BOUND BY SECRETS

A month had passed since the incident. Perth had recovered well, but the burden of his choices weighed heavily on him. He stood in front of the large window of their apartment, the city lights flickering beyond.

Santa watched him from the couch, sensing the storm brewing inside his husband. The room was silent, except for the occasional hum of passing cars.

"Phi," Santa's voice was soft but firm. "Have you decided yet?"

Perth didn't answer. His jaw clenched, hands shoved into his pockets.
"The agency still needs me. They said I could come back whenever I'm ready."

"But you don't have to," Santa's voice cracked. "Your mission is over, Phi. You don't need to go back."

Perth turned to him, his expression unreadable.
"You think it's that easy? I've spent years risking my life, taking down criminals. Walking away feels like..." He trailed off, frustrated.

"Like what? Like you're giving up?" Santa stood up, his hands trembling. "No, Phi... You're not giving up. You're choosing to live! You're choosing us!"

"But if something happens again?" Perth's voice broke. I need to protect you...

"I don't need you to protect me!" Santa's tears welled up. "I just need you to stay alive! Every time you'll walk out that door, I'll be terrified if it's the last time I see you."

Perth's chest tightened as he saw the fear in Santa's eyes. The memories of the past weeks flashed before him - the hospital, Santa's sobs, his trembling hands.

"I can't lose you, Phi Perth," Santa whispered. His tears spilled freely now. "Please... don't go back."

Perth reached out, cupping Santa's face. His thumb brushed away the tears, though his own eyes were beginning to glisten.

"You won't lose me," Perth murmured. "I promise."

"But if you go back, there's always a chance," Santa choked out. "I can't live with that fear. I can't."

Perth pulled him into a tight embrace. The warmth of Santa's trembling body against his own shattered the last of his resolve.

"Okay," Perth whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I won't go back."

Santa sobbed into Perth's chest, clutching him tightly. "Thank you."

A week later, Perth returned to Chiang Mai University as a professor once again. His resignation from the agency had lifted a weight off his shoulders. Though the students didn't know the truth about his double life, they were eagerly awaiting his return.

"Are you ready?" Santa adjusted Perth's tie one last time, fussing like a mother...

"Santa," Perth caught his hands, smiling softly. "It's just a class."

"But you've been gone for a month. And if-"

"No ifs," Perth interrupted gently. "I'll be fine. And you'll be late for your own class if you keep this up."

Santa pouted but nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But don't overdo it."

"Yes, sir," Perth teased, kissing his forehead.

Blushing, Santa huffed and quickly left for his class.

--------

As Perth entered the university building, all eyes were on him..

"Professor Perth is back!"

"I heard he had an accident. He looks so good though."

"Finally! No offense to Professor Aroon, but I missed Professor Perth's lectures."

Whispers followed him through the hallway, but Perth paid little attention. He stepped into his lecture hall, and within moments, a familiar voice rang out.

"Professor Perth!"

It was Professor Film, who walked in with a wide smile. She rushed over, her eyes gleaming with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"You're finally back," she gushed, reaching for his arm. "I was so worried when I heard about your accident."

Perth took a subtle step back, maintaining his polite demeanor.

"Thank you, Professor Film. I'm doing much better now."

"Still, you should be careful." She brushed a strand of hair back dramatically. "If you need anything, I'm always here."

Unknown to her, Santa had just arrived to peek through the door. His eyes darkened as he watched the exchange. Seeing Professor Film trying to get closer to Perth made his blood boil.

Perth, noticing the tense atmosphere, glanced toward the door. Santa's glare was evident, and his pout was unmistakable.

"Uh..." Perth stumbled slightly before catching himself. He quickly increased the distance between him and Professor Film.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Professor."

Professor Film blinked, slightly flustered by his sudden shift in tone. "Of course. See you around, Professor Perth."

As she left, Santa ducked behind the door, pretending not to have been watching.

---------

The class soon began, and the students erupted into applause the moment Perth greeted them.

"Welcome back, Professor!"

"It's so good to see you again!"

Perth smiled warmly. "Thank you. I'm glad to be back. I missed this."

The atmosphere lightened with small conversations and laughter. But then, one student raised their hand, a mischievous glint in their eye.

"Professor,can i ask you a personal question?", the student asked

Perth nodded in response.

"Do you have faen?" The student chimed.

The class erupted in giggles and whispers. Perth's lips curled into a smile as he answered, "No. I don't have a faen."

Before anyone could react, he added, "But I do have a husband. I'm married."

A wave of gasps echoed through the room. Students exchanged shocked looks, unable to contain their curiosity.

"Husband?"

"Who?!"

"No way!"

Santa, seated in the back, sank lower in his seat, his face turning crimson. Louis, Mark, and Sammy immediately grinned and elbowed him.

"Santa!" Louis cackled. "I wonder who could it be...."

"Santa, are u the husband? You've been keeping secrets.." Mark teased.

"Professor Perth's husband, huh?" Sammy wiggled his brows. "No wonder you've been glowing lately."

"Shut up!" Santa hissed, his cheeks burning.

Perth, glancing toward Santa, couldn't suppress a fond smile. His gaze lingered, full of pride and adoration.

And with that, the whole university now had its most talked-about topic - the beloved Professor Perth and his mysterious husband.

To be continued....🖤🤍