Autumn is a second spring

101. Snacks

The loud, excited call of "Dami!" rang through the house, pulling Prem and Earth's attention toward the door. 

Before they could react, a small blur of energy came charging toward them. Bew, his little arms spread wide, sprinted across the room straight into Prem's open embrace.

Prem got down on one knee, catching the four-year-old with a warm laugh as Bew crashed into his arms. He wrapped the little boy in a tight hug, pressing several playful kisses onto his chubby cheeks.

"Dami missed Bew so much na!" Prem murmured against the child's soft skin.

Bew giggled, his tiny hands grabbing onto Prem's shirt. "Bew missed Dami more, Khrab!" he declared, his voice bright with excitement.

Prem leaned back slightly, holding Bew at arm's length to take a good look at him. "Bew have gotten bigger since Dami last saw Bew! How was kindergarten today?"

Bew's eyes sparkled as he nodded eagerly. "So fun! Bew painted a big, big tree, and Teacher said it was very pretty! And—and Ben helped Bew with numbers today!"

Ben was Bew's best friend in kindergarten. As their names were spelled almost the same,

Prem grinned and ruffled the little boy's hair. "Wow, Dami's little artist and mathematician! That sounds like an amazing day."

At that moment, Kao walked in behind Bew, carrying a backpack in one hand and his car keys in the other. He had picked up both Bew and Art from their schools on his way home, ensuring they made it back safely in time for their planned dinner together.

"Thanks for picking him up, P'Kao," Prem said as he stood up, still holding Bew securely in his arms.

Kao shook his head with a small smile. "It's no big deal, Prem. You know we are always happy to have him here."

Just then, Art appeared behind Kao, slightly more reserved but just as cheerful. He stepped forward, respectfully bringing his hands together in a wai. "Swadee Khrab, Popsy."

Prem's face lit up. "Wadee Ja, Art! Come here, buddy!" He opened his arms, and Art stepped in for a warm hug. Prem gave him a gentle squeeze before stepping back to get a good look at him. "You have grown even taller! Handsome as ever."

Earth, who had been listening, chimed in with a chuckle. "Of course he is handsome. He takes after his father." 

With that, Earth leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Kao's cheek. Kao smirked at the sudden display of affection, while Prem rolled his eyes, pretending to be exasperated. "Ugh, you two are at it again. Too sweet! Can't you two keep it low in front of the kids at least."

"We are long used to watching them, Popsy," Art replied on behalf of his lovey-dovey parents.

Earth ruffles his hair and gives him a big kiss on his cheeks. "That's my boy."

"Poor kid. He is tortured into having dog food everyday that he had gotten resistant to it," Prem comments looking at Art pitifully.

Kao doesn't hold back and gives him a playful kick. "As if you and your Hia holds back in front of others. It's like pot calling kettle black here."

Prem pouts and resentfully looks at Earth as he didn't dare to retort to Kao.

Earth only grinned in response before turning his attention to the kids. "Alright, little ones, go freshen up before dinner. I have made yummy yummy snacks for the two of you."

"Really?" The kids' eyes lit up at the mention of snacks.

"Of course," Earth nods. "But only good kids would get these snacks." 

Art who was trying to act more matured than her little cousin, gave a polite nod and made his way to his room. 

Bew, still in Prem's arms, turned to him with wide, hopeful eyes. "Dami, will Dami help Bew with Bew's bath? Bew doesn't want to bath alone."

Prem chuckled, bouncing him slightly. "Of course! It has been a while since I got to do it. Let's go, little man."

"Yes!" Bew cheered happily, clapping his hands together. "Dami is going to help Bew bath!"

Prem smiled at the child's antics. He realized that he missed Bew more than he thought he did. He kisses Bew's cheeks, feeling his heart swell with joy. "Dami loves Bew na."

"Bew loves Dami too!" Bew grinned showing off his tiny teeth. "Let's go bath, Dami."

With that, he carried Bew to the guest room's bathroom, leaving Kao and Earth alone in the kitchen. The couple were finally getting some alone time.

Earth turned back to the counter, focusing on finishing up the evening's snacks. As he did, he felt a familiar warmth behind him—Kao had stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Earth's waist. He rested his chin on Earth's shoulder and let out a dramatic sigh.

"Long day at the office?" Earth asked, amused, as he continued chopping vegetables.

Kao let out another exaggerated sigh before pouting. "You have no idea. I had a meeting with the board of directors this morning, and it was a mess. They were yelling and fighting amongst each other. It was so chaotic. Then, in the afternoon, I had a meeting with a contractor, and it didn't go well either. A whole day gone bad."

Earth set the knife down and turned in Kao's arms, pressing a comforting hand to his chest. "Poor you," he cooed, eyes full of sympathy. "That sounds exhausting. But don't worry, I will feed you all your favorite dishes tonight."

Kao's lips curled into a smirk as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Mmm... But my favorite dish isn't something you are cooking in the kitchen, though."

Earth's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink as he instantly understood the implication. He cleared his throat, looking away as he muttered, "That... that dish will also be served tonight."

Kao chuckled, clearly pleased with the response. "I will take that as a promise. No backing out now."

Earth rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched with amusement. "Have I ever broken such a promise?"

Kao's grin widened before he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Earth's cheek. "Nope, and that's why I love you."

Earth felt his heart flutter but kept his composure, pushing Kao playfully. "Go change, old man. Then you can come back and help me in the kitchen. There is a lot of work here and I could use an extra pair of hands."

Kao let out a dramatic groan. "Fine, but only because I love you."

Earth shook his head, laughing softly as Kao walked off toward their bedroom. He returned to his task, a shy smile still lingering on his lips, feeling warm and content in the home they had built together. "This silly old man. Why won't he change?"

He wasn't complaining but he felt like he was living his dream these days- a happy married life with Kao and their son Art. It felt so unreal and extremely satisfying at the same time.