CHAPTER 1: The Scent of Roses
The gentle sound of a spatula tapping against a frying pan drifted warmly from the kitchen.
The rich aroma of sautéed butter and spices instantly greeted Riku the moment he stepped through the front door.
Near the stove stood a figure that never failed to leave Riku completely speechless.
Renya—his father—was stirring the food with incredibly graceful movements.
The 28-year-old man wore an oversized cream-colored knit sweater paired with a white lace apron.
His silky, shoulder-length hair was tied back messily, leaving a few strands loose to frame his gorgeous face.
A subtle touch of makeup highlighted his clear, hazel-brown eyes and naturally flushed lips.
Even Riku, his own son, often had to hold his breath whenever he saw how stunning his father was.
"Riku? You're home, Sweetie?" Renya turned around. A sweet smile instantly bloomed across his flawless face.
"Y-Yeah... hey, Dad. Just got back," Riku stammered slightly. The 16-year-old boy suddenly felt awkward, quickly turning his face toward the shoes he was unlacing to hide the sudden flush creeping onto his cheeks.
Why does Dad have to be this pretty? Riku thought, internally scolding his own reaction. His heart was beating a little faster than usual—an unfamiliar feeling that he had been desperately trying to suppress and hide lately.
Riku knew very well this was wrong. Renya was his father, a man. Yet being close to Renya always made the boundaries in Riku's head feel blurry and confusing.
Renya stepped closer, holding a tray with a glass of cold iced syrup. The light sound of his footsteps carried a thick, sweet scent of roses.
"It's hot outside, right? Drink this first," Renya said softly. His smooth, well-kept hand gently wiped the sweat from Riku's forehead.
The cool sensation of Renya's fingers against his skin made Riku jump slightly. A sudden warmth rushed to his chest, causing Riku to instinctively step half a pace back.
"I-I can do it myself, Dad," Riku said quickly, taking the glass. He averted his gaze, gulping down the iced syrup in a hurry to shake off the awkwardness.
Renya just let out a soft chuckle at his son's reaction. "What's wrong with you lately? Whenever Dad gets close, you always look so panicked."
Riku fell silent for a moment. He looked at his father from head to toe.
A question that had long been lingering in his mind bubbled up again—a question he always wanted to ask, but always held back.
"Dad..." Riku muttered softly.
"Hmm?" Renya tilted his head, looking at Riku with attentive, sparkling eyes.
"You're... a man. Why do you like to dress up and look like a woman?" Riku asked innocently, voicing his deepest curiosity.
Renya's smile curled sweetly.
He casually adjusted his apron. "Why? Are you embarrassed to have a dad like this? Or... would you prefer Dad to dress like a normal guy?"
"N-No, that's not what I meant!" Riku cut in quickly, his face flushing red again from panic over his slip of the tongue.
"I mean... how can you look so pretty? Even the girls at my school can't compete. I was just... curious about the reason."
Renya stepped an inch closer, closing the distance between them until Riku could feel his father's warm breath.
Renya lowered his gaze slightly, looking at Riku up close with a smile that felt strangely complex beneath its gentleness.
"Dad dresses like this... only for the person Dad loves in this house," Renya whispered softly.
His fingers gently stroked Riku's chin. "Besides, your mom is always busy working overtime. So Dad has to take care of you, right?"
Riku's mind suddenly went blank. Renya's intense gaze made his chest pound even harder. Riku clenched his fists at his sides, fighting hard to ground himself: He is your dad, Riku. Don't be weird!
"I-Mom isn't back yet?" Riku changed the subject nervously, trying to break the tension scorching his emotions.
"Your mom is working late tonight. So... it's just the two of us at home," Renya answered sweetly, then turned back toward the kitchen. "Go change your clothes first. After that, we'll have dinner together."
Riku breathed a sigh of relief as his father turned his back. He clutched his still-racing heart, then hurried into his room and locked the door from the inside.
Riku had no idea that the moment the door clicked shut, the gentle smile on Renya's face slowly vanished.
Renya stood in front of the kitchen mirror, staring at his own reflection. His previously warm eyes now turned cold and deeply shadowed. Stroking the spot where his fingers had just touched Riku's cheek, Renya let out a faint smile—a secret, hidden smile tightly concealed behind his beautiful face.
Outside, Riku thought he was merely struggling against his own feelings. He had no idea about the dark secret his father was keeping—