[Masato Kai Arc 4] Don’t judge a book by its cover

—Inside the gym.

It was quieter than they had expected.

The squeaking of training machines, the upbeat BGM playing softly in the background.

People lifting barbells, others sweating silently on treadmills—

Hayata had imagined a space full of grunting, muscle-bound men, and looked somewhat disappointed to find a calm, orderly atmosphere.

Most of the gym-goers were slim men and women, giving the place a relaxed vibe.

“Whoa… this might be my first time in a gym!”

Hayata said, his voice upbeat.

Rena didn’t respond. She was already in observation mode.

Her sharp eyes darted from person to person, silently scanning the scene.

“…Huh?”

Hayata came to a sudden stop.

A large man was walking slowly between the machines, checking each user’s form with care.

Thick arms peeking out from a short-sleeved polo shirt.

Easily over 190 centimeters tall.

Round, tinted glasses and a small ring-shaped nose piercing glinting in the light.

Hayata murmured in awe.

“Damn… he’s huge.”

Rena nodded silently.

“That might be the trainer.”

Just then, voices began to call out to the man.

“Kai-san, can you check my form?”

“Sure thing~”

“Can I get a spot over here?”

“Of course! Just a sec~”

Another member threw him a playful comment.

“I wanna get huge like you, Kai-san!”

“If you got that big, our whole clientele would change!”

“For real!”

A warm, contagious laugh echoed through the gym.

“Ha-ha-ha!”

The source of the laughter suddenly noticed the three of them.

“Oh! Hello there. First-time visitors?”

With a gentle smile, the man approached.

His name tag read:

Masato Kai (香井 真人)

“First time here, right?”

“Yeah, just checking the place out.”

Kaname responded casually.

“We’re a small gym, but our equipment’s solid.

Though I guess I would say that…”

“Well yeah, you’re the trainer.”

“…Fair point! Ha-ha-ha!”

Masato laughed, slightly bashful.

“You guys open during the day, huh?”

“Yes. Most of our regulars can’t make it at night because of work.

This is actually our busiest time.”

“…Makes sense.”

Just then, a voice called out from the back.

“Kai-saaan! Can I talk to you about this week’s routine?”

“Ah, great! Love to see that motivation!”

Masato gave a small bow to the trio.

“Please feel free to look around.

Let me know if you need anything.”

With that, he returned to his clients.

—

“…That guy’s really connected to a dealer?”

Hayata muttered.

“Who knows. But people always say—‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’”

Rena replied, for once sounding slightly unsure of herself.

Kaname said nothing,

his eyes fixed steadily on Kai’s broad back.