Kongpob woke up early, much earlier than usual, the soft light of dawn just beginning to seep through the curtains.
He stretched lazily, rubbing the remnants of sleep from his eyes before glancing at the clock on the wall. It was barely past six, a time that usually saw him snuggled deep into his blankets, relishing the last few hours of sleep.
But today was different.
With a small smile, he got up and made his way to the bathroom, the cold tile floors sending a shiver up his spine. The warm water cascading over his skin soon chased away the morning chill, waking him up fully.
His thoughts were focused on one thing: getting dressed quickly and making tamarind rice for Arthit.
It wasn't much, but it was his way of saying thank you—a small gesture to show his appreciation for how Arthit had cared for him without hesitation, without mockery, even when his cold allergies had acted up.
Kongpob had seen how people, even those close to him, could react when someone seemed weak or less than perfect. The world wasn't always kind to those with imperfections— be it as small as wearing glasses or allergies or anything that made them different. But Arthit had looked past all of that. When Kongpob's allergies had flared up, Arthit had been patient, concerned, and more than that, he hadn't made Kongpob feel small or inadequate.
Wrapping a towel around his waist, Kongpob stepped out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed and determined. He quickly got dressed in comfortable clothes before quietly making his way to the kitchen, hoping not to wake anyone else in the house. His brother Varun and his sister-in-law, or Anni as he called her, were both notorious for teasing him whenever they caught him doing something out of the ordinary. Even though it was her Anni who suggested he cook for Arthit, he knows she will tease him to next year.
As he began gathering ingredients, the rustling in the kitchen must have caught someone's attention because a familiar voice rang out from behind him.
"From where did the sun rise today?" Varun's voice was laced with playful disbelief as he leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed and a mischievous grin on his face. "Our little Kutti is up before his eight hours of beauty sleep?"
Kongpob rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at his lips. "Good morning to you too, Anna," he replied, focusing on washing the tamarind. "Just thought I'd try being a responsible adult for a change."
"Responsible, huh?" Varun stepped closer, peering into the pot where the rice was cooking. "Since when? I remember you didn't talk to me for two hours because I forgot to bring you ice-cream on your last visit.."
As if on cue, Anni entered the kitchen, tying her hair up in a messy bun. "What's all this noise so early in the morning?" She glanced at Kongpob standing by the stove and let out an exaggerated gasp. "Kutti is cooking! And before noon, no less! Should I be worried?"
Kongpob sighed, but there was no malice in his tone, only fondness. "Can't a guy just cook without getting a full interrogation?" he asked, trying to keep his expression neutral but failing miserably. " And it was your idea Anni. "
Anni exchanged a knowing look with Varun before she burst into laughter. "Not when that guy is you! And so what if I was the one to suggest it, you wanting to do it is more surprising.."
"It's not like I don't cook for you people. ..." Kongpob started, but he knew he was fighting a losing battle.
Varun nudged his arm gently. "Thank you Kutty. I am so hungry today..."
Kongpob shoved him gently " Don't Anna...it's not for you. Anni is cooking you your favourite. "
" just a taste .."
