BOUND BY SECRETS

Later that night, Perth returned to his apartment after spending some time with Santa.

Despite the exhaustion from the day, thoughts of Santa lingered in his mind. The warmth of his laughter, the sparkle in his eyes, and the way he looked at him like he was his entire world. Perth's heart ached with longing.

That night, his dreams ran wild. Santa’s delicate hands roamed over his chest, soft whispers of his name escaped his lips. Perth's fingers traced Santa’s face, pulling him closer, their bodies tangled in the sheets. Every touch ignited a fire within him.

He woke up with a jolt, his breath ragged. The lingering warmth from the dream left him flustered. His body was painfully aware of the effects of his fantasies.

"Damn it," Perth muttered, running his fingers through his damp hair.

He quickly jumped out of bed, rushing to the bathroom. The icy water from the shower did little to calm him. But even as the water poured over him, Santa’s face haunted his thoughts.

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At the University...

The next day, Santa and Perth were more obvious than they realized.

Every little glance, every lingering smile... Santa's friends could see the affection between them. Perth's eyes often found Santa during the lecture, and Santa’s shy glances only made it more evident.

During lunch, Santa nervously fiddled with his chopsticks.

"So," Louis started, his voice dripping with mischief. "Is there something you'd like to tell us?"

"Something?" Santa blinked, faking innocence.

"Don’t play dumb, Santa," Sammy chimed in. "We saw the way you two were yesterday."

"Yeah," Mark wiggled his eyebrows. "And judging by how lovestruck you are today, I’m guessing some confessions happened."

Santa flushed, cheeks burning. "Fine! Yes, we... we confessed."

His friends gasped in unison, Louis practically choking on his drink.

"And?" Sammy leaned forward eagerly. "Did he kiss you?"

"Of course, he did!" Mark teased. "Our professor isn’t one to hold back, is he?"

"Stop it!" Santa whined, face beet red.

"Wait, wait!" Louis pointed at Santa. "Then why did he let you move out? Wasn't he just sulking like a lost puppy when you weren’t picking up his calls?"

"Yeah, shouldn’t he be dragging you back to his place?" Mark added with a grin.

Santa quickly shoved a spoonful of rice into his mouth, pretending not to hear.

Just then, something or rather someone...caught his eye. Across the cafeteria, standing near the entrance, was a familiar figure.

"Phi Emmy!"

Without thinking, Santa dashed from his seat. Tears welled up as memories of that painful night flashed in his mind. Emmy was the one who had saved him — the one who had gone against the Pongsapak family to help him escape.

"Phi!" Santa sobbed, throwing himself into her arms.

"Ta!" Emmy gasped, holding him tightly. "Oh my god, Ta!"

Tears streamed down Santa’s face as he clung to his beloved cousin. The overwhelming relief of seeing her again broke down all his defenses.

"I missed you," he cried. "I missed you so much."

Emmy stroked his hair, her own eyes glistening with tears. "I missed you too, Ta. Are you okay?"

Before Santa could respond, Emmy’s gaze shifted behind him. Her expression stiffened as her eyes landed on Perth, who was watching them from a distance.

"Phi Perth…" Emmy whispered, her voice barely audible.

Perth’s face remained calm, though there was a flicker of tension. The weight of the Pongsapak family’s scrutiny had made it impossible for Emmy and Perth to maintain contact.

Neither spoke, both restrained by the unspoken consequences that would follow.

Sensing the tension, Santa quickly grabbed Emmy’s hand. "Come on, Phi. Let’s sit."

He led her to a table far from the prying eyes of his friends.

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Emmy was concerned about her baby brother...

"Santa you didn't contact me after you ran from that house. " Emmy asked little upset.

"I am sorry, I couldn't phi, I changed my phone.. I lost your contact beside it could be dangerous for you too... As they must have blamed you. " Santa spoke.

Emmy's gaze softened as she studied her younger cousin. "You look… different, Ta..... You look Happier."

Santa nodded slowly. "I am. It’s because of Phi Perth."

Emmy’s brows furrowed. "What is he doing here? He used to teach at Chula University. Why is he suddenly in Chiang Mai?"

Santa bit his lip. "It's a long story, Phi."

Emmy’s voice lowered. "Does this have something to do with the Pongsapak family?"

Santa shook his head, unwilling to reveal the full truth. "Not entirely. Phi Perth… he helped me. He was there when I needed him the most."

"And now?" Emmy asked.

Santa’s heart swelled with warmth. "Now, I’m married to him."

The words hung in the air. Emmy’s eyes widened in shock.

"You’re what?"

"Married," Santa repeated, nervously twisting his fingers. "It’s complicated, Phi. But... I love him. And he loves me."

Emmy’s lips parted, but no words came out. The disbelief and concern were evident on her face. But despite the shock, there was something else...relief.

"And the grandpa or anyone from the family...Do they know?"

Santa shook his head. "No. And they can't find out."

Emmy reached out, holding Santa’s hand tightly. "Promise me you’ll be careful, Ta."

"I will," Santa whispered.

"And promise me that if something happens, you'll tell me," she insisted.

"I promise."

Emmy's worried expression softened as she brushed a tear from Santa's cheek. "Just be happy, Ta. That's all I want for you."

Santa smiled through his tears. "I will, Phi. I really will."

To be continued... 🖤🤍