BOUND BY SECRETS

The moment the lecture ended, Santa bolted from the hall, his bag slung hastily over his shoulder. His mind was a whirlwind - the unexpected appearance of Perth as his professor, and now the building anxiety of Title's presence on campus. His chest felt tight.

But just as he rounded the corner, bam!

Santa stumbled back, startled. A hand shot out, gripping his arm firmly. His wide eyes met the dark, smug gaze of Title.

"Well, well..." Title smirked, lips curling into a satisfied grin.
"Running off so soon? You should watch where you're going, Nong."

Santa instinctively tried to step back, but Title's grip only tightened. He could feel the heat of Title's stare, dripping with a twisted sense of possession.

"Let go, Title." Santa's voice was low, but the tremor in it betrayed his fear.

Title chuckled, his thumb tracing circles on Santa's wrist. "Why so nervous? I didn't even say anything yet."

His smirk widened. "But you already know what I'm thinking, don't you?"

Santa swallowed hard, his heart racing. The corridor suddenly felt too small.

"You can't avoid me forever, Santa." Title's voice lowered, almost a whisper.

"No matter how much you run, you'll always end up right where you belong."

Santa's stomach churned. He tried once more to pull away, but Title wouldn't budge. Just when he thought the situation couldn't get worse-

"Santa."

Santa froze. The authoritative voice sent shivers down his spine. Both he and Title turned their heads.

Perth....

Standing a few steps away, Perth's expression was cold and unreadable, but his presence alone made the tension shift.

"Come with me." Perth's gaze locked onto Santa, ignoring Title entirely. "We need to discuss the query you brought up during class."

Santa didn't hesitate. He wrenched his wrist free and hurried to Perth's side.

Title's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing, but he said nothing as Perth placed a protective hand on Santa's back and guided him away.

---------

Inside the quiet comfort of Perth's office, Santa felt like he could finally breathe again. He slumped into the chair, still visibly shaken.

Perth leaned against his desk, watching him with concern. "Are you alright?"

Santa nodded, though his hands were still trembling slightly. "I just... I wasn't expecting him."

Perth sighed, his brows furrowing. "I thought this might happen. That's why I'm here."

Santa blinked. "You mean..."

"I didn't just come to teach." Perth crossed his arms. "I'm keeping an eye on you. I'm not going to let him pull anything."

Santa's heart skipped. He lowered his gaze, cheeks tinting pink. "Phi..."

Perth stepped closer, crouching down to meet Santa's eyes. "You don't have to be scared. I'm right here."

Santa's pout deepened. "You're always so serious. And you didn't even tell me you were my new professor! Phi, do you know how embarrassing it was?"

Perth's lips twitched. "Judging by how red your ears were? Yes."

"Phi!" Santa whined, burying his face in his hands.

Perth chuckled, pulling Santa's hands away gently.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. But I wanted to surprise you. And I have to say..." He tilted his head, smirking. "It was worth it."

"You're impossible," Santa mumbled, his pout returning.

"Am I?" Perth's fingers brushed lightly against Santa's cheek. "But you like it."

Santa's face burned as he swatted Perth's hand away. "You're teasing me again."

Perth grinned, standing up and ruffling Santa's hair. "Only because you're cute when you pout."

Santa huffed, though the warmth in his chest betrayed him. "I'm still mad."

"Dinner tonight?" Perth offered, pretending not to notice how Santa's eyes lit up despite his protest.

Santa tried to glare, but his lips curled into a reluctant smile. "Fine. But you're paying."

Perth laughed. "Of course, Nong."

To be continued... 🖤🤍