TWISTED THREAD

Part 17: The Edge of Control

Perth never said things like that.

Not unless he meant them.

Santa clenched his jaw, pushing past the lump in his throat. "Then stop making me feel like I have to prove myself to you."

Perth swallowed hard.

Then, finally, he nodded. "Okay."

And Santa knew this wasn't over.

But at least for now, Perth was still his.

⸻

Meanwhile.

Joong slammed his drink onto the table, brows furrowed. "Boom is up to something."

Dunk sighed, rubbing his temples. "You think I don't know that?"

They were at Aou's bar, where Joong had been ranting for the last ten minutes.

Boom had been too involved lately.

Messing with Perth and Santa. Stirring up drama.

And Joong had had enough.

Aou leaned against the counter, watching them with amusement. "So what's the plan?"

Dunk groaned. "I don't know. Maybe we should just—"

"I have an idea."

The three of them turned to see Boom standing there, arms crossed, smirking.

Dunk's stomach dropped. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Boom shrugged. "Relax, I'm just here for a drink."

Joong stood up. "Then get your drink and leave."

Boom chuckled. "You guys are so hostile. I'm starting to think you don't like me."

Joong clenched his fists. "You're playing games with people's lives, Boom. It's not a joke."

Boom's smirk faded.

For a split second, there was something dark in his eyes.

Then, just as quickly, he laughed.

"You think this is a game?" Boom tilted his head. "You have no idea what's really going on."

Aou crossed his arms. "Then tell us."

Boom grinned. "Nah, that's no fun."

Joong snapped.

He lunged at Boom, shoving him back against the counter. "You better leave Perth and Santa alone, or—"

Boom smirked. "Or what?"

Joong froze.

Because he didn't actually know what he was capable of.

Boom leaned in. "See? That's the difference between you and me, Joong. You hesitate. I don't."

Dunk grabbed Joong's arm. "Let him go."

Joong's jaw ticked.

But he released Boom, stepping back.

Boom straightened his shirt, looking amused. "You'll see soon enough."

Then he turned and walked away, leaving the three of them standing there—angry and on edge.

Dunk exhaled. "He's up to something."

Aou sighed. "Yeah. And whatever it is... it's not good."

⸻

Later that night.

Perth was driving, one hand on the wheel, the other laced with Santa's fingers.

Neither of them had said much since earlier.

But the silence wasn't bad.

It was just... there.

Santa glanced at Perth. "Where are we going?"

Perth smirked. "You'll see."

Santa rolled his eyes but didn't argue.

Eventually, they pulled up to a small hilltop.

Santa frowned. "This is where we—"

Perth nodded. "Yeah."

This was the spot where Perth had first kissed him.

Back when everything was still a mess.

Santa's heart ached. "Why are we here?"

Perth turned to him. "Because I need to remember why I fell for you."

Santa swallowed hard.

Perth reached up, brushing his fingers against Santa's cheek. "I don't care what Boom says. I don't care about the past." His voice softened. "All I care about is you."

Santa exhaled.

Then, slowly, he leaned in—

And Perth met him halfway.

The kiss was slow this time. Soft.

Like they had all the time in the world.

Like this wasn't a relationship built on complicated choices and heartbreak.

But something real.

Santa pulled back slightly, whispering, "I love you."

Perth's eyes softened.

Then he smirked. "I know."

Santa groaned. "Perth—"

Perth laughed, pulling him close again.

And this time, Santa didn't stop him.

⸻

But elsewhere?

Boom was on the phone, voice low.

"They're too comfortable."

The person on the other end hummed. "Then let's ruin that."

Boom's lips curled.

"Let's give them a storm they won't survive."

⸻

To be continued...

⸻
Next chapter? Bigger betrayals. Bigger heartbreak. And a storm no one is ready for.

Stay tuned for Part 18!

(I've been keeping this ff for so long... might as well just publish it all now hahaha)