BOUND BY SECRETS

Santa lazily scrolled through his phone. Just then, a message popped up from Louis.

Louis: "So, you're all better now? Heard you're getting discharged today."

Santa smiled, typing back a quick response.

Santa: "Yeah, getting discharged soon."

A second later, his phone buzzed again.

Louis: "And you're ditching your dormmate for your husband? Rude."

Santa rolled his eyes, chuckling.

Santa: "Phi refused to let me go to the dorm until I recover fully. Not my fault."

Louis: "Sure, sure. Enjoy the honeymoon phase, lover boy."

Santa groaned. Why did he even tell Louis?

-------

Later, as Perth signed the final discharge papers, Santa quietly thanked the nurses before stepping outside. Perth held his arm firmly, his protective nature evident.

"I can walk, Phi," Santa mumbled.

"I know," Perth replied, unlocking the car. "But you're not going back to that dorm. End of discussion."

Santa bit his lip, trying to hide his smile. "Bossy much?"

"Only for you," Perth murmured, a hint of amusement in his voice.

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That Afternoon

After settling Santa on the couch with a blanket, Perth reluctantly got ready to head to the university as Santa threatened him with going back to his dorm...

"I'm really fine, Phi," Santa reassured him, his voice soft. "You don't need to stay."

Perth adjusted his watch and gave Santa a lingering look. "Are you sure?"

Santa nodded firmly. "Go, You have responsibilities, you know."

A reluctant sigh escaped Perth. "Alright. But call me if you need anything."

"I will."

----------

Meanwhile, at the University

Title's eyes scanned the campus impatiently. It had been days since he last saw Santa. His absence was intriguing him, twisting his emotions into something darker.

"Where is he?" Title mumbled under his breath.

The obsession was getting unbearable. He needed to see Santa. He had to.

---------

That Evening

The apartment door creaked open, stirring Santa awake. His heart pounded for a moment until a familiar presence stepped inside.

"Phi?" Santa blinked, rubbing his eyes.

"I'm back," Perth said softly, but before Santa could respond, three more familiar faces barged in.

"Surprise!" Louis grinned, followed closely by Sammy and Mark.

Santa's jaw dropped. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Visiting the patient, obviously." Mark smirked.
"Or should we say... the newlyweds?"

"Mark.." Santa squealed, his face heating up.

"We're just concerned," Sammy faking innocence.
"You went off and didn't even invite us to the love nest."

"It's not a-"

Before Santa could defend himself, Mark suddenly wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pulling him into a playful hug.

"Missed you, buddy."

Perth, who had been quietly observing, stiffened. His jaw clenched as he stepped forward, and without a word, tugged Santa from Mark's grasp.

"Careful," Perth said in a calm but firm tone. "Santa's still recovering."

Mark blinked, surprised. Everyone exchanged glances, sensing the sudden tension. Santa, however, felt his cheeks burn.

"Uh, Phi," Santa mumbled, "I'm okay."

Perth gave him a pointed look. "I'll decide that."

Sammy bit her lip, suppressing a giggle. "Protective much?"

Perth didn't answer. Instead, he calmly led Santa to the couch..

Sammy whispered, "he isn't pregnant "

Mark, Louis chuckled and Perth ignored

Santa shot her a glare

----------

Dinner Time

The table was filled with dishes - all Santa's favorites. Perth silently made sure his plate was full, occasionally reminding him to eat more. Every now and then, his hand would linger on Santa's wrist, ensuring he was alright.

Louis couldn't hold back anymore and sang whispered " Is this we call love?"

Sammy nodded dramatically.

Santa groaned, burying his face in his hands. Perth, however, remained unaffected.

"Eat," Perth simply said, placing another portion on Santa's plate.

Later That Night

After bidding goodbye to his friends, Santa sighed, plopping down on the couch.

"I'll sleep here," he mumbled, adjusting the pillows.

But before he could settle in, Perth effortlessly lifted him in his arms.

"Phi!" Santa yelped.

Perth carried him toward the bedroom. "You're not sleeping on the couch."

"But-"

"No buts," Perth interrupted, lowering him gently onto the bed.

"The bed's big enough for both of us."

"Phi, I can't-"

"Santa," Perth said firmly, "I'm tired. Can we sleep?"

Santa hesitated before finally nodding. "Okay."

He curled up on the edge of the bed, trying to maintain some distance. But before long, Perth pulled him closer, wrapping a secure arm around his waist.

"Phi?" Santa whispered, his heart pounding.

"Sleep, Ta," Perth murmured, his voice low. "I'm not going anywhere."

With the warmth of Perth's presence and the steady beat of his heart, Santa's eyes fluttered shut. And for the first time in days, he slept soundly, knowing he was exactly where he belonged.

To be continued... 🖤🤍