Autumn is a second spring

102. Dinner 2

Prem knelt beside the bathtub, watching as little Bew happily splashed water, giggling as droplets flew in every direction. The child's laughter was infectious, filling the bathroom with warmth. 

Prem couldn't help but smile, his heart swelling with fondness. He reached out and gently poured water over Bew's hair, smoothing the wet strands back as he asked, "So, Bew, how is it, living with Aa James?"

It wasn't that Prem was paranoid. He trusted Boun, and he knew that Boun had no ill intentions when he invited James to stay at their place. But still, a tiny part of him couldn't help but wonder how close Bew and James had gotten over the past weeks. 

He didn't want to be the over-possessive spouse, nitpicking at every decision Boun made. After all, Boun owned the place; he had every right to decide who could stay there. And yet, the fact that Boun hadn't consulted him beforehand had stung more than he cared to admit.

Bew's eyes lit up at the mention of James. "Living with Aa Jame is awesome, Dami!" he said excitedly, kicking his feet in the water. "Aa James plays with Bew all the time! And Aa James knows so many magic tricks! Aa James even taught Bew how to make a coin disappear!"

Prem chuckled, shaking his head as he reached for the soap. "Magic tricks, huh? That sounds fun."

But then, Bew's excitement dimmed slightly. He sank lower into the water and pouted. "But... Pa Koi doesn't seem to like Aa James being there."

Prem sighed, nodding in understanding. 

Koi had never hidden her disapproval of James staying at their place, especially since Prem was away. Though she was always respectful, Prem knew that she was fiercely protective of their household, and James' sudden presence had thrown her off. He made a mental note to talk to Koi when he got back home, to reassure her that everything was fine.

Not wanting to dampen the mood, Prem ruffled Bew's wet hair and grinned. "Let's not worry about that now. Bew and Dami should hurry up and get dressed before dinner. Dada will be here soon."

At the mention of Boun, Bew's face immediately brightened again. He squealed in delight, clapping his tiny hands together. "Dada is coming too?"

"Yes, sweetheart." Prem chuckled as he helped Bew out of the tub, wrapping him in a soft, fluffy towel. "It's been a while since Bew, Dami, Dada all had dinner together, huh?"

As Prem dried him off and dressed him in fresh clothes, Bew suddenly looked up at him with hopeful eyes. "Dami, can Dami feed Bew tonight?"

Prem arched an amused brow. "Isn't Bew a big boy now? Bew can eat himself."

Bew huffed dramatically and hugged Prem tightly. "But Bew missed Dami na! And Bew missed how Dami used to feed Bew."

Prem melted at those words. He scooped Bew up in his arms and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "You little sweet talker," he murmured. "Fine, Dami will feed Bew. But don't tell anyone, or they will say Dami spoil Bew too much."

Bew giggled as Prem carried him out of the room, heading downstairs. As they reached the living room, they saw a familiar figure standing near the doorway.

Boun.

The moment Boun saw them, his eyes softened. He wasted no time in crossing the room, reaching them in a few quick strides. He took Bew from Prem's arms and set the boy down on the couch before turning back to Prem. Then, without warning, Boun wrapped his arms tightly around him, pulling him into a warm embrace.

Prem let out a surprised chuckle but hugged Boun back just as tightly. "Missed me that much, huh?" he teased.

Boun pulled back just enough to press a quick kiss to Prem's lips. "You have no idea."

From the couch, Bew rolled his eyes dramatically. He had seen Boun act like this plenty of times before—treating Prem like his personal treasure. 

With a playful huff, he slipped off the couch and ran off to play with Art and their cat cousins, giving the adults their moment.

Boun, oblivious to the child's antics, nuzzled into Prem's shoulder. "Can't you come home already?" he murmured. "I hate sleeping alone."

Prem sighed, brushing his fingers through Boun's hair. "I wish I could, Hia. But I really can't, not yet." He didn't tell Boun the real reason—that he was meeting Priya tomorrow to pick up the rings he had secretly ordered for them. He wanted it to be a surprise.

The proposal everything was meant to be a surprise. He had been so excited about it that he was afraid that he might accidentally slip it out if he ever mentioned meeting up with Priya to Boun alone.

Boun pouted like a child. "You are so mean."

Before Prem could respond, two familiar voices interrupted them.

"Ahem," Earth called out, carrying a tray of dishes from the kitchen. Kao followed behind him, holding a bowl of steaming soup.

Earth smirked. "Who was it that always called Kao and me cheesy? Hmm? Now look at you."

He set down the tray of dishes on the huge dinner table and arranges those dishes neatly.

Prem turned to glare at Earth, still wrapped in Boun's embrace. "Shut up."

Kao chuckled as he placed the soup down on the dining table. "Well, since you two are so free, why don't you help bring the rest of the dishes from the kitchen?"

Earth had practically cooked a feast for all of them as he was in a good mood. There were so many dishes in the kitchen, which would mean that they needed to make several trips to get all of them to the table.

Having two extra pair of hands would save them the effort of multiple trips.

Boun finally released Prem, but not before stealing another kiss. "Come on, let's help."

Prem rolled his eyes but followed Boun to the kitchen. As he grabbed a plate of stir-fried vegetables, he couldn't help but glance at Boun, a fond smile playing on his lips.

Soon, they would have their rings. Soon, they would take yet another step in their journey together.

But for tonight, he was simply happy to be here, surrounded by the people he loved.