CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 1: The Scent of Pandan
Twelve seconds. That was all it took for Zen to realize that this morning was not going to be normal.
As he stepped down the creaky wooden stairs toward the ground floor, the rich scent of freshly baked cake hit him immediately. A sweet pandan aroma mixed with the chilly morning air.
However, it wasn't the smell of cake that made Zen freeze right at the kitchen doorway. It was the sight in front of him.
Standing in front of the stove, Miyako had her back turned to him.
Her jet-black hair was thrown into a messy bun, exposing her pale, delicate neck. She was wearing nothing but Zen's oversized white school shirt—unbuttoned at the top—covered only by a thin kitchen apron tied tightly around her waist. Her voluptuous curves were clearly visible from the side.
"Ah, Zen~ darling... you're awake?"
Miyako turned around. The smile on her gorgeous face was utterly intoxicating. A faint blush dusted her cheeks, while traces of white batter smeared her fingers and dripped slightly near her exposed chest.
"M-Mom... why are you wearing my school shirt again?" Zen stammered, frantically looking up at the kitchen ceiling as a deep red flushed across his face.
"Hmm? Because your shirts have the most comforting scent, sweetie," Miyako replied naturally, without a trace of embarrassment. She walked over, her hips swaying gracefully with every step, making the thin shirt beneath the apron cling to her body.
"Besides, I've been up since dawn baking your favorite treat. Guess what flavor?"
"You could've just called me if you needed help..."
"Shh." Miyako pressed a batter-stained forefinger against Zen's bottom lip.
Her touch was warm and incredibly soft. "I don't want to burden my handsome boy. Now, open wide. You have to taste the pandan while it's still warm."
Before Zen could protest, Miyako leaned in close, completely erasing the distance between them. He could feel the warmth of her body pressing gently against him, accompanied by a sweet mix of rose perfume and pandan.
With sparkling, obsessed eyes, she fed him the sticky batter directly from her finger.
"How is it? Sweet, right?" Miyako's eyelashes fluttered as she stared at his wet lips. Her other hand gently smoothed his collar before lingering over his chest.
"I-it's good... but Mom, you're way too close," Zen whispered, holding his breath to keep from losing his mind.
"Too close?" Miyako let out a soft chuckle—a sweet laugh that carried a dangerous undertone.
She tilted her head, leaning in until her warm breath brushed against Zen's ear. "There's no such thing as 'too close' for us, Zen~ darling.
Everything about you... from the tips of your hair down to every breath you take, belongs to me. No other woman is ever allowed to touch you like this."
The kitchen instantly fell dead silent, save for Zen's racing heart and Miyako's soft breathing.
When Zen awkwardly excused himself to leave for school, Miyako stood at the front door, her oversized shirt fluttering in the morning breeze. She watched him hurry down the yard.
Slowly, Miyako raised the finger that had just touched his lips and licked it clean, her eyes darkening with possessive devotion.
"Have a good day at school, Zen~ darling... I'll drop by later to bring your lunchbox," she murmured softly, a mysterious smile creeping onto her face.
