To Hold Tight or to Let Go

Chapter Twenty-Two

Kongpob slowly awakened after hearing the small rumblings of a growling belly. He blinked slowly then rubbed his eyes. He realized he was laying on a hospital gown on top of something warm and soft. When he picked his head up, he was greeted by Arthit's smile. Kongpob recalled crying into Arthit's stomach. He must have fell asleep after that.

Another wave of growling erupted in the room. Kongpob looked around the room as he was still trying to get his bearings. Ohm was sitting on the couch and his parents were sitting on the opposite couch near the second bed. The food cart was next to Arthit's bed with steaming food on it.

Kongpob's eyes widened as he looked back at Arthit. "Oh my god P, are you hungry?!" He realized the growling that woke him up was Arthit's stomach.

Arthit only smiled at him as his parents and Ohm were trying to stifle their laughter.

"Why didn't anyone wake me? He's hungry!" Kongpob complained, scrambling off the bed and moving the food cart closer.

"I was going to feed him while you were asleep but then I figured you'd be mopey and depressed if someone else fed him when you want to be the one to do it. And Arthit wouldn't let me wake you up, so we waited," Kaiya explained.

Kongpob frowned. "I would be mopey if someone fed him yes, but I'd understand. I don't want him to be hungry," Kongpob pouted as he began slicing the baked chicken on the plate. Once it was sliced to appropriate sizes he opened the bed food tray and set it up in front of Arthit and placed the food down.

"And P, why would you wait for me to wake up? Your nutrition is imperative right now." Kongpob spooned up some mashed potato and there was no fight from Arthit this time around. He opened his mouth and scarfed down the potatoes. He made a face as he chewed.

"What?" Kongpob asked.

"Y-yuck," Arthit said.

"No it is not, it smells good!" Kongpob protested. He spooned up some for himself and ate off the same spoon. He made a face and Arthit smirked at him.

"Mae this food is disgusting," Kongpob said. "Even I wouldn't eat this."

Kaiya didn't have to taste the food. She left the room and after fifteen minutes, a new food cart was being wheeled in by the nurse with Kaiya behind her.

"Can you please ensure that all the food is made by Khun Job from now on and make sure all the nurses know about this."

"Yes ma'am. I'm sorry for this confusion, the nurse in charge of the food wasn't aware."

"It's no problem, I know you're doing your best. And all the food he cooks has been approved first by the doctor so there won't be anything alarming."

"Perfect, everything will be set up." The nurse took the old food cart, waiied, then left the room.

"Who is Khun Job?" Kongpob asked, moving the new food over to Arthit's food tray. Arthit licked his lips when he saw the new batch of BBQ chicken and mashed potatoes. This version, the mashed potatoes were clearly creamier and looked seasoned well. Kongpob didn't hesitate to start feeding Arthit who hummed in delight at the taste of the mashed potatoes.

"He's the chef your por and I hired to make Arthit's meals," Kaiya replied.

Arthit nearly choked on his food as he turned his head to look at Kaiya.

"P!" Kongpob put the food down and grabbed the water cup immediately, pressing the straw to Arthit's lips. He gulped down the water but he continued to look at Kaiya.

"Don't give me that look Arthit. If any family member of mine has an extended stay at the hospital, we always hire our own personal cook. This hospital wing may be elite but the chef still doesn't quite make the best food so yeah, we want our loved ones to eat healthy but good meals. Besides, Arthit has a knack for western food so the chef can make him those kind of meals. And if you want anything specific Arthit just let us know, we'll tell the chef. Now continue eating."