That evening, Mikado Ryuugamine accepts Shinra Kishitani's invitation to his apartment, hoping to speak with Celty after a long silence between them. The aroma of simmering broth filled the room, drawing laughter and chatter as a sizable gathering of Ikebukuro's elite assembled for a hot pot feast. They all share stories over steaming bowls. The night was filled with laughter and warm memories.
Already bewildered by the scene, Mikado is further startled to spot his friend and Raira Academy classmate Anri Sonohara among the crowd. As they choose a seat side by side, several guests start recalling past incidents: Mikado remembers a childhood escapade with Masaomi Kida, Anri recounts how she befriended Mika Harima, and Shizuo Heiwajima narrates his first encounter with Tom Tanaka.
