[Masato Kai Arc 5] You’ve got a sharp nose

—Afternoon, inside the gym.

Masato Kai was sorting paperwork at the front counter after finishing up support with a client.

Just then, a young regular gym member came over, lugging a large sports bag on his shoulder.

“Kai-san, I just got back from a trip! Australia! I brought you something—wait a sec…”

“Oh, that sounds great. …Hm?”

Before the young man could even set the bag down and unzip it, Kai’s nose twitched ever so slightly.

“—Cadbury, right?

Milk chocolate?”

“What!? How’d you know!?”

“Haha, overseas chocolate has a much stronger smell, you know.”

Kai brushed it off with an innocent smile.

But from across the room, Kosuke Kaname narrowed his eyes, his gaze locked on Kai’s subtle reaction.

—

A few minutes later, a woman in her mid-thirties entered the gym.

She greeted Kai politely and dabbed at her forehead with a towel before approaching the counter.

“Oh? Lighter workout today. How are you feeling?”

Kai asked casually, gently sniffing the air as he spoke.

The woman gave a bashful smile.

“Yeah… just not at 100% today…”

Kai’s eyes narrowed slightly in thought.

“I see…

By the way, how’s Sugar-chan been lately?”

“Huh!? How did you know!?”

The woman’s eyes widened in surprise.

“She has been acting a bit off lately…”

“Heh, you two are always together, right?

Cats leave a scent on your clothes, you know.”

Kai laughed brightly, like it was nothing.

—

From the back of the gym, Kaname stood and quietly approached.

He came up behind Kai and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“…You’ve got a sharp nose, don’t you.”

Kai’s shoulder flinched slightly.

He turned to find Kaname smiling at him with his usual nonchalant grin.

“That was impressive—how’d you pick that up?”

“Ah, well… it’s just… I kinda noticed, I guess… ha-ha…”

Kai looked away awkwardly.

Kaname squinted, reading something behind the flustered expression.

Not far off, Rena Henmi and Hayata exchanged glances.

As if to say, “Yeah, the weirdest one around here is still Kaname.”

Both wore the kind of exasperated smile that comes from long-standing familiarity.