BOUND BY SECRETS

Chapter 51: Too Close...

Santa hummed, nuzzling into Perth's warmth. "You better. Because I don't think I'll be able to walk tomorrow."

Perth only pulled him closer, their fingers lacing together. "Then I'll carry you."

With a soft smile, Santa closed his eyes, feeling safe, cherished, and completely loved in Perth's arms as they drifted into a peaceful slumber

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The morning sunlight peeked through the curtains. Santa stirred awake, his body slightly sore. He turned to find Perth fast asleep, his arms possessively wrapped around him.

Santa carefully untangled himself, wincing slightly. He freshened up, put on a comfortable sweater, and headed to the kitchen. The aroma of fresh coffee and eggs soon filled the apartment.

"Phi, wake up," Santa whispered, brushing his fingers along Perth's cheek.

Perth groaned dramatically. "Good morning, baby."

"Good morning, Phi. Now get up. We're going to be late."

Perth pulled Santa closer, burying his face in the crook of his neck. "Why didn't you wake me earlier? We could've showered together."

"Phi!" Santa gasped. "Didn't you get enough last night? You were so..." His face turned crimson. "I'm still sore."

Perth chuckled, looking sheepish. "Sorry, baby."

"You're not sorry at all!" Santa playfully smacked his chest.

"Okay, okay, I'll get up," Perth relented, still grinning. "But only because my dearest husband asked so sweetly."

Santa rolled his eyes, unable to hide his fond smile. "Unbelievable."

And just like that, the playful bickering between them continued, making their morning as vibrant as their love.

No one at the university would ever guess that the stoic Professor Perth could be such a hopeless romantic in private life.

At university...

Santa walked with a slight limp, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by his friends.

"Looks like Professor didn't let you sleep last night," Sammy smirked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Surely a good night!" Mark teased, grinning mischievously.

Santa's cheeks burned red. "You two are unbelievable! It's not what you think."

"Oh, of course," Sammy laughed. "Totally believable. Just a little back pain from... studying too hard?"

"Exactly!" Santa huffed, glaring at them. "Now stop it."

But the teasing continued, the laughter echoing through the corridors.

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Later that evening at their apartment, the mood shifted. Perth's phone buzzed, and Santa watched as Perth's expression grew serious. After a long pause, Perth sighed, placing the phone down.

"That was about the case. The initial hearing is set in Bangkok," Perth said, his voice low.

Santa's heart sank. "When do you have to leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. They need me there."

"I'm going with you," Santa declared firmly.

Perth gently cupped Santa's face, his thumb brushing along his cheek.

"Ta, you can't. You've got assignments and your internship coming up. It's important."

"But I want to be there with you," Santa's voice cracked, tears threatening to fall.
"I don't want you to go alone."

"I know," Perth whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "But it's only three days. I promise I'll be back before you know it."

"But what..?" Santa's voice quivered.

"Shh," Perth silenced him, pulling him into his arms. "Nothing will happen. I'll be fine. And I'll call you every chance I get."

Santa clung to him tightly, burying his face in Perth's chest. "I hate this."

Perth lifted Santa's chin, gazing into his teary eyes. "I love you, Ta. That won't change."

Unable to resist, Perth kissed him deeply, pouring every ounce of reassurance into the embrace. He then kissed every corner of Santa's face - his forehead, his cheeks, the tip of his nose.....until Santa's breathing steadied.

"Three days," Perth murmured. "That's all."

Santa nodded reluctantly, his fingers gripping Perth's shirt. "You better come back."

"Always." Perth smiled softly, resting his forehead against Santa's.

They stayed like that for a while, savoring the warmth of each other's presence. Perth knew the days apart would feel like an eternity, but for now, all he wanted was to hold Santa close, committing every heartbeat to memory.

After comforting Santa, Perth booked flight.....
And then in midnight he left for Bangkok...

To be continued...🖤🤍