CHAPTER 20💞

The day after that night, Santa couldn't even look Perth straight in the eyes without turning bright red. His body remembered every touch too vividly, and just the thought of skinship made him fumble around like a broken robot. For hours, he avoided even the slightest brush of contact, his heart racing too wildly to handle.

But as the days went by, a heavy realization sank in. If he kept running away, Perth might think he regretted everything... or worse, that he didn't want to be close anymore. The thought alone made Santa's chest ache painfully. That was when he decided, he needed to show Perth, clearly and boldly, how much he loved being with him, how much he actually felt. No more hiding, no more fumbling. This time, he would make Perth's heart flutter until it melted to pieces.

Yet, just as Santa was turning over ideas in his head, a sweet new piece of news found its way to him. News that made his heart swell with warmth before he could even begin his plan.

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-6.30 PM at Pongsapak Dining table-

The smell of freshly cooked food and soft, cheerful laughter filled the dining room. Perth and Santa, just home from their classes, stepped in together after Stacey's invitation for a quick dinner. Santa immediately noticed that his sister was glowing more than usual, standing close to someone unfamiliar yet strangely familiar. Her wide smile wasn't the usual teasing one. It was reserved for someone new.

Stacey turned around, noticing them, and beamed warmly. "Oh, you guys are finally here! Sit down, we'll get everything ready in a moment."

Santa opened his mouth to ask about the new guy, but he was met with a quick nod and polite smile before following Stacey back to the kitchen.

"He looks... familiar, phi," Santa whispered, nudging Perth and squinting at the man.

Perth glanced down, curious. "Hm? Have you met him before?"

"Not sure... I'll ask Jee later," Santa replied, a hint of intrigue in his tone.

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Once everything was settled, the four of them finally sat around the table, with Perth and Santa across from Stacey and the new guy.

"Ahem... you're probably wondering who this is," Stacey said, avoiding eye contact. The man gently took her hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

"Ta, Perth, meet Bryan. Bryan, this is my brother Santa and his boyfriend, Perth," she introduced.

"Ta, remember when I told you about the time I almost got pick-pocketed? He's the one who helped me catch the guy. We've been dating ever since, and today marks one month together," Stacey added, holding Bryan's hand.

"Wait... Bryan? As in Bryan from my high school? My ex deskmate?" Santa's eyes went wide.

Bryan chuckled softly. "Hah, I didn't expect you to recognize me so quickly, Santa. Yep, it's me, the one with the thick black glasses you used to tease."

"For real? I wouldn't have recognized you until Jee mentioned your name!" Santa leaned closer across the table, examining him with interest. "You've changed so much, bro! Back then, all you did was study, and god, you were so quiet and nerdy..."

"And now? Contacts, new styles, totally different vibe, right? ," Bryan replied, smiling.

Perth, sitting across from them, couldn't hide the faint scowl forming on his face as he watched Santa laugh and lean in closer. Stacey noticed immediately. It was written all over his expression; jealousy.

"Pfft, don't tell me you're jealous, lover boy? Even with my boyfriend?" Stacey teased, leaning slightly forward with a sly grin.

"...He never mentioned Bryan," Perth muttered.

"Well, of course not. Back then, Bryan was the quiet nerdy kid, and Tata... wasn't exactly the 'quiet' type," Stacey said, winking.

Santa suddenly caught the subtle tension in Perth's expression, and a small, mischievous smile tugged at his lips. Leaning slightly closer to Perth, he whispered softly, "You okay, phi? You look... tense."

Perth blinked, flustered, quickly averting his eyes. "I'm fine," he muttered, though the subtle tension in his jaw betrayed him.

Bryan chuckled, sensing the mood. "Wow, Santa, your boyfriend's...protective."

Santa laughed, shaking his head. "He's just careful, that's all."

Noticing how stiff Perth had become, Santa reached under the table and intertwined their fingers. When Perth turned slightly, Santa gave him a gentle smile, soft, steady, enough to melt through his restraint. Perth's heart skipped, feeling the warmth from his palm straight to his heart.

Stacey, watching closely, grinned from ear to ear. She whispered to Bryan, "Looks like someone's very aware tonight. We'd better stop teasing, or he might explode." Bryan only chuckled, glancing at Perth's lingering stare and silently thanking the heavens that Santa was on his side.

-After dinner-

Stacey and Santa insisted on cleaning up, shooing their boyfriends to the living room with drinks in hand. "No arguments," Stacey ordered. "You two just sit and bond."

The kitchen clattered faintly with dishes while Bryan and Perth sat in silence. The air was thick, heavier than Bryan expected. Every time he shifted, he felt Perth's eyes on him.

Finally, Perth broke the silence. "So, Bryan. Can I ask you something?"

"A-ah? Sure, phi." Bryan straightened immediately, nerves buzzing.

"Do you really love Stacey?"

Bryan blinked, went silent for a few seconds, then his eyes softened, his voice firm and sincere. "Yes. More than anything. I know it sounds cheesy, but when I first saw her smile, I knew I'd regret not chasing her. Stacey... she lights up every room. The way she cares for people she loves, makes me want to protect her, too. I know it's only been a few months, but something in me says I want to make her the happiest girl in the world."

Perth listened quietly, then gave a small nod and a faint smile. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear. You'd better keep that promise and act it. Because Stacey's part of my family too. And if you don't..." His tone deepened slightly. "You'll hear it from me."

Bryan let out a nervous laugh of relief. "I will, phi. I'll give her my best. And... I hope you and Santa stay just as happy together for a long time."

The tension finally eased, replaced by a quiet warmth. Laughter bubbled up between the two, surprising even themselves.

From the kitchen doorway, Stacey and Santa stood side by side, peeking in. Relief softened their faces as they saw the two most important men in their lives finally finding common ground.

Santa nudged his sister gently. "You never told me you were dating Bryan, my classmate, of all people."

Stacey smiled sheepishly. "I didn't know you two knew each other until later, ok? Honestly, Bryan was the one who suggested keeping it a surprise for today."

Santa chuckled. "Well... it worked."

They carried the last plates back into the kitchen, but before separating, Santa held both of Stacey's hands tightly, his voice turning tender. "Jee, I'm so happy you finally found your own happiness."

Stacey blinked, her playful mask slipping for once. "You mean that?"

"Of course I do." Santa's smile wobbled, a little emotional. "After everything you've done for me and phi Perth, all the times you scolded me but still stood by me... you deserve someone who makes you glow like this. And Bryan, he really does." (WELL HE BETTER BE- 🤜🏻)

Stacey squeezed his hands, her throat tightening. "Ta... you've grown up so much. You used to always teased and joke around me." She gave a soft, teary-eyed chuckle. "But now... it looks like you've found your own happiness too, haven't you?"

Santa nodded, his gaze drifting toward Perth in the living room, who kept stealing little glances their way. His heart warmed. "Yeah... I think I finally have." He turned back to Stacey with a smile. "We both finally have." Then, without a second thought, he pulled her into a warm embrace.

"But," Santa murmured against her shoulder, his tone playful but edged with sincerity, "if Bryan ever makes you cry, you better tell me right away. I won't let him see daylight again."

Stacey laughed, her heart swelling at the love surrounding her. "That goes both ways, Ta. If Perth ever treats you badly, you call me, and I'll gather my entire army to take him down."

They ended their exchange with another tight, heartfelt hug, two siblings quietly grateful for the love and happiness they had finally found.

Across the room, Perth had gone still, watching the two Pongsapak siblings with a softened expression. He didn't say a word, but the sight of Santa's glowing smile and his tender warmth for his sister stirred something deep inside him; an ache, a longing, and a fierce sense of love he couldn't quite put into words.

Beside him, Bryan caught the same scene and let out a quiet chuckle, his lips curling into a warm smile. "Your boyfriend really loves her," he said softly, almost to himself, though Perth heard it. Bryan leaned back, folding his arms, and the tension he'd felt earlier melted away. "I'm glad she has both of you watching over her."

Perth gave a small nod, his gaze still lingering on Santa. "She deserves it."

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BRB crying and sobbing at how cute Pongsapak siblings' relationship right now... Idk why but i feel emotional as this story may end soon 〒▽〒 I'm not ready to end this story yet but i hope i can write it nicely for all my booos who constantly read my updates 💖💖✨

I will take a quick break from writing until nearing the end of this month, maybe? As i need to focus on something important and I hope my boooos can stay tuned for the updates hehehe💃🏻 Love you guys so much, and as always, do comment and vote if you enjoy reading this story hehehe! See ya on the next update! ☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆