By Your Side ??*?。

Episode 7

Santa nodded, and the two began walking to the park. After a short walk, they arrived to see Fourth already waiting. Fourth waved enthusiastically when he spotted them. "Phi Perth! It’s so nice to see you!"

Perth smiled warmly. "Good to see you too, Fourth. Sorry if I’m intruding on your plans."

"Not at all, phi! It’s been ages since I last saw you," Fourth replied cheerfully.

The three of them made their way to Aunty May’s food stall. As they approached, Aunty May’s face lit up with recognition. "Perth! You’re back home?"

"Yes, Aunty. Just for a bit, though—I’ll head back to university Tonight," Perth said with a smile. 

"Well, this calls for a treat," Aunty May declared. "Today, the noodles are on me!"

"Really, Aunty?" Fourth asked, his eyes wide. 

"Yes, yes. Now sit down, all of you," she said, shooing them to a table. 

They sat down, chatting while they waited. Perth turned to Fourth. "So, Ta told me you also got into Chulalongkorn. Excited?"

"Of course, phi! I get to be with my best friend, so I couldn’t be happier," Fourth said enthusiastically. 

Perth nodded, smiling. "That’s great to hear."

Soon, Aunty May brought out three steaming bowls of noodles, setting them in front of them with a warm smile. "Here you go, enjoy!"

"Thank you, Aunty," the three chimed in unison before eagerly digging into their food. The rich flavors of the broth and perfectly cooked noodles were just as they remembered, and their conversation flowed effortlessly as they enjoyed the meal together.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

After finishing their noodles, Perth, Fourth, and Santa stood up from their seats, bowing slightly in gratitude. "Thank you so much, Aunty May," Perth said with a warm smile. 

"Thank you, Aunty!" Santa and Fourth chimed in together, their voices filled with appreciation. Aunty May smiled warmly, her eyes soft with affection. "You’re all welcome."

Fourth snap his finger as he remembered something, "Right, Aunty! Santa and I got accepted to Chulalongkorn University!"

Aunty May clapped her hands together in delight. "Really? That’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you two. Chulalongkorn is such a prestigious university." 

Santa bowed his head slightly, his cheeks dusted with pink. "Thank you, Aunty May."

"It’s good that you’ll have Perth there to guide you," she added, looking fondly at Perth. 

Perth smiled humbly. "I’ll do my best to look out for them."

Fourth nudged Santa with his elbow. "Shall we go now?"

Santa nodded, and Perth agreed. "Aunty, we’ll head out now," Perth said politely. 

Aunty May walked around the counter to hug Perth briefly. "Come back again soon, alright? And drive safely when you head back to Chulalongkorn tonight."

"I will, Aunty," Perth assured her, his tone respectful. 

The three of them waved goodbye as they exited the food stall. The warm sunlight greeted them, and the lively sounds of the street filled the air as they made their way to Uncle Tee’s bookstore. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As they stepped into the cozy bookstore, the smell of aged paper and ink enveloped them. Behind the counter sat Uncle Tee, his glasses perched on his nose as he flipped through a thick book. When he glanced up and saw Perth, his face lit up. "Perth? You’re here?"