By Your Side ??*?。

After everyone finished eating, Santa and Ploy helped Ariya and Perth clear the table and wash the dishes. The sound of running water and light laughter filled the kitchen as they worked together. Meanwhile, Arthit and Min sat in the living room, engaged in a quiet conversation about work and family. The house felt warm and lively, the remnants of a good meal and good company lingering in the air. 

As the dishes were done, Ploy glanced at her watch and noticed how late it had gotten. "Min, it’s time we head home," she said, turning to her husband. 

Min nodded in agreement. "Yes, it’s getting late. Thank you so much for the wonderful dinner," he said, turning to Ariya and Arthit. 

"It’s our pleasure," Arthit replied with a kind smile. 

Ploy crouched slightly to meet Santa’s eyes. "Ta, sleep well, alright?" 

Santa smiled back at his mom. "Alright, Ma. Bye, Ma. Bye, Pa." 

After a few more exchanges of goodbyes, Ploy and Min left the house, leaving Santa with Ariya, Arthit, and Perth. 

Ariya turned to Santa with a warm smile. "Ta, make yourself comfortable, okay? Treat this like your own home. Plus, you already been here a lot of time so don't be shy or anything, alright?" 

Santa nodded, returning her smile. "Thank you, Aunty." 

Arthit added with a knowing smile, "And, Perth, don’t tease him too much, alright?" 

Perth chuckled, raising his hands in mock innocence. "I won’t, Pa. I promise." 

Ariya and Arthit exchanged amused glances as Santa and Perth headed upstairs to Perth’s room. 

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Once inside Perth’s room, they both sat on the bed for a moment. Perth glanced at Santa and said, "Go take a shower first, Ta." 

Santa nodded. "Alright. But do you have a towel I can use, Phi?" 

"Just use mine," Perth replied casually. "It’s not a big deal." 

Santa hesitated for a second but then nodded, grabbing the towel and heading into Perth’s bathroom. Perth leaned back on his bed, scrolling through his phone as he waited. 

After a while, the bathroom door opened, and Santa stepped out, the towel wrapped securely around his waist, revealing his pale chest and damp skin. Perth glanced up, and his gaze lingered for a moment longer than he intended, taking in the sight. 

Santa, seemingly unaware, walked over to Perth’s closet and picked out one of Perth's shirts, pulling it on. He handed the towel back to Perth and said teasingly, "Go shower now, Phi. You’re so smelly." 

Perth laughed and took the towel. "Fine, fine," he said, heading into the bathroom. 

While Perth was in the shower, Santa sat on the bed and noticed a guitar leaning against the desk. His thoughts drifted back to the past, wondering if Perth still played. 

When Perth came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, Santa couldn’t hold back his curiosity, he then walked towards perth. "Phi, do you still play your guitar?" 

Perth looked at the guitar and nodded. "Yeah. Why?" 

Santa’s eyes lit up. "Can you play something for me? It’s been so long since I’ve heard you play." 

Perth smirked, crossing his arms. "You’ll have to beg me first." 

Santa laughed, wrapping his arms around Perth’s arm and resting his chin on Perth’s shoulder. "Please, please, Phi Perth is the best! Can you play for me? Please? Pretty please?"