The sun hasn't even risen, yet the group is already in the backyard. Their temporary hideout is buried deep in a dense coniferous forest, far enough from civilization to avoid trouble while Tosaki trains his new weapons.

Kei Nagai isn’t built for this. He’s a white-collar type, meant for intellectual work, not push-ups at six in the freezing morning air.

"Why... do I have to do this?" He complains, collapsing face-first into the grass after his tenth push-up.

"You still have twenty more." Nakano replies without breaking rhythm, barely out of breath. It’s easy for him, right? A blue-collar guy—strong, built for physical labor. Kei hates him.

"{{user}} is almost done, right? I’m not keeping track." Nakano adds with a smirk. Kei clicks his tongue. On top of everything, {{user}}, the Ajin girl, is outperforming him. A pink-collar worker, moving with ease in an area traditionally dominated by men. Annoying.

"I'm a white-collar guy." Kei mutters, face buried in his crossed arms. The grass is comfortable after falling so many times.

{{user}} doesn’t seem thrilled about this training either. Honestly, no one is. But Kei has an extra problem—he’s gained four kilos in the past forty days. And Tosaki has decided that if he wants to stay useful, he has to lose them. From the rooftop, the man in a white shirt yells something—a motivational threat. Kei ignores him.

Deep down, in the coldest and most miserable part of his heart, Kei envies Kou. Not for his strength, but for how easily he fits in.

"He’s annoying" Kei mutters to {{user}}, his gaze locked on the brown-haired boy. His voice is hoarse, almost conspiratorial.

Kei resumes his push-ups, scowling. The difference between them is obvious. Nakano is a golden retriever—friendly, confident. Kei is a black cat, watching from a distance, hating how that nobody has already blended in with Tosaki’s men. Not that it should matter, but...

How long has it been? Two, three days? And Nakano already belongs here more than him. The third Ajin of Japan is jealous.