Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Jenna Roland blinked awake.

The space beside her was empty.

She grabbed her phone. The 8:30 alarm had long since passed.

"Oh no!" She bolted upright, scanning the room for Ethan Roscente.

After locking the door and dressing quickly, she pushed open the bedroom door. A strange scent hit her nostrils.

Following the smell to the kitchen, she froze.

Ethan stood at the stove wearing an apron.

"You're... cooking noodles?" She rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

"Almost done," he replied without turning. "Go wash up."

Jenna lingered, watching his clumsy movements. She knew he despised noodle dishes.

While brushing her teeth, she puzzled over it—until she saw the steaming bowl of plain noodle soup on the table.

"When did you learn this?" She sniffed suspiciously.

Ethan handed her chopsticks, his gaze unusually soft. "Followed a tutorial. Try it."

She took a tentative bite and nearly spat it out. The broth tasted like pure salt.

"Well?" Ethan watched expectantly.

Jenna forced a swallow. "It's... okay."

He snatched the chopsticks and tasted it himself, immediately grimacing. "Don't eat this. It's inedible."

His first cooking attempt ended in failure.