CHAPTER 16

Author's note: Hihi, this chapter we will have some new characters joining us so the more the merrier! 💃🏻💃🏻✨

-Perth's bedroom-

"Phi, I should go now," Santa whispers, reluctantly pulling away. "You should rest. I'll see you tomorrow after class." He starts sliding off the bed, but Perth catches his wrist.

"Can't you stay?" Perth's voice is soft, almost pleading, his eyes glistening like a puppy begging for attention.

"But...I have morning class, phi," Santa murmurs, squeezing his hand. "Ta...please? Stay tonight. You can wear my clothes tomorrow, and I'll drive you to campus."Santa sighs, smiling, feeling defeated. "Haah... how can I say no when the big baby wants his cuddles?"

Perth grins, tugging him back down. They cuddle into each other again, Perth planting kisses across Santa's cheek, nose, forehead and finally capturing his lips. Their kiss deepens, the world shrinking to just the two of them...Until a sharp click breaks the moment.

"Oh my... are we interrupting something?" A familiar voice teases from the doorway. (ANNA OOP-)

"M-Mae?!" Perth flinches, his face burning. "I thought you weren't coming back until tomorrow!"

Mrs. Tanapon giggles, her eyes sparkling. "Well, surprise! The project wrapped up early, so Phor and I booked the first flight home to see our birthday boy."

She glances at Santa with an amused smile. "Though... it seems we might've come back at the wrong time, hm?"

Santa scrambles upright, bowing politely on the bed. "H-hi uncle, aunty - I mean, Phor, Mae. Sorry for disturbing you so late at night."

"Aw, dear, you don't need to be so formal," Mrs. Tanapon says warmly. "You're family too, get used to calling us Phor and Mae, alright?"

"O-okay... Mae," Santa mumbles, shyly avoiding Perth's smirk.

"Well, I wanted to hug my son first thing," Mrs. Tanapon teases, "but it looks like someone else already gave him plenty. I won't steal you away then. Come on, dear," she said, nudging her husband.

Mr. Tanapon only nods with a faint smile as they close the door, leaving Perth and Santa staring at each other, completely mortified.

—---------------------------------------------------------8:30 AM, Bangkok University-Outside the Gate-

"I'll see you later at 12, ok? Text or call me if needed." Perth leans slightly from the driver's seat, watching as Santa unbuckles and gets out of the car.

"Ok. Love you, phi." Santa grins.

Perth waves his hand, motioning him to come closer. Santa leans in curiously and-

Chu!

"Phi! We're outside! What if someone sees us?" Santa's cheeks burn as he lightly punches Perth's shoulder. The older one only laughs, clearly unbothered.

"Alright, alright. See you." Perth says, still smiling as Santa waves before turning away.But then Perth notices three guys heading in Santa's direction. His eyes narrow instantly.

"Who the heck are they?!" His hand grips the steering wheel, ready to jump out of the car if needed.

Just then, Santa turns back, catches his gaze, and waves brightly again, completely at ease.Perth exhales, loosening his grip.

"...Never mind. I'll ask him later," he mutters, watching carefully as Santa greets the three boys with easy familiarity....-12:00 PM, Bangkok University - Outside the Gate-

Perth pulls up right on time, scanning the crowd of students pouring out. His eyes quickly find Santa, smiling, laughing, surrounded by the same three guys from earlier.

"There they are again..." Perth mutters under his breath, tapping his fingers impatiently against the steering wheel.

Santa finally spots the car and waves happily. "Phi Perth! Over here!"

He jogs over, his friends trailing behind. Perth steps out of the car, slipping on his shades, sizing up the trio as they approach.

Santa beams as he makes the introductions.

"Introducing, phi Pond, phi Joong, and phi Aou, my seniors from the dance club. Guys, this is Perth... my-""Um..." He glances at Perth, then back at his friends, cheeks flushing. "This is... my boyfriend, phi Perth."

Perth smirks lightly, offering a polite nod.

"Nice to meet you all. Santa's boyfriend, majoring in business."

"Wow, Santa didn't tell us his boyfriend was this cool," Joong teases with a grin.

Santa elbows him immediately. "Ai, phi! Enough already."

The others laugh, but Perth just stands close, his arm brushing against Santa's like second nature. A quiet claim.

"Anyway, I'll see you guys tomorrow at practice!" Santa waves, tugging Perth toward the car.

Once they slide inside, Perth finally speaks, voice casual but edged with curiosity: "So... those three. You're close with them?"

Santa glances at him, amused.

"Mm, yeah. We're in the same dance club. Don't worry, phi. They're just friends."

Perth hums, starting the engine, though his jaw tightens slightly. "...Still. I'll keep an eye on them."

Santa chuckles softly, sliding his hand over Perth's, "Are you... jealous?"

Perth stays quiet, eyes on the road, ears faintly red. "Just... don't let them hang all over you again."

Santa's laugh is gentle. He lifts Perth's hand, squeezing tight. "Alright, phi. I'll try."

Perth brings Santa's hand to his lips, pressing a playful string of kisses across his knuckles.—----------------------------------------------Date time~

Before the evening surprise, Santa had planned a full day just for Perth. Starting with a trip back to the aquarium, where they wandered hand in hand through glowing tunnels of blue, laughing as Santa finally got the chance to snap endless pictures of the shimmering fish (and just as many of Perth).

Afterwards, they stopped by a small artisan shop to make custom matching bracelets, carefully choosing charms that felt like little pieces of their story together.

The day ended with them returning to the Pongsapak house for dinner, where Santa had gone all out, preparing Perth's favourites, smokey salmon, honey roast chicken, a refreshing lemon sorbet and many more. With the Pongsapak family gathered and the Tanapon family joining in, Perth's 22nd birthday felt nothing complete.

When the candles on the cake were blown out, Perth smiled softly, but the real gift was the way Santa's gaze lingered on him, brimming with quiet love.

"So... how was today, phi? Did you have fun?" Santa asked gently, eyes curving as he studied Perth, who was still watching their families laughing together.

"I didn't expect you to plan this much, Ta. Thank you... I really enjoyed it, especially having this family dinner." Perth squeezed Santa's hand tenderly, then pressed a light kiss to his cheek.

"I'm glad you did, phi. I even asked your Mae for all your childhood favourite dishes," Santa said proudly, making Perth's chest swell with gratitude for just how attentive his boyfriend could be.

Suddenly, a soft nudge made Santa turn his head. Stacey leaned in close, whispering, "Sooo... how did last night go?"

Santa blinked. "Hm? What do you mean?"

"Did Perth end up 'eating you' ye-" Before she can finish, Santa claps a hand over her mouth, face flushing in panic.

"JEE! Can you not ask that? Our parents are here!" Scolding her in the softest whisper he possibly can.

"Oop- my bad! I was just curious!" Stacey laughed, hands up in surrender.

Perth, having overheard every word, slid an arm around Santa's shoulders and leaned in with a mischievous smirk. "Well, unfortunately, I can't 'eat him' yet... since he's not ready to be eaten." His eyes sparkled with teasing.

"Phi!" Santa gasped, pinching his waist hard.

"Ow, that hurts, Ta!" Perth winced, rubbing the spot.

"That's what you get for talking nonsense." Santa huffed, though his lips twitched in amusement.

"Pfft, alright, alright," Perth chuckled, stealing another kiss to soften the pinch. Stacey giggled beside them, grinning wide. "As long as you liked those vouchers, then my job here is done!"

The end of Perth's 22nd birthday is nothing but pure bliss and unforgettable memories....Omg I forgot to type things here but yes as usual I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS STORY! I will try my best to continue this asap since I'm already starting my work hiks so I have less time to think n squeeze my braincells... 😀🥹See you on my next update!