You're Mine, I'm Yours II

Part 16

The morning light slanted gently through the thin, translucent curtains, creating a soft haze that wrapped the unfamiliar room in a peaceful glow. Khaotung's eyes fluttered open, his head heavy with the dull, persistent throb of a hangover, a cruel reminder of the drinks that had filled his night. He groaned softly, the edges of his consciousness hazy as his limbs rebelled against any attempt to move too quickly. The warmth of the bed was too inviting, but the disorientation pulling at him refused to let him sink back into slumber.

Slowly, he blinked his eyes open, letting the world around him come into focus. The sleek lines of the modern bedroom, the minimalist furniture, the soft neutral tones-all of it felt alien, unfamiliar. Khaotung's mind raced, trying to place his surroundings, but nothing seemed to click. This wasn't his room, his bed, or his space. With a groan, he pushed himself up, the weight of the night before still clinging to him. His messy hair fell into his eyes as he rubbed his temples in a vain attempt to ease the pressure in his skull.

"Where am I?" he muttered under his breath, a sense of confusion and lingering anxiety creeping in. His bare feet slid over the cool, plush carpet as he swung his legs off the bed. He stood slowly, his body moving with a sluggish heaviness, as if it too wasn't quite ready to face the world. The unfamiliarity of everything made his mind swirl, but the enticing scent that drifted toward him from somewhere beyond the room managed to break through the fog.

It was something warm and sweet-pancakes.

His stomach gave a low rumble, a stark reminder that despite the haze in his head, his body still craved sustenance. He steadied himself, taking a hesitant step toward the doorway, then another, the smell of breakfast growing stronger with every move. As he walked through the hall, the soft sounds of cooking reached his ears, followed by a gentle hum. The combination was oddly comforting, though his mind was still grappling with the strangeness of it all.

Khaotung paused at the doorframe, his gaze landing on the man standing by the stove. His heart skipped a beat as the sight before him registered. There, in the middle of a modern kitchen, stood First.

First, who always projected an air of authority, control, and power. First, the man who had never shown a hint of domesticity, of softness or vulnerability. And yet here he was, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his hair slightly tousled, and a kitchen apron tied casually around his waist. The image of him flipping pancakes with a hum of contentment made Khaotung's jaw drop slightly. It was a side of First Khaotung had never seen before-one that made him feel as if he'd stepped into an alternate reality.

A teasing smile spread across Khaotung's face as he leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest. His voice, laced with humor, broke the stillness of the moment. "I must still be dreaming," he quipped, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You, in the kitchen, cooking breakfast? This is a first."

First turned his head over his shoulder, his lips curling into a small, warm smile. It wasn't the calculating, confident grin Khaotung was used to, but something more genuine, soft. "You're up," he said, his tone warm, perhaps a little amused. "Hungry?"

Khaotung smirked as he pushed himself off the doorframe, his feet moving closer but his eyes never leaving First. The sight of First in such a domestic role was so foreign to Khaotung that he couldn't help but keep his teasing tone. "I'm more surprised than hungry," he admitted with a playful glint in his eyes. "Who are you, and what have you done with First? The man who once forced me to cook is now in the kitchen himself?"

First chuckled, the sound deep and rich, and the soft clatter of the spatula against the frying pan filled the space between them. He flipped the last pancake onto a plate, his movements as fluid as ever. "Don't look so shocked. I can cook when I want to," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "Just never had a reason to before."