DN 12: On the Air

Sunday.

NTV Studio.

"Huff! Huff!"

"Sound check—"

"Mic's good."

"Alright, cameras are set."

"How's Masaki-sensei doing?"

"No issues here."

"Great. When we go live, keep an eye on the cameraman's position. No need to be nervous—just stay relaxed and natural."

The floor manager was crisp and efficient.

As the director finalized preparations, a program assistant helped Hayato ease into the moment.

Hayato remained calm.

His gaze drifted to the audience, spotting Nanami Asamiya and Eri Kisaki in the front row. Eri flashed a supportive gesture.

Hayato smiled back.

With the director's cue, filming began—

"Good evening, everyone!" the host boomed. "Welcome back to All-Japan Detective Agency. I'm your host, Takashi Matsuo."

Sporting a neat middle part and a warm grin, Matsuo kicked things off.

Beside him, the young co-host pointed to her cheeks, beaming. "And I'm your assistant host, the ever-familiar Ayako Nagai!"

"We're here to tackle the tough cases sent in by viewers across the country," Matsuo said, smiling at the camera.

"Today, we've got a special guest: the mystery novelist behind three bestselling books, Masaki-sensei!"

At Nagai's gesture, the camera swung to Hayato.

"Hi, everyone," he said.

A refined, understated smile lit his striking features.

The audience erupted in applause, punctuated by a few excited squeals from female fans.

"Masaki-sensei is so handsome!" one shouted.

Even Nagai let out a gasp—partly for show, but genuine. "Please, join us as a regular! We'd lock in top ratings for sure!"

"You're not just chasing ratings, are you, Ayako?" Matsuo teased, chuckling.

"Good looks and high ratings can go hand in hand," she shot back.

"Then next episode, the director's probably shoving me off-camera to host," Matsuo quipped.

"Exactly. Your voice is enough, Matsuo-san."

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Hayato joined in. "I thought this show would be all serious."

"Not at all, Masaki-sensei," Matsuo said. "We keep it light."

"Super chill vibe," Nagai added, then leaned in with a playful swoon. "But seriously, Masaki-sensei, you're stunning up close. Can I ask you something bold?"

"Sure, as long as it's not a love confession," Hayato said, his calm smile tinged with a joking edge.

Nagai's face lit up. "Can it be?"

"Please, let's not."

"Aw!"

The audience laughed again, though a few fans seemed mildly miffed.

Nagai bounced back, grinning. "Fine, fine. I was actually wondering if you've got any skincare secrets. Your skin's smoother than most girls'!"

"Hm… I don't think too hard about it, but sunscreen's key. And baths," Hayato said. "UV rays age you fast. As for baths—don't you sometimes feel your skin glow after a hot spring dip, Nagai-san?"

"Oh, totally!"

"Keeping skin hydrated matters."

Hayato's smile was easy, natural.

In the audience, Eri watched with a warm grin, pleased by his poise and eloquence.

Matsuo, sensing he was losing ground to the guest-co-host banter, pivoted with a smile. "I bet the audience is curious—myself included—about a mystery novelist's daily grind. Can you share a bit, Masaki-sensei?"

"You start with the story," Hayato said, polite and measured, turning to him. "Once it's set, you write, revise, tweak. Not much to gush about, honestly."

"I see… but your books have such clever tricks," Matsuo said, feigning curiosity. "How do you come up with those cases?"

"I'm into detective work myself," Hayato replied. "I dig into related stuff, read a lot, think a lot. For cases, I usually work backward."

"Backward?"

"Yeah. Like the victim's state, cause of death, or the method. If a scene clicks, I lock it in, then reverse-engineer the story—motive, events, emotions. Shoot the arrow, then draw the target."

"That's fascinating. Anything in writing that gives you a headache?"

"Naming characters, probably."

With a sheepish air, Hayato's gentle voice softened. He pulled a black notebook from his jacket and flipped it open.

"I'm terrible at names, so I carry this notebook. When I meet someone interesting, I ask for their name to jot down. Helps when I'm naming characters later."

"That's a lot of names…" Nagai marveled.

"So dedicated," Matsuo said, leaning in. "Mind if I add mine to the collection? It'd be cool to inspire a character someday."

"Of course, Matsuo-san."

Hayato slid the notebook and pen over with a smile.

On camera, Matsuo cheerfully wrote his name. Nagai, not to be outdone, scribbled hers too.

The hosts were pros.

Per Futaba's deal with the show, they kept the spotlight on Hayato—his author persona, his new book—tossing him softballs from start to finish.

***

If you enjoyed this story, don't forget to drop 5 stars and your power stone. And if you want to read more than 30 chapters in advance, feel free to visit: pat reon . com / KangTL