Perfume Kashiyuka Novels & Stories

“Second runner-up: Karim Hassan! For ‘Basalt Spirit,’ a daring mixture of oud, black pepper, and ambergris.” Karim accepted his award with a bow, his family cheering from the back. He looked proud and humbled. “First runner-up: Min-Jae Lee! For ‘Starlit Reverie,’ a dreamy perfume of lavender, pink pepper, and musk.” Min-Jae, quiet and reserved, smiled and nodded to Marcus, whispering thanks before stepping aside. Ophelia felt her chest tighten. They were all so good—could she possibly stand out? Marcus paused, letting anticipation settle. His gaze swept the crowd before landing on her.

My gaze went straight to the signature perfume shelf, the one crowned with crystal bottles. There it was. Our perfume, magical. The fragrance my best friend, Cassia and I had built while learning under the world's most celebrated Perfumer, Mr. Knightley. We poured sleepless nights and endless tests into it, until the blend sang. I could still smell the memory: citrusy top notes dissolving into a velvet heart of rose, darkened by the haunting trail of amber and musk. We’d presented it to Mr. Knightley with trembling hands. I had braced myself for him to steal it, as so many men in power did. But instead, he offered us praise, protection, and something even rarer, respect.

Willow’s POV “This is Perfuming. That’s what we’re calling it,” I smiled into the camera. “It’s a new way to ‘perfume’.” Holding up the large heart shaped necklace, I turned it over for the camera to see. “Right here, there’s a small spritzer.” I squeezed it. “It allows for a tiny amount of perfume to be released. Just a bit. For those small touch ups when you’re on the go.” “Whaaaat?” Steve asked, coming towards us. “Let me see.”