The morning sunlight filtered through the large windows of their shared apartment, filling the kitchen with a warm, golden glow. Phana stood at the counter, humming a cheerful tune as he worked, his oversized yellow apron tied snugly around his waist. It was his favorite—bright and decorated with a cartoon bunny—and he wore it with a kind of confidence that only he could pull off.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as Ming leaned against the kitchen island, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Phana. He looked relaxed, dressed in a simple black T-shirt and sweatpants, but his sharp eyes missed nothing.
Phana was in his element, reaching for the strawberries he'd set aside to slice. He picked up a small knife from the counter, but before the blade even touched the fruit, Ming's voice broke the tranquility.
"Be careful with that knife," Ming said, his tone carrying a familiar mix of authority and concern.
Phana froze mid-slice, turning his head to give Ming an incredulous look. "Ming," he said slowly, holding up the dull butter knife for emphasis, "this is not exactly a weapon of mass destruction."
Ming straightened slightly, his brows furrowed. "Doesn't matter. You could slip."
Phana let out an exaggerated sigh, placing the knife down dramatically as he turned to fully face Ming. "It's strawberries, not hand grenades. What do you think is going to happen?"
Ming didn't budge, his arms still crossed. "You're clumsy when you're distracted."
Phana's mouth fell open in mock offense. "I am not clumsy!" he declared, pointing a strawberry at him like a weapon.
"You tripped over air last week," Ming deadpanned.
"That was one time!"
"And you burned toast yesterday."
Phana huffed, his cheeks puffing out in that adorable way that Ming secretly loved. "Maybe I just like my toast extra crispy. Ever think of that?"
Ming's lips twitched, threatening to form a smile, but he forced himself to stay serious. He walked around the island to stand beside Phana, his towering frame making the latter look even smaller in comparison.
"Here," Ming said, reaching for the knife. "I'll do it."
Phana slapped Ming's hand away, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh no, you don't. This is my kitchen today. You sit and look pretty, Mr. Overprotective."
Ming narrowed his eyes. "You're impossible."
"And you're a worrywart," Phana shot back, turning back to his strawberries. He began slicing them carefully, muttering under his breath, "Honestly, acting like I'm handling explosives..."
Ming didn't move. Instead, he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Phana's waist from behind and pulling him into a gentle embrace.
Phana stiffened in surprise before relaxing against Ming's chest, a soft laugh escaping his lips. "What are you doing?"
"Supervising," Ming replied, his chin resting on Phana's shoulder. His voice was low and warm, sending a pleasant shiver down Phana's spine.
"Supervising?" Phana repeated, turning his head slightly to catch a glimpse of Ming's face. "You mean hovering."
Ming hummed noncommittally, his hold on Phana tightening just a fraction. "I'm making sure you don't hurt yourself."
Phana rolled his eyes, but his lips curved into a small smile. He leaned back into Ming's embrace, savoring the warmth and security that came with it. "You know," he said, his tone teasing, "for someone so big and tough, you're kind of a softie."
"Only for you," Ming admitted without hesitation, his voice a soft rumble in Phana's ear.
Phana felt his cheeks heat up, though he tried to play it cool. "You're ridiculous," he muttered, his hands still working on the strawberries.
Ming watched him in silence for a moment, his dark eyes softening as he took in the sight of Phana in his bunny apron, completely focused on his task. He leaned down, pressing a feather-light kiss to the side of Phana's neck.
Phana froze again, his hand hovering mid-slice. "Ming," he said, his voice slightly breathless, "are you trying to distract me now?"
"Maybe," Ming murmured, his lips curving into a small smirk.
Phana shook his head, biting back a grin. "You're unbelievable."
"You're adorable," Ming countered, resting his forehead against the side of Phana's head. "And you make it very hard to stay serious."
Phana turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting Ming's. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the playful banter giving way to something softer and more intimate.
"Fine," Phana said, his voice quieter now. "You win. But I'm still finishing these strawberries."
Ming sighed but stepped back, giving Phana just enough space to work while still staying close. He leaned against the counter, watching as Phana finally finished slicing the strawberries and moved on to plating the pancakes he'd been making earlier.
When Phana turned around, holding a plate in each hand, Ming reached out to take them from him. "Let me carry those."
"I can carry two plates, Ming," Phana said with an eye roll, but he handed them over anyway.
Ming shot him a look. "See? You're learning."
Phana stuck his tongue out at him but couldn't hide the fond smile that crept onto his face.
They sat down together at the small kitchen table, the morning light painting everything in soft hues of gold. Ming reached for the coffee pot, pouring them both a cup before sliding one across the table to Phana.
As they ate, the tension from earlier dissolved completely, replaced by the comfortable warmth of their shared moments.
"You're lucky I love you," Phana said suddenly, his tone light but sincere.
Ming looked up, his dark eyes locking onto Phana's. "I know," he said simply.
Phana's cheeks flushed again, and he quickly took a sip of his coffee to hide his smile. Ming reached across the table, brushing his fingers against the back of Phana's hand.
"You know I love you too, right?" Ming said softly, his voice steady and sure.
Phana glanced up, his heart skipping a beat at the intensity in Ming's gaze. "Yeah," he whispered, his lips curving into a small, shy smile. "I know."
And as they sat there, sharing a quiet morning filled with warmth and affection, Phana realized that he wouldn't trade Ming's overprotectiveness for anything in the world.
