After Bath - Evening Meal
Kai came down the stairs feeling much cleaner, wearing fresh clothes that didn't smell like burning rocks. His hair was still damp from the bath, dripping little drops of water on his collar.
Mom had set the table while he was washing up. The smell of dinner made his stomach growl—even if his new energy body didn't technically *need* food, it still wanted it.
Rice. Stir-fried vegetables with bits of pork. Fish soup with ginger. And—his eyes went wide—roasted chicken! They almost never had chicken except for special occasions!
"Is this because I came back alive?" Kai asked, sliding into his seat.
Dad laughed. "It's because your mother was so worried she stress-cooked enough food for ten people."
"I was NOT stress-cooking," Mom said, but her cheeks turned a little pink. "I just... wanted to make sure everyone ate well tonight."
Yue was already at the table, eyeing the chicken like a cat watching a bird. "Can I have a leg?"
