Kongpob stepped out of Arthit's cabin. He didn't know whether to feel happy or cry. He had always been Arthit's Omega. He had dreamt of Arthit asking him to be his mate. His life partner. He had dreamt of a white picket fence with Arthit.

Those dreams were not yet vanished. He still had a large portion of his heart and life occupied by one charming yet daft alpha, Arthit Rojanapat, who even in games never let Kong become anyone else's mate or Omega. And never became anyone else's mate or Omega. Kongpob was reserved for Arthit and Arthit for Kongpob.

When they played Thief and Police Game, he made sure Kong was always made a police. Even if he were to be a thief, Arthit made sure no kid would dare even pretend to beat him. If anyone even tried as a joke, they had to meet with Arthit's fury for real.

When they were children, Arthit had each year - one or other concerning remark about being impatient and inciting violence - all of those fights were started because someone tried to bully Kongpob. It had made Kong feel special. But soon, he came to know it was Arthit's nature to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. Still, there was a hope that for Arthit, he differed from other omegas.

His illusion was ruptured on the first day of Arthit's college.

As Arthit entered the bustling college campus, his excitement for the first day of classes was palpable. He had his schedule in hand and was ready to take on the challenges of higher education. However, his enthusiasm was momentarily dampened when he noticed a commotion near the mini-bank on campus.

Curious, Arthit approached and saw a chubby omega, whom he recognized as Toota, a fellow student, being denied access to his bank account. The omega looked flustered and frustrated as he tried to reason with the bank officer behind the counter.

"What's going on?" Arthit asked, stepping closer to the scene. 

Toota turned to Arthit, his expression one of desperation. "They won't let me withdraw my cash because I don't have an alpha caretaker or guarantor," he explained, his voice tinged with frustration.

Arthit frowned. It was unfair that omegas were subjected to such discriminatory practices simply because they lacked an alpha's oversight.

Without hesitation, Arthit stepped forward, determination blazing in his eyes. "I'll be Toota's guarantor," he declared firmly, turning to the bank officer.

The officer blinked in surprise at Arthit's sudden declaration. "Sir, are you sure?" he asked, taken aback by Arthit's offer.

"Absolutely," Arthit replied, his voice unwavering. "You can register Toota as my charge. Deduct his fee from my card. And..." He took Toota's hand and made him stand in front of him. "He must not be denied to withdraw from his account even if he comes alone."

Toota's eyes widened in disbelief at Arthit's gesture. "You don't have to do this," he protested.Arthit shook his head, offering Toota a reassuring smile as he turned back to the bank officer.

 "Now, can we proceed with the withdrawal?"

The bank officer hesitated for a moment before nodding, clearly impressed by Arthit's determination and sense of justice. With Arthit now acting as Toota's guarantor, the omega was finally able to access his funds without any further obstacles.

As they came out of the bank, Arthit was about to march his own way when Toota held his wrist."Your little display did not move me."

Arthit shrugged. "Don't care. I'm not training to be a mover or crane operator."

Toota was not in a mood to appreciate Arthit's sense of humor.

"I have met tons of people like you," Toota sneered. "If you try to withdraw a penny from my account, I will cut your throat in your sleep. Remember that." Toota went away without even saying thank you.Arthit did not care.

It took Toota a few months to trust Arthit and the fact that someone can help without actually demanding or taking away anything.

That evening, when the news reached Kong, he didn't know whether to be proud or cry.

Proud that his P'Arthit was a gem of a person, he could never ignore a person in need. Proud that his Phi was the first to inform him, he did not lie. There were a thousand reasons to be proud, but that one reason to be sad outweighed them all. He was afraid that his Phi won't be truly his. That he would change and drift away.

.......................................................................................................................

Arthit's enraged mother didn't even wait for his son to come home.

"What is this, Arthit?" She asked, slamming a letter of inquiry on his desk. The omega welfare department was investigating Arthit's background as he had applied for parental rights of Anurak under an immediate adoption program.

"I get to know through the government that you and Kongpob are mating and adopting a sixteen-year-old? When did this happen?"

"Yesterday night and three hours ago," Arthit replied calmly.

"What?" His mother was confused.

"We found the omega yesterday night, and I and Kongpob had decided to mate just three hours ago?"

"What!" His father, who had accompanied his mother but lagged behind due to taking stairs, exclaimed."I think we should wait for Phi Ayan and Toota," Arthit quipped. "They must not be far away."As predicted by Arthit, Ayan and heavily pregnant Toota entered his office a few moments later.

"Call Kongpob too," Arthit's father advised.

Arthit made a phone call to Kongpob. "Come quickly, Your dragon Mother-in-law is furious with you and about to explode..."

"You brat," Arthit's mother gave a sound smack to Arthit's head. Ayan, Toota, and Arthit's father chuckled. "One of these days, I am going to disown you and take Kongpob as the youngest Rojanapat."

As Arthit's family took seats around his desk, the atmosphere in the room became solemn, with everyone knowing that an important topic was about to be addressed.Arthit's parents sat across from him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern, while Kongpob watched from the side, his gaze alternating between Arthit and the floor."Son," Arthit's father began, his voice gentle yet firm, "Why this sudden decision to adopt omega, Anurak?"Arthit nodded, steeling himself for the conversation he knew was coming. He had anticipated this moment ever since he made the decision to take Anurak under his wing, and he was prepared to defend his choice. "Kongpob and I found Anurak while returning from Dinner and we felt it is the right thing to do," Arthit replied.

"Are you two dating?" Toota squealed. "Finally!"

Arthit rolled his eyes. "No, we are not. Normal people get hungry too."

"Which restaurant did you go?" His mother asked. "Don't tell me it was a French one! Arthit had been dying to fish out his sunken pride since the Macaroon disaster."

"Thank you, mom!" Arthit said plainly. "You are the best secret keeper in the world."

"Oh, hush!" His mother shushed him and turned excitedly towards Kongpob. "So, did you finally get Deux personnes (a table for two) and macaroons too?"Kongpob chuckled. "We got deux personnes and macaroons too!"

"Looks like macaroons will not leave Arthit alone any time soon," Mrs. Rojanapat chuckled.

"Mom, weren't you angry with Arthit just a moment ago?" Ayan asked.

"Now that I know Kong was with him, I am sure Kong would have stopped him from pulling any stupid stunt!" His mother glared at Arthit. "How come you did not find it necessary to tell me I have a sixteen-year-old grandchild?"

"What!" Now it was Arthit and Kongpob's turn to be surprised.

"The kid is even named with initials A. Is he from your secret affair?" His mother asked. "Why would you separate a grandson from his grandmother!"

"Yes, Arthit, even I have the same questions," his father nodded.

"How come your kid is much older than mine? When did you mate?" Ayan asked, totally disappointed.

"You mated at thirteen!" Toota gasped, covering his mouth with both his hands.

"Guys!" Arthit raised his hand to stop the onslaught of questions from his bewildered family. 

"Tell me one thing honestly... Am I adopted?"

"What?" It was Arthit's family's turn to be surprised. "Where did that even come from?"

"How come I did not inherit your flair for melodrama?" Arthit asked. "Where is that missing drama gene? I am adopted, right?"

"Mae, he is distracting us by changing the topic!" Toota loudly whispered to his mother-in-law.

"I know, right," Arthit's mother glared. "We will discuss your lineage later. First tell me why did you hide my grandson."

"Mom, if I would be his biological father, why would I adopt him?"

"Perhaps because you spent a drunken night and the omega did not tell you about the baby or something."

"Age does not match, Mae..." Toota furrowed his brow. "Perhaps he fell in love with someone with a child, and now they are not in this world... he wants to keep their memory living by adopting their child." Toota wiped his eyes with a handkerchief. "It's so sad..."

"From where do you even get these ideas?" Arthit scoffed.

"Kongpob!" Arthit turned to his best friend. "If you ever turn melodramatic like this, we are going to have problems... I am telling you in advance."Kongpob chuckled. "Don't worry, Phi... one of us has to keep their mind in the right place."Arthit nodded in understanding, then turned to Kong with wide eyes. "Did you just call me stupid again? I am your boss, Khun Secretary."

"Oh... I am sorry, sir," Kong bowed. "I will notify the staff to not disturb you... let me know once you have dealt with your family matter."

"What?.. hey, Kongpob! Where are you going? Who will handle these bunch of crazies... come back, you..."Kong turned chuckling. "Did I just hear sorry?"

"I would never say-..." Kong turned back to get out of the room. Arthit instantly accepted. "I am sorry, okay... please explain to them that Anurak is not related to me anyhow."

"Aunty," Kong informed, "we found Anurak at the side of a road getting beaten up by a middle-aged alpha who had mated him, manipulated him into thinking that any job with high pay should include intimate favors. He was planning to sell him into prostitution. When we informed the Police, we came to know that the said alpha was most wanted for omega trafficking."

"Poor child..." Arthit's mother and Toota exclaimed.

"Did you beat up that bastard?" Ayan asked enraged. "Tell me where does he live?"Arthit grinned. "Kong kicked him unconscious... he got to his senses three hours later, when he was already handcuffed."

"Good job, brother," Ayan gave a thumbs up. "Such alphas are a waste on the earth."

"I agree, brother. That is why I have decided, I will not let Anurak go to another's custody. I cannot let Anurak get into wrong hands again. I am going to adopt," Arthit stated confidently, meeting his family's gaze head-on. "And Kongpob has agreed to co-parent with me. We will raise Anurak as our own."There was a moment of stunned silence as Arthit's words sank in. His parents exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by his declaration.

Arthit's mother spoke up next, her tone tinged with concern. "I understand that you want to help Anurak, but... taking responsibility for a teen omega, and that too a traumatized one, is a huge responsibility, Arthit! More than that - forcing Kong into a mating bond under the guise of co-parenting isn't fair to him."

Arthit's heart sank at his mother's words. He had hoped that his family would be supportive of his decision, but now he realized that they had reservations about his motives.

"But Mom, it's not like that," Arthit protested, his voice tinged with frustration. "I have asked Kongpob. Kong and I have been friends for years, and we both care about Anurak. This isn't about forcing anything - it's about helping Anurak and giving him a better life."

His mother's expression softened, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know you mean well, Arthit," she said gently, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "But you have to consider Kong's feelings too. He has openly expressed he does not have mate-like feelings for you, and it wouldn't be fair to either of you to enter into a co-parenting arrangement under false pretenses."

"Kongpob does not have any problem, Mae. Do you, Kongpob?" Arthit asked, fully confident. There has not been a single event where Arthit had asked Kongpob for help and Kong had denied.

"Huh?" Kongpob suddenly felt like a deer caught in headlights. He clenched his eyes closed, his mind suddenly too noisy. "I... I do not have a problem providing for Anurak or taking care of him as a parental figure."
"See" Arthit grinned. "We are mating today evening itself. You can throw a reception later, Mae."

"Absolutely not!" his mother glared. "You can marry in a stable or a shack for all I care. My Kongpob will have a wedding he deserves."

"Time is precious here, Mae."

"So is my Kongpob!" His mother stared Arthit down.

"I am sorry, Mae... P'Arthit," Kong hung his head. "I cannot marry. I want to be a parent for Anurak, but I do not think it is right to mate just for the sake of Anurak."

"What?" Arthit's mouth fell open. He felt betrayed. Left alone.

"I'm sorry, Phi," Kong bowed his head and left. Arthit sat shocked, mouth still hanging open.

"Arthit..." Toota slowly approached Arthit. "Ayan and I can legally adopt Anurak or even Mae and Por can, and you and Kong still can be his parents."

"Yes, Son," Arthit's mother smiled. "You and Kong don't have to sacrifice your future, na. You deserve to fall in love and choose a mate of your liking."All the suggestions and assurances floated right off Arthit's head. He kept staring at the door from where Kong had left.After Arthit's family left, Kong knocked on the door. "May I come in..."

"Leave me alone..." Arthit growled. Still, Kong entered his cabin.

"Phi, I brought you lunch," Kongpob said.

"I am not hungry," Arthit replied.

"At least have this," Kong kept the bottle of nom yen on his desk.

"I said I am not hungry" Arthit in a fit of rage wiped at the nomyen bottle which fell straight on the floor...the glass bottle shattered. Kongpob tried to pick the steel bottle up and slipped over the pink liquid and fell on his ass.

Arthit instantly leapt to his feet, grabbing Kong by arm ,, he lifted him up , making him stand straight "Just how clumsy can you be?" Arthit frowned .

"I am clumsy?" Kong glared " You thre wit on the floor"

"Because I was angry. Why did you pick it up?"

"So..now its my fault for trying to clean up? should have let you roll in there"

" You are picking up fight Kongpob!" Arthit warned. 

"Me?" KOng poked his b;loody finger in Arthut's chest " I am picking up the fight? or you were behaving like a five year old kid?"

"Five year old?" Arthit fumed " First you called me stupid and now you are calling me childish? Its work place defamation, Kongpob Suthiluck!"

"So what now? You are going to sue me?"

" I did not say anything about suing. Don't put word in my mouth" Arthit tried to hold Kongpob's injured finger.

"Put words in your mouth?" Kong huffed" You mean to say I am controlling your speech now..."

"When did I even say that?"Arthit asked surprised.

"You implied it" Kong accused narrowing his eyes.

"Implied?" Arthit raised his eyebrows, scoffing " If we are talking about implying ....let's talk about how you called me an incompetent , good for nothing alpha?"

"When did I do that?" Kong asked, bewildered.

"Oh..not even two houras has passed and you already forgot?" Arthit mimicked Kong's deep voice " I am sorry phi Arthit, I can be a parent for Anurak but I can't mate you because you are a stupid alpha not worth my time?"

"I did not say anything like that"Kong protested.

"You implied and meant that too Kongpob" Arthit dragged KOng by his wrist under the sink. Arthit asked while washing the blood and applying band aid over the cut. "There isn't any other reason to even try rejecting the offer. I have a good career, good academic background, powerful dragon, handsome face and we have good understanding what do I lack?" 

Kong smirked " Perhaps modesty!" Arthit couldn't help but laugh."It is hard to even stay angry at you"

"Then don't. I don't like you not talking to me. And why are you angry at all phi?"

"This is first time you left me alone when I asked for your support Kong" Arthit replied, embarrased " I felt betrayed. I overlooked the fact that how big a sacrifice I was asking from you"

"Hmm..."KOmg nodded " Since you are guilty of the crime of not talking to me. I sentence you to three days of slavery. You will be my personal Servant" Kong declared " You will make me all the meat balls I want. And you will even buy mint chocolate ice cream."

"Mint chocolate" Arthit made a face " That is a stain on the face of delicious ice creams. It should be world wide banned"

"Say again"

" I will buy it, my Lord" Arthit replied " How many tonnes"

"What?"

Arthit made an innocent face "I mean how many Tubs"

...........................................