TWISTED THREAD

Part 8: Tipping Point

Santa was suffocating.

Not literally, but his chest felt tight, his head was spinning, and the weight of everything was pressing down on him all at once.

Pond was inside, waiting for him.

Phuwin had just messed him up completely.

And Perth? Perth was somewhere in that crowded party, probably not thinking about him at all.

Santa hated how much that still hurt.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.

"Get it together."

The balcony door creaked open.

Santa turned, already knowing who it was.

Pond.

His expression was unreadable, but there was something frustrated, something desperate in his eyes.

Santa crossed his arms. "You wanted to talk?"

Pond nodded, stepping closer. "Yeah. I do."

Santa waited.

But Pond? He was just staring.

Like he was looking for something—something he couldn't quite place.

Santa swallowed. "Pond—"

"You like Phuwin?"

Santa froze.

Of all the things Pond could've said—that was not what he expected.

"Seriously?" Santa scoffed. "That's what you're asking me right now?"

Pond's jaw clenched. "Just answer me."

Santa let out a bitter laugh. "Wow. That's actually funny. Because for the longest time, I wanted you to care about who I liked. And now that you finally do, it's only because you feel threatened?"

Pond's eyes darkened. "It's not like that."

"Isn't it?" Santa challenged.

Pond was silent.

And that silence? It was answer enough.

Santa exhaled, shaking his head. "You don't want me, Pond. You just don't want anyone else to have me."

Pond took a step closer. "That's not true."

Santa swallowed. "Then prove it."

And then, before he could even think—

Pond grabbed his face and kissed him.

⸻

Perth was watching.

He wasn't sure why, but his gaze kept drifting.

To the balcony.

To the sight of Santa and Pond.

To the way Pond was kissing him.

And to the fact that Santa wasn't pushing him away.

Perth's grip on his drink tightened.

Boom hummed beside him. "Interesting."

Perth didn't look at him. "Shut up."

Boom smirked. "Touched a nerve, didn't it?"

Perth didn't answer.

Because he didn't know what to say.

Didn't know why this was bothering him so much.