorated with Santa's doodles and handwriting.

"Redeem for one bear hug.""Redeem for me being your blanket tonight.""Redeem for unlimited head pats + cuddles on the couch.""Redeem for holding hands until you fall asleep.""Redeem for unlimited kisses."

Perth's eyes soften with surprise and affection, until one page makes him pause. His throat bobs as he swallows hard, re-reading it just to be sure.

"Redeem for a cuddle + ... in bed.'"

He slowly lifts his gaze to the boy sitting in front of him, only to find Santa hiding his entire face behind both palms, his ears blazing red.

A smirk curls on Perth's lips as he leans closer, voice low and teasing, "Ta... Is this exactly what I think it is?"

"W-what do you think?! You shouldn't even ask that if... you already know the answer." Santa quickly sits up, scooting a step away from Perth.

Gulp.

"Then... Can I redeem it now?" Perth leans closer, his voice teasing but low.

"W-what?! N-no, I'm not mentally or physically p-prepared yet, phi!" Santa throws his arms up to block Perth from coming any nearer, but Perth's presence alone feels overpowering.

Their faces are barely five centimeters apart. The heat of each other's breath lingers between them, and Santa squeezes his eyes shut, his heart hammering, convinced that Perth might just devour him right then and there.

But instead, Perth only chuckles softly and brushes a quick kiss against Santa's lips before leaning back. Santa freezes, still clutching his chest like a shield, completely stunned.

"Don't worry," Perth murmurs, a smile tugging at his lips. "I won't claim it yet. I'll wait until you're ready."

Then, with disarming tenderness, he leans over again and presses a kiss to Santa's cheek. "Thank you. This... this is the best gift I could ever ask for."

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KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE- 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

AAAAA guys i really do feel like i wanna write it towards there more how HALP ME (maybe I'm a pervy... 〒▽〒 Need some holy water, man) I need some opinions on this guys pls help me boooo👁️👄👁️

Anyways as usual hope you enjoy reading and do comment and vote if you like! thank you and see you on my next chapter!😽😽😽