Right on cue, there was a knock at the door.
Not a second too early. Not a minute too late. Just like always.
That was Aron.
Max had been expecting him, but somehow the knock still set his nerves on edge. He took one last glance at himself in the mirror, just casual clothes for now. Nothing that might give away the real plan hiding underneath. He was planning to change later, after Aron was gone.
He had to play this right.
Opening the door, Max forced a smile.
"It's good to see you with no wounds for once," Aron said immediately. He placed a hand over his chest and let out a dramatic sigh. "Every time I knock, I brace myself for the worst. Thought I'd find you beaten black and blue again. Honestly, this is a relief."
Max let out a soft chuckle. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Once inside, Aron made himself at home like he always did, flopping down on Max's bed and leaning back like it belonged to him.
