The apartment smelled of garlic and soy sauce. It was a warm smell. It was a human smell. It did not smell like ozone or blood. Kaito stood in the hallway. He knocked on the door. His hands were clean. The bandages on his arms were hidden under his sleeves. The stitch on his cheek was covered by his hair.
Ryota opened the door. He was wearing an apron. It was pink. It did not match his uniform. He grinned. He stepped aside.
Ryota said: "Welcome to the fortress."
Kaito said: "Thanks."
Jin said: "It smells good."
Hana said: "It smells like home."
They stepped inside. The entryway was filled with shoes. It was cluttered. It was lived in. Kaito took off his shoes. He lined them up neatly. Ryota's mother appeared from the kitchen. She was wiping her hands on a towel. She looked at the guests. She smiled. It was a warm smile. It reached her eyes.
Ryota's Mother said: "You must be the friends. Come in. Come in."
Kaito said: "Thank you for having us."
