BOUND BY SECRETS

The sterile white walls of the hospital room seemed less daunting with the warmth of Santa's presence beside Perth.

Santa hovered like a protective shadow, adjusting pillows, checking the IV drip, and even fussing over the blanket as if Perth would vanish if he looked away for a second.

Perth shook his head with a fond smile. "Santa, I'm not going to break."

"But you almost did," Santa muttered under his breath, his fingers clenching the fabric of Perth's hospital gown. "If anything had happened to you..."

Before Perth could respond, a knock on the door interrupted them. Tong entered the room, followed by Joss. The tension in the air was almost palpable.

Tong's eyes were downcast, guilt etched deeply into his features. "Perth," he began, his voice heavy, "I don't even know how to begin. My father... what he did was unforgivable."

Perth's gaze remained steady, though a flicker of pain crossed his face. "It wasn't your fault, Uncle Tong."

"But it was," Tong said firmly.

"I turned a blind eye. I let him control everything. I didn't protect my family, and I certainly didn't protect my son." His voice cracked, tears threatening to fall. "Santa, I failed you."

Santa's lips quivered. "Dad..."

"I let others destroy your life. I stood by when I should have stood up. But no more." Tong stepped closer, his trembling hands reaching out. "Can you ever forgive me?"

Without hesitation, Santa threw his arms around his father, clutching him tightly. "You're still my dad. I just wanted you to see me... to care."

"And I will, from now on," Tong whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I promise."

Joss placed a hand on Tong's shoulder, offering him a nod of silent support. "We'll fix this, together."

Just as the heartfelt moment settled, the door opened again.
This time, two police officers entered.

"Mr. Perth Tanapon, we're here to take your statement."

Santa stiffened, but Perth squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"I'm ready."

---------

Five Days Later

Perth shifted uncomfortably as the nurse removed the IV drip. The past days had been filled with check-ups, therapy, and Santa's constant hovering - not that Perth minded.

"You're free to go," the nurse chirped with a smile. "Though I must say, your husband was quite the worrier. He never left your side."

Santa's ears turned pink. "I-I was just making sure he was okay!"

The nurse laughed. "You're a lucky man, Mr. Tanapon."

Perth grinned, looking at Santa with adoration. "I know I am."

-------

Pongsapak's mansion....

PerthSanta returned to pongsapak's mansion...
The whole family welcomed them.

After Dinner... Everyone was sitting in the living room..

Perth's tone turned serious.

"Santa, you should return to Chiang Mai. Your studies-"

"No!" Santa cut in, his arms crossed. "I'm not leaving you like this!"

"Santa," Perth sighed. "You're in your final year. You can't just throw everything away for me."

"I'm not throwing anything away!" Santa insisted. "You're more important!"

"Sweetheart-"

"How about we compromise?" Praew interjected, smiling warmly.

"Perth can go with you to Chiang Mai. That way, you can look after him and study."

Santa blinked, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. "W-What?"

"It's not a bad idea," Perth mused, amused at Santa's flustered reaction.

"And honestly," Emmy piped in with a teasing grin, "you've been acting like his personal nurse. Might as well make it official."

"Stop it, Phi Emmy!" Santa whined, face burning bright red.

Everyone burst into laughter, and Santa pouted, crossing his arms dramatically. But before he could argue further, Tong cleared his throat.

"There's one more thing," Tong said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I bought you an apartment in Chiang Mai."

Santa's eyes widened. "What?"

Perth interjected, "but, I have an appointment there, it's enough for both of us."

"We had thought of buying an apartment for Santa last year after his sophomore. But Santa refused by saying he'll continue to stay in dorm with his friend. He can't stay alone..", Tong cleared.

" But now that things have changed. It's about time you have a proper place. And... well, you might not be living alone. You'll need a bigger space," Tong added slyly.

Santa's entire face turned beetroot red. "Dad!"

"Just saying," Tong smirked. "It's always good to be prepared."

Perth chuckled, pulling Santa closer. "I guess I'll have to get used to our new home then."

Santa mumbled a small, embarrassed "Thank you" while everyone laughed once again at his adorably flustered reaction. Despite everything, the room was now filled with warmth and laughter.

Santa had never felt this hopeful...
They were going home - together.

To be continued... 🖤🤍