Why is he so cute?"

Arthit scoffed, hearing the familiar irritated baritone belonging to three-year-old him who felt threatened by Kongpob's cuteness.

His mother was again watching footage from their childhood. She never gets bored of that, watching it whenever she were alone at nights, especially the ones involving his reaction towards Kongpob. And his mother being one of those baby enthusiasts wanting to have every first milestone of their child recorded. He had quite an alarming amount of these videos.

Apparently, he had a love-hate relationship with their butler's son. People say he still has. But can he really accept judgments of people biased towards Kongpob?
Yep, biased. Every one of them.
Even he himself sometimes gets biased towards Kong since he was a wee little baby. Sometimes Arthit wonders if Kong is a wolf or witch that hypnotizes every living being.

He remembers the day (because no one lets him forget) when they went to visit Phi Priya's fifteen days old newborn baby.

Kong didn't have an official name back then because naming ceremony hasnt been done yet. Everyone called him whatever they wanted to.

Arthit was not very excited to meet the baby since he wasn't given his pink milk because he had already drunk two glasses. His mother said, his teeth will rot at this rate. Who cares? Because Arthit will anyway get new teeth after milk teeth fall, right? Why care for something temporary? But who will tell this to adults?

Anyways. Arthit went with his parents to see the new baby. And was severely disappointed to see the beautiful baby.

 Why was the baby so beautiful? His mother said it was because the baby was omega.

And Arthit decided in that moment itself that he didn't much like omegas. Who would like these cute creatures threatening his cutesy status in society? What if his neighborhood aunties see Kongpob and won't find Arthit cute anymore? He needs to save his unlimited supply of chocolates and pink milk.

Arthit huffed as the memories flooded back, his mother's voice narrating the events like it happened yesterday.
"Look at your face when you saw Kongpob for the first time." His mother found it hilarious each time she saw it, which was a lot, to be honest. "You were so upset, luk."

Arthit rolled his eyes. "Mom, I was just upset because I didn't get my pink milk."

"No, it's more than that. You were jealous."

"Jealous?" Arthit scoffed. "Seriously, Mom? I was, what, three years old? Would I even know the word at that age?"
His mother smirked. "Even then, you didn't like sharing attention with nong Kong. But more than that, you hated sharing attention of nong Kong with anyone else. You found him so cute that you would create a ruckus asking him to visit at least once every day."

" I did no such thing. "  Arthit protested.

" sure..." His mother made a face. " Both Priya and I were so fed up of commuting for you two that your father invited them when our neighbour sold their home.

" You just wanted your best friend close to you, don't put that bill on me. "

The video continued in the background, showcasing little Arthit crossing his arms and pouting as he watched his parents cooing over the newborn Kongpob. The baby started to cry like sky was falling over him.

Arthit scrunched his face. "Kong {loud/ resounding all over}," he murmured.
The adults were gathered around baby's cradle, checking if it was hungry or needed a diaper change. Neither was the case, people tried many tricks but the baby was in no mood to stop crying.

Having enough, Arthit marched towsrds the cradle, he elbowed his way to the infant.

"You all are taking all the air of the baby, no wonder he is screaming" he chided the adults, who chuckled at him. 

"Give the baby some air, no alpha smell please " Arthit insisted when no one budged. Curious to what Arthit will do, the adults dispersed, leaving only Arthit near the baby who was still crying at the top of his lungs.

"KOng! {too loud / resounding} " Arthit chided the baby, who stopped hearing the new voice and stared at the stranger.

Arthit tenderly kept his hand on baby's crown and caressed it. " Don't worry, they are gone. "

" I think all the different pheromones overwhelmed the baby " Arthit's mother said.

Arthit smiled seeing the baby playing.
" Are you sure you do not have a loudspeaker hidden in your throat, Kongy (loud one)?" he asked, the baby gurgled, showing his teethless gums. "A teethless human should not look cute!" Arthit frowned but kept playing with the baby, showing no sign to move away any soon.

"Oh...Oon, you want him all to yourself?" his mom teased.

Arthit stared at the baby. "No...he is not leaving me, see" Arthit pointed at his thumb in baby's grip, which he , himself had given to the baby to grab.

The adults didn't tease him more, Arthit was left to play with Kong for hours. When it was time to go home, Arthit clutched Kong's cradle.

" You, just don't take away all the pink milk and chocolates when you grow up and we wouldn't have a problem" he warned.
The baby  looked at him with curiosity. "I will come by in the evening to see if you are any less cute," Arthit mumbled. "Don't get more cute, its not fair."

" Unbelieving " the baby Arthit murmured, making a face while his mother took him to their car

 " teethless but so pretty! I am sure he is a witch." 

"Arthit!" his mother gasped "Tht is so rude."

"Actually, Kong's father has witch blood from his grandmother's side" Aunt Priya, who had come to see them over, defended Arthit dfended..

"I told you!" The baby Arthit pouted " I know because even phi Grace was not this cute in her baby photos!"

" Hey I was " Grace argued.

Arthit stood his ground " not more than Kong when he is not screaming."

"See.." His mother highlighted to Arthit. "How  you were defending him. cute."

"I was not defending him. I said he looked cute when he was not screaming his lungs out, which was never!"

"Doesn't negate the fact that you thought he was cutest baby on the earth."

" This is such an exaggeration! He was just like any other baby- noisy and annoying." 

His mother eyed him teasingly. "Well, then why are you blushing?"
"It's hot mom and our AC is not working."

"Do you still find baby Kong so cute that you forgot that you are an ice dragon son and regulate your body temperature son?"

Arthit felt a slight warmth creeping up his cheeks. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to dismiss the teasing. "It's not like I'm biased or anything. All omega babies are cute."

"Oh, please. You've been biased towards Kong since he was a wee little baby."
The footage transitioned to a scene of a slightly older Arthit, reluctantly holding a small Kongpob in his arms, while sitting on the sofa. His expression was a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

"If you pee on me like you did on Phi Ayan yesterday, I am gonna drop you down" Arthit threatened.

"Oh! Arthit, its okay, I can take him" Aunt Priya came out of Kitchen

 Arthit held the baby tighter " He is holding me like  a dragon to his hoard. "

"Don't worry, i will take him."

" Well, you should  not" Arthit held Kong to his chest "It is our playtime. Breaking the routine confuses the baby. I don't want my eardrums pierced by his shouting."

Aunt Priya stood uncertain"Are you sure. you want to hold him."

Arthit stared at the baby " Yeah, he knows what will happen if he pees on me. Don't you?"

As if challenging him, the baby vomitted the food all over him. Arthit instantly cleaned the baby's face and changed the cloth without grumbling once. After the baby was changed and cleaned , Arthit frowned at the happy beast " To be honest, I did not warn you about vomitting so I'm letting you go this time. Don't you dare do this again! or you will know what will happen! "

Nonchalant, the baby kept playing. After a little while, it yawned "Stupid baby! " Arthit muttered, holding the baby to his chest so it could sleep properly.

Arthit was startled when his mom came out of nowhere "Look at you, such a protective big brother," his mom cooed.
"I am not his brother," Arthit grumbled. "I was just making sure my eardrums were safe from him."
"Sure, sure. Protective big brother Arthit." His mom teased.
"I told you, I am not his brother," Arthit said more seriously, his eyes flashing. "I am going to mate him."
"What?" the adults in the room were shell-shocked.
"He is too clumsy; I can't trust someone else to take care of him," he said seriously. "What if he goes and finds himself a stupid alpha?" It was a matter of grave concern to his childhood self.

"He is just a baby Arthit, he has just learnt walking"

"Still! " Arthit insisted. " He falls more than he walks. What if his alpha turns out to be stupid and cranky like our previous neighbour?"

Arthit couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of the situation. The memories softened his features, revealing a side of him that he rarely let others see.
"You know, Arthit, we thought you were babbling like kids that age do," his mother's voice was more serious. "But you have kept that promise; you have supported his each and every endeavor. We always thought you would be his mate. If not for Kong having brotherly feelings for you, I would happily have made him my son in law"

"Whatever happened, happened for good mae. Mating and friendship are better done among equals, mae," Arthit said solemnly.

"Arthit! his mother gasped. " We taught you better than that."

"I am not looking down upon him or his family, mae. I admire, respect, and care for him as one of our family members, but after what happened with Phi Grace, I wouldn't risk turning a beautiful soul into a money hound."

"Not everyone is the same, Arthit."

"I know mae. But you can't deny there is always a chance of people changing after seeing money. I can't take that chance, especially not upon Kongpob."

His mother nodded, understanding but not necessarily agreeing with him.

"By the way, Kong had left the job of the negotiator. It would really help if you could extract the real reason out of him."

"You think we did not try?" His mother said. " He is very tight-lipped about it. But, I am happy he is starting to work with you again. He is always happier around you."

Arthit nodded, clutching the VR set. "He will be well taken care of, mother."

"I don't doubt it." his mother smiled. 
................

"We thought you would turn out to be mates," his mother's words stuck with him, seeped into his late-night. 

Once upon a time, he thought the same too.

Kongpob grew up to be generous, adventurous, calm, funny, kind, and optimistic. An excellent person, a praise-worthy omega. Arthit both loved and hated how Kong got elated at smallest things of life. Like with a stupid treehouse!

Arthit still remembers how Kongpob's wings fluttered with excitement as he clutched a crumpled piece of paper in his claw.

"Phi Arthit! Phi  Arthit! Look what I drew!" Kongpob exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Arthit, with a sigh and a playful roll of his eyes, looked down at Kongpob's drawing. It depicted a magnificent treehouse perched high among the branches, surrounded by clouds and stars.

"What's this, Kong?   A treehouse?" Arthit asked, feigning annoyance.

Kongpob made a face " I told you, don't call me Kong. Call me Prathit! and yea!" KOng nodded vigorously, his enthusiasm infectious. " A treehouse  phi! I've always wanted one. Can you build it for me ? "

" A thunder dragon in the tree house?" Arthit rolled his eyes " Are you mad? if you get little bit upset, you coul unconsciously burn the house down in seconds with yiurself inside it !"

" Pretty please?" 

Arthit couldn't resist the genuine excitement in Kongpob's eyes. Grumbling under his breath, he replied, "You and your wild ideas. Fine, I'll build your precious treehouse. But you will only enter it when I am with you." 

Kongpob's face lit up with joy as he hugged Arthit tightly. "Thank you, thank you, Arthit! You're the best!"

Over the next few days, Arthit could be seen hauling wood, carving intricate designs, and using his ice dragon abilities to carefully construct the treehouse. As the structure took shape among the branches, Arthit couldn't help but mutter about how troublesome the whole endeavor was.

"I can't believe I'm doing this. A treehouse for a Thunder Dragon. Ridiculous," Arthit grumbled as he hammered a nail into place. 

Kongpob, unable to contain his excitement, hovered nearby. "It's going to be amazing, Arthit! Thank you for doing this for me."

As the treehouse neared completion, Arthit added extra touches – a small balcony with a breathtaking view and a cozy interior adorned with intricate ice carvings. Despite his initial complaints, Arthit found satisfaction in creating something special for his friend.

On the day of the grand reveal, Kongpob stood below the completed treehouse, his eyes wide with awe. "Arthit, it's incredible! Thank you so much!"

Arthit, trying to hide a smile, replied in his usual gruff manner, "Don't get too sentimental. It's just a treehouse."

But as Kongpob climbed into his new sanctuary, his laughter echoed through the branches, and Arthit couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and warmth. 

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

Lying in his bed that day, Arthit remembered Kongpob's favorite word "Koi No Yokan".

 A teen Kong had once blushingly told him it meant having the feeling that someone will inevitably be important in your life.

In their teens, they were sent to  dragon equivalent of summer camps to strenghtehen camaraderie of young dragons by gathering for regular meet-up. In a secluded corner, away from the larger group, teenage Kongpob and Arthit found themselves engrossed in a conversation.

Kongpob, with his vibrant scales and expressive eyes, looked at Arthit with curiosity. "Phi have you ever heard of the phrase 'Koi no yokan'?" he asked, the words sounding both foreign and intriguing.

Arthit, suitable to his ice dragon  stoic demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Koi no yokan? What's that supposed to mean?"

Kongpob's eyes sparkled as he tried to explain. "It's a term I came across while reading about human cultures. It's a Japanese phrase that roughly translates to 'the premonition of love' or 'the feeling one has when they meet someone with whom they're destined to fall in love.'"

Arthit, though maintaining his composure, couldn't hide a hint of interest. "Premonition of love, huh? Sounds like something out of a sappy romance story."

Kongpob chuckled. "Maybe, but there's something beautiful about the idea. The feeling that you just know someone is going to be important in your life, even before it happens."

Arthit raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Important? Like a friend?"

Kongpob grinned. "Or something more. It's like an unspoken understanding that a deep connection is waiting to unfold."

Arthit, despite his tough exterior, found himself contemplating the concept. "So, you're saying it's like knowing you'll be important to someone even before you become friends or, I don't know, more than that?"

Kongpob nodded. "Exactly! It's like recognizing a connection that goes beyond the surface, like fate has already set the stage for something meaningful."

Arthit, though reluctant to admit it, couldn't deny the poetic charm of the phrase. "Well, Koi no yokan or not, you are stuck with me, Kong."

Kongpob's eyes softened. "Stuck? No,phi  Arthit. I'd say destined."

Destined they were, to get pulled to eachother, no matter how far. Return to other like Boomrang.

Koi No Yokan!

It indeed suited them. The moment three-year-old Arthit had seen the loud, crying infant, he knew that he can sulk, fight, cry, or befriend but never ignore this person. And it had become the truth of the time. The only omegas he would willingly let stand beside him were his sister Grace, Kongpob, and his brother's mate Toota.

.......

Late in night, when he found himself still unable to sleep, Arthit remebered about the VR. Taking it out of the box,he connected the VR and switched it on.

Upon enetering his details, Arthit found himself transported to a whimsical virtual garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and fluttering butterflies. The animated character, named Aurora, appeared with a cheerful smile.

"Khun Arthit, welcome to the Enchanted Garden! Here, every flower has a unique story. Care to hear one?"

Arthit, crossed his arms. "Flower stories? Is this a dating sim or a botany class?"Aurora giggled, undeterred by Arthit's sarcastic response. "Come on, let's make this date memorable. Pick a flower, and I'll share its romantic tale with you."Arthit, pointed to a random flower. "Fine, tell me the tragic love story of that one."

"Khun Arthit, behold the tale of Celestia, the starflower. In the Enchanted Garden, Celestia once bloomed in radiant splendor, her petals shimmering like the stars in the night sky."

Arthit, with a smirk, nodded along, playing along with the virtual theatrics.

Aurora continued "Celestia fell deeply in love with Zephyr, the gentle breeze that danced through the garden. Their love was forbidden, as the floral council disapproved of unions between flowers and elements."

Arthit, raising an eyebrow, muttered a sarcastic comment under his breath.

"Undeterred by societal norms, Celestia and Zephyr continued their secret rendezvous. But fate had other plans. One stormy night, a fierce wind separated them, scattering Celestia's delicate petals far and wide."

Arthit couldn't help but roll his eyes at the melodramatic turn of events.

"Heartbroken, Celestia vowed to reunite with Zephyr. Legend has it that her scattered petals carry the essence of their eternal love. But alas, she remains forever apart, a starflower with a love lost to the winds of destiny."

Arthit, unable to contain his amusement, burst into laughter. "A love story between a flower and the wind? That's... surprisingly creative. Maybe Celestia should have considered a long-distance relationship. Less chance of getting blown away. By the way, does this garden have a counseling service for heartbroken flowers?""

Aurora joined in the laughter, acknowledging the absurdity of the tragic tale.

"Khun Arthit, even in the Enchanted Garden, love has its challenges. But fear not, for your heart won't be blown away like Celestia's petals. It is safe with me."

"I am afraid I much prefer a man Aurora."

Arthit was instantly pushed to a futuristic cityscape, where holographic billboards lit up the sky with dazzling displays. The animated character for this scenario, a lithe male omega named Nova, appeared with a confident smile. Arthit noted hia smile was much more like Kongpob.

"Welcome to Neon Horizon, Khun Arthit. In this dazzling city of the future, anything is possible. How about we explore the vibrant nightlife together?"

Arthit glanced around with a hint of skepticism.

Arthit scoffed "Vibrant nightlife in a virtual world? What's next, virtual traffic jams?"

Nova chuckled, seemingly unfazed by Arthit's sarcastic remarks.

"Come on, Khun Arthit, let's live a little." Nova pleaded, linking his arms with Arthit (Virtual Avatar.) It reminded him of Kongpob.

"I am the actual one living, Won't you say?" he scoffed, contemplating if he should return to Aurora.

Arthit caught Nova frowning for a sec. but the virtual character instantly regained his pleasant expression. "We can start by visiting a virtual café or dancing at a virtual club. Your choice."

Arthit, folding his arms, decided to play along with the virtual adventure. Let's see what Kong, sorry...Nova has in store for him.

"Fine, let's see what this Neon Horizon has to offer. Lead the way, holographic tour guide."

As they ventured through the virtual city, Arthit couldn't help but be impressed by the realistic graphics and the lively atmosphere. Nova guided him to a virtual café with neon lights and a futuristic aesthetic.

Nova: "How about a virtual cup of coffee, Khun Arthit? It's the perfect way to start our virtual night out."

"Sure, why not?" Arthit rolled his eyes. " Because nothing says a good time like pixelated caffeine in a neon wonderland."

"I think, I know what will suit you more" Nova said, calmly and scene changed instantly.

"Welcome to Misfortune Café, where the entire dining experience was centered around embracing the absurdity of life's mishaps." Nova smiled brightly at Arthit " Haven't I found just the place for you Handsome?"

"You think I will enjoy misery?"

"How about Memento Mori ?" Nova asked, anxious.

"What's that?"

They were instantly transported to peculiar themed restaurant called "Memento Mori." The ambiance was a mix of gothic aesthetics and dark humor, creating an atmosphere that was both eerie and amusing.

As they settled into their coffins-turned-booths, Arthit couldn't help but comment on the morbid charm of the place. "Well, nothing says romance like dining in a coffin. I hope they don't serve graveyard dirt for dessert."

Nova chuckled, sipping from his skull-shaped goblet. "Don't worry, if they do, you can always ask for the gluten-free option."

The menu, appropriately named "Gastronomic Graves," featured dishes with names like "Cursed Carbonara" and "Zombie Ziti." Arthit couldn't resist making dark jokes about each item. NOva had his own comebacks, suspiciously similar to Kong.

"I wonder if the chef has a background in black magic. These flavors might be hexed to keep one coming back."

Nova, playing along, pointed at a dish. "I heard the 'Rest in Peas' soup has a killer broth."

Their waiter, dressed as a mourning undertaker, approached the table with a smile. "Gentlemen, are you ready to order or still contemplating the afterlife?"

Arthit, smirking, replied "Let's go all-in on the 'Eternal Eclair.' I've always believed in indulging in desserts that have an existential crisis."

"And for the main course, how about the 'Grim Reaper's Grilled Cheese'? It comes with a side of ominous ambiance." Nova added.

As they awaited their uniquely named dishes, the dim lighting and eerie decor set the stage for more dark humor

........

Arthit had actually enjoyed the Game, the time flew by, it was already late night.

Thanks for providing me with a digital exit strategy. Now, if only there was a VR setting around awkward conversations!" He texted Kong, readying his heart for a scathing reply.

Instantly Arthit's mobile pinged

"I'll work on that feature for the next upgrade. 'Avoidance Mode: Engage."

Arthit called Kong and surprisingly,Kong picked up "Hello" Arthit tried multiple times but Kong remained mumb.

" Sleep Kong, if you are having trouble sleeping play the song I told you about. It will help you relax your mind. "

When Kong did not cut the call, Arthit played sleep music on his lsptop "Keep the call on and sleep, " Arthit instructed.

When still there was no response, Arthit pleaded "Atleast give me signal that you are listening Kongy."

Arthit's heart swelled hearing rustling of sheets. " good night Kong, " Arthit mumbled.

The sheet rustled more urgently, almost furious. " Fine" Arthit sighed , I will hum for you. Sleep now."

The miniscule noises on other end quieted down, as Arthit kept humming along the song, he could hear Kong's breathing slowing down to a constant rythm.

"Good night KOng, sweet dreams " Arthit murmured.

Hearing the sound of Kongpob's breath, Arthit too slept more peacefully than he could in many years.

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

A/N : Next up- Kong's POV. Who is excited?