Chapter Text
It's not as if the people in the company don't know how close Perth and Santa are. They've seen the clips circulating around social media, but witnessing it for themselves really makes it sink in as to how in sync the two are. Almost as if there isn't a need for them to exchange much words to be understood. These days, Perth's used to being on the receiving end of playful (good-natured) teasing from his closest friends. It doesn't matter if it's Gemini or Ohm who forward a compilation of tiktok clips of Perth's interactions with Santa, or if it's William who brings them up for fun during his interviews.
Perth doesn't bother denying it, especially since it's all true. As much as Perth has acknowledged what he feels for Santa goes beyond a mere manager-artiste relationship, he doesn't want to raise it to the other just yet. Things are perfect the way they are now and in a way, it's his way of protecting Santa. He knows Santa can have hold his ground well, that he's an adult who can make his own decisions - has a hunch that Santa likes him in that way too, and that he's just as content (for now) with how things are. They don't address how they seek each other's company even on their days off; be it Santa casually mentioning that he's going to start hitting the gym more, and Perth takes it as a hint for him to offer his help.
They ignore the obvious when Perth sends Santa the link to a new guitar that he's been eyeing, hoping that Santa would offer to accompany him to the shop to check it out with him. Whatever they have now has transcended beyond just work; they're spending more time at each other's places now, huddled close on the sofa while Santa laughs at the variety shows their friends are in. It feels almost natural for Perth to give Santa the spare key to his house, Santa gawking at Perth when he casually mentions that the other can come by anytime he wants to.
It hasn't really crossed Perth's mind that although his friends know what he's like with Santa, it's not often that they get to see it for themselves. Perth's hosting a handful of them at his house to watch a soccer match, and though Santa doesn't follow much of the sport, no one's really surprised to see him there. They're all taking amongst themselves, Perth eyeing Santa who's (still) on the phone discussing an urgent work related matter. The younger male has been occupied since lunch, so Perth knows that he hasn't had much to eat the entire day. When Santa catches his gaze, Perth gestures to the untouched slice of pizza on the younger male's plate. Again, Santa mouths a later, phi at him. That's what he had said fifteen minutes ago. It's likely that the call's going to stretch on for at least another fifteen to twenty minutes, so Perth decides to take matters into his own hands. He picks up the slice of pizza and gently holds Santa by the chin, turning the male's face towards him.
''One bite.''
Santa, still on the phone, relents and takes a bite of the pizza. It's as if he suddenly realizes just how hungry he is, expectantly waiting for Perth to feed him another bite. Perth obliges, because this is how they've always been behind closed doors. Santa has a tendency of getting swept up in work, making Perth realize that he only ever eats a proper meal when Perth's sitting next to him.
''Hm, yes, we can try and arrange that, P'Tee. Of course, it's all subjected to the availability on that day-''
From where Ohm is sitting cross-legged on the floor near the sofa, he grins broadly at Perth.
''You're taking this whole phi thing very seriously, huh? He's even got a spare room here in your house. We've been best friends for the longest time and even I don't have the privilege of owning a spare key.''
''Hey, there's got to be a difference between friends and future boyfriend.''
He's not worried about Santa overhearing him, not when he's still on the phone. Santa excuses himself from the living room to continue the call, Aou and Pond arriving at that moment with bags of snacks and drinks. It's the first time Perth has hosted more than five people in his personal space, but it's actually not too bad. Being together outside of work that is. Santa returns a few minutes later and comfortably takes his place on the floor in between Perth's legs. He leans forward, curling an arm around Santa's shoulders as he tucks his chin against the top of Santa's head.
''What was that about?''
''It's about next Thursday's event.''
Santa doesn't flinch at all with how close Perth is, both of them used to this close proximity. They don't realize how Pond's eyeing the both of them, the male sharing a knowing smile with Aou.
''And it was so important that they had to call my manager after ten pm?''
''Well, if this was a regular 9 to 6, I'd complain to HR.''
Perth's said this more than once and at the risk of sounding like a nag, he says it again, ''You need to learn how to set boundaries, Ta. Making yourself available at every second of the day isn't healthy.'' When Santa doesn't answer him, Perth brings his face closer to Santa's until they're almost cheek to cheek. ''Santa, I know you heard me.''
It's Perth who suddenly ends up flustered by how close their faces are when the younger male turns to look at him, admiring the slight curl of his lashes and how fucking gorgeous he is right now - wearing one of Perth's oversized t-shirts and how he smells like Perth's favorite bergamot shampoo.
''Am I here to watch the match or did Perth invite us here to witness him being all lovey dovey with our nong?''
''No one said you can't do both.''
Perth ignores Aou's and Pond's failed attempt at trying to whisper, ''I'm serious, Ta. Or do I have to remind these people that you're off limits after my last schedule of the day?''
''Trying to manage me now, Phi Perth?''
''Someone has to take care of you.''
And there's no other better person suited for that job other than Perth.
- / -
The thing about being in the entertainment industry is that Perth's no stranger to endless dating speculations and the sorts. It's all part of the job, especially with his mounting popularity. Perth takes it in his stride, though he does make it a point to emphasize that he's not romantically involved with anyone at the moment. What he doesn't expect, however, is his (favorite) manager being 'shipped' with an artiste from another company - an actor-slash-singer who had attended the same opening event for an up-and-coming sportswear company a few days ago.
Like how most things gain traction, it's from a clip that's been circulating around X and Tiktok - it's a twenty second clip of said actor leading Santa down a set of steps at the outdoor event. Since Perth had a previous event and hadn't been able to make it to the rehearsal, Santa had stood in for him on stage so that the staff could do the necessary marking and run through the flow of the event. It had rained the entire afternoon, so the steps from the stage leading were slippery from the rain. In the video, Aroon (the actor) had carefully led Santa down the set of slippery steps. Despite the light drizzle, the rehearsal still went on and there were a few clips of the actor sheltering Santa with an umbrella, even handing his outer jacket to Santa when he noticed the other crossing his arms together in an attempt to keep his hands warm.
Perth is rational.
Or he always tries to be.
But even he finds himself taken aback by the sudden surge of jealousy that pours over him when he reads some of the comments gushing over how attentive Aroon is towards Santa. There's also comments about how good they look together side-by-side and while Perth's used to these comments aimed at him, having to read such comments about his very own manager (with someone else) leaves quite the sour taste in his throat.
He's...jealous.
Ridiculously so.
The tiktok video has reached a total of 250,000 views, Santa's other phis' teasing him about it the next time they see him. If they notice Perth's lack of comment about it, they're smart enough not to point it out.
''Wow, Ta - you're more popular than some of our rookies combined. Then again...'' Aou tickles Santa under his chin. ''...you're too damn cute. No wonder Aroon came to me to casually ask about you after the event.''
Perth flips through the script that he's holding (tightly) in his hands, the words on the page not making much sense.
''...he came to ask about me?''
''Yep. He actually asked me for your number.''
''P'Aou, please don't tell me you didn't give it to him.''
''Why not? You're all work and no play, Ta.'' Aou slides his chair closer to Santa. ''Weren't you just telling me last year you wanted to put some effort into dating last year? Anyway, if you're curious about Aroon, you can ask phi. I went to university with him - he's a decent guy.''
''He's not my type, phi.''
Perth cracks a smile.
''What's your type then?''
''I like the straightforward kind. If P'Aroon wanted to get to know me, he should have approached me personally to ask for my number instead of going to you.'' Perth suddenly feels a weight settle on top of him, Santa shamelessly using his knee as a makeshift chair.
There's an empty space on the sofa next to Aou. But Perth doesn't point that out.
''Besides, I'm too busy taking care of Phi Perth. Isn't that right, phi?''
Perth hums his agreement, ''It's a 24/7 job.''
''Uh huh.'' Aou eyes them slyly. ''So...does this mean that whoever wants to date you has to ask Perth for permission so that he can release your queue?'' It's a well-running joke amongst them.
Both Santa and Perth don't notice Joong discreetly recording them on his phone.
''Well...'' Santa casually shrugs a shoulder. ''They can try, but whether Phi Perth agrees to it or not is a different thing altogether.''
''Ta's right.'' Perth sets his script down, playfully (and confidently) curling an arm around Santa. ''I'm very possessive of him.'' He blurts those words out before he can actually consider the magnitude of those words, startling Santa with his (playful) honesty.
''Man, imagine just how much money we'd make out of these two if we were to direct a series for them. I can already picture it - you can never go wrong with the possessive boyfriend trope and Perth wouldn't even have to act. It'd just be him...being himself.''
''Phi!''
''What? Don't act like you don't like it.''
''How about it, Ta?'' Perth hugs him tighter around the waist. ''I think I'd make a pretty solid boyfriend.''
In fact, Perth thinks he'd make a terrific boyfriend if it's Santa.
''Hey, if I upload photos of you guys right now on my Instagram, do you think I could at least get like....10,000 likes on the post?''
''P'Aou!''
- / -