The kitchen smelled faintly of vanilla and warm butter.
Komi stood by the stove, still flipping pancakes with her hair tied loosely, a strand brushing her cheek every time she leaned forward.
Olivia was beside her, sleeves rolled up, helping to whisk another batch of batter.
The sight made the kitchen feel alive again as Izan, who was done with breakfast, leaned against the doorway, a quiet smile tugging at his lips.
For a moment, he simply watched, the two of them, side by side, working in an easy rhythm.
Komi would gesture to something, and Olivia would already be there.
These two, his mother and his girl, were part of the world he'd fought so hard to protect from chaos, the reason the medals mattered less than mornings like this.
He took a step in, just watching as Olivia passed Komi the plate of pancakes she'd helped make.
Olivia caught his eyes for a brief second, grinning with a warmth that sent a soft rush through his chest.
