Phew that was tiring, slowly stumbling to the bench in the park nearby I sat down and opened my water bottle, taking large swigs to cool my rampant thirst.

eight kilometres may not be the greatest as to say but I take my running seriously. Aiming to improve it and keep adding to that number. While I sat on the bench I mulled over some random thoughts; mostly on the newest revelation even though it's been known for quite some time it's sometimes hard to wrap around the fact that. Monsters exist! Though they are called liminals.

They come in all shapes and sizes, harpies, lamias and even centaurs. Obviously there are a lot more but it's quite wonderous to think about that such a world changing thing has happened in my life time!

Oh actually…

I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Charles Sita, an odd name sure and rather strange for someone living in Japan but considering I moved here from England just as the whole reveal of new species I guess I just kinda skirted through under the whole news.

There's a bit more about me to learn but safe to say from my previous statements, I'm wholly interested in the Liminals introduced to the public – even signed up for the exchange program recently though haven't heard anything back, I hope my application was all in good order...

…

Oh and of course that I'm quite the fitness buff… if that makes sense. I like to believe I take it seriously if the daily routine is anything to say. Oh well best be getting home now don't want to get a cramp sitting too long then have to warm up again.

Casting the last of the stray thoughts from my head I started back on my run, making my way out of the park pretty quickly as I increased my pace for the last few kilometres till I get back home. My favourite music played in the background as I ran, idly watching the sights:

Businessmen walked the streets, carrying briefcases or talking on their phones – it was around lunch time so I suppose the majority of people are out getting their food for the day, the thing I liked seeing on my run were the occasional extra-species walking with their homestays. A red-haired Lamia slithering alongside a dark-haired young man, chatting amicably with him. A raptor harpy soared through the air, pointedly ignoring everyone though I gained a small nod from the white-haired girl before she flew off.

That was Haru, somehow, just by greeting her each day along my morning route she'd seemed to get over the normal proud personality her sub-species were known for and seemed a bit friendlier with me now. I passed a few other runners on my way back, earning a communal nod the joggers around here are known for, otherwise the run was pretty quiet. Something I enjoyed on this last stretch before home.

I suppose with my life some might be asking about my job. And well… that's quite awkward. I haven't always been such a fanatic for fitness if the fairly dull office job was anything to go by. See that's the thing… I saved up a fair amount from my job (as best I could) then timed it with my sending of the homestay application, I knew the government provided a stipend for homestays. So… I might have… quit the job after I sent it so I could focus on fitness and hopefully get accepted?

Yeah not the brightest decision but hey I still got a fair amount of money saved up and I've read up all about the laws and rules for handling a homestay now I just have to wait for a response.

…

And keep track of my expenses.

Well enough about that because here's home. A beautiful one-story suburban house, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a linked kitchen/living/dining room. All you need for a single guy that's trying to cut down on expenses and wait for a response on a homestay application…

Oh, I started again didn't I?

Welp no matter, opening the door like I've done countless times I shuffled off my shoes leaving them by the door. I put away my equipment and cleaned the water bottle. Getting a glass from the cupboard I poured some water and drank away at that for a while until I stopped and gasped for air.

Going through the motions again I cleaned the glass and set it aside for washing with other dishes and stuff. My stomach grumbled slightly making me glad no one else was here to hear it but I put off getting anything just yet to let my exercise and sweat go down first.

Swinging myself onto the couch, I grasped the remote and turned the TV on, sifting through the channels looking for something that might interest me

(-)

I must've been home a good few hours, I'd cooled down and had a quick shower. Still hadn't had my lunch but that could wait seeing as I found quite an intriguing comedy show I could relax into.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to enjoy the jokes for long before I was interrupted by a knock at the door. Groaning from being interrupted I got up and answered the door, opening it to find a rather tall Woman looking like a very stereotypical government agent, if the white shirt, black blazer, skirt, black pantyhose and heels. Oh, and don't forget the sunglasses completely obscuring her eyes, though I do suppose it is quite bright outside so I'll give her that.

Though it begs the question of what she could want, however before I could truly ponder her mysterious appearance she spoke "Hello Mr Sita, I am your Exchange Coordinator Kuroko Smith!" and before I could even respond to that she said "and this is your new homestay exchange student… Polt!"

Then for the first time I noticed behind her an exchange student, who was probably Polt. She was obviously a kobold and she actually looked quite familiar maybe I had seen her during one of my runs? Either way she was quite pretty, with the obvious Kobold features of the wolf like nose and large ears atop her head. Add with the fact that she was covered in a light brown fur and had a large bushy tail that seemed to be wagging at frankly frightening speeds.

She was wearing a black shirt under a green track coat, denim hot pants… what looked like thigh straps, wristbands oh and to complete the canine look a dog collar. huh not gonna question it. She was hopping from foot to foot almost like she needed the restroom and I had half the mind to offer it if she needed but I figured with how muscular she looked she was probably just trying to keep moving.

There was a slight problem with her excited hopping in that it made the rather… large breasts of hers, jump up and down as she moved which was frankly more than a little attention gathering and I had a hard time keeping my eyes off them and looking at the eyes of both woman in front of me.

By Smith's amused smirk I gathered that she'd seen my plight, I could feel some heat making its way to my cheeks as I blushed but I tried to shake it off. I opened the door a little wider and stepped back to let the two in, they complied and as they passed to sit on the table in the kitchen/living room I took a deep breath of fresh air before closing the door and sitting across from the two.

When I sat down there was a somewhat awkward silence which Smith seemed more than happy to allow to continue, sighing internally I decided to start and said, "I was wondering when I would be getting a response back, I sent out the application form a good few weeks ago it feels like" I wasn't really that annoyed, to be honest I was having a hard time containing my excitement by finally having the chance to host a Liminal student. Judging by the smacking noise of Polt's tail she too seemed quite happy though from what I'd seen she seemed chipper about everything.

"apologies, there is just a long approval system for the acceptance of new hosts. Along with finding students that would do well in different conditions." Smith explained " Though Polt here is a bit of a different case" she finished gently. I was confused though by how Polt's ears flopped ever so slightly I felt there may be more than meets the eye.

I decided to reassure the two, "no worries I'm just happy that I've been accepted. Can you tell me why exactly this is such a delicate case?" Smith started chuckling when I said delicate, I moved to apologise thinking I said something wrong but an open hand stopped me while the agent calmed herself.

"oh ho nothing like that, well… Polt how about you explain" Smith said

Immediately I could hear the thumping noise increase and Polt's ears perked up. She also jumped up putting her arms on the table leaning towards me clearly showing the amount of muscle in her arms and by god did she look strong!

"Well! I'm busy on my projects in this city, I'm hoping to open a new gym line called. Sports Club Kobold! And to do so I have to be in the city and though I can go outside on my own due to a few privileges I still require a host to be with me the majority of the time!" she said cheerily, constantly moving about animatedly as she talked.

"w-well that's nice a new gym would be interesting; Will it be open to Liminals as well?" I asked in a decisively much less energetic tone than her

She nodded happily, "I could go on for hours about my design! The main focus of the gym would be Liminals as they hardly get anything open to them especially larger species! But of course, all species, even humans would be welcome! It could be a utopia of fitness with everyone coming under a common goal" she seemed lost in her thoughts as she continued on in her plans, outlining everything about the gym, the singular gym. No wonder she was so busy, there was just one thing that surprised me

"did you say seven floors!" I interrupted her tirade, though she didn't see the least bit bothered by that as she happily skipped over to me and nodded rapidly

"yep, its taking longer than I thought but it's going to be the best gym in the city once I've done with it!" she said VERY optimistically, geez Polt definitely had optimistic thoughts about the future with all the plans she had already.

For her part Smith seemed greatly amused by our exchange, watching the two of us interact with a small, genuine smile on her face though I was too busy talking with the overly cheerful kobold to really notice.

After a while Polt finally calmed down enough for Smith to break in and call us back to our seats, there she explained in further detail why she thought I should host Polt: "You are one the more active of all host applicants recently, and due to the nature of Kobolds and their athletic lifestyles we thought it best you took care of her as you would be the only feasible person to keep up with her routine" well I'm not so sure about that surely there are more people that could keep up with a kobold? But I suppose if the coordinator says that is the case, it most likely is.

"well I can hardly say no, and I think having a running partner would certainly be quite fun" I told Smith, turning to Polt I joked "You are most definitely a lot fitter than I am so think you can help bring me up to speed?" for some reason my question made Smith giggle, sitting back as if she was about to watch a show.

I looked warily at Polt who seemed to be quivering with excitement "CAN I EVER! So what can you do now? What's your current routine? how about we double that by the end of the week? If you want you can help test out some of the equipment in the Sports Club it'll be great for humanoid equipment to see what works!"

I was completely overwhelmed by the hyper Kobold, who darted around me prodding me occasionally on the arms and legs, I started to try and answer ATLEAST one of her question but she beat me to it. "mmh you've definitely worked a lot on your legs! Though just running won't do. And I suppose you do a bit of cardio. And not much weights?" I-I was a loss for words the over-enthusiastic Kobold had practically spilt my athletic life with only a few cursory glances "I wouldn't worry, I can smell the sweat from earlier and I suppose you just came from a run, well by the tell of it you have a lot of potential. So, I'm going to help you reach it and then some!" she finished with a flourish

I was honestly quite shocked, but I blushed from the genuine encouragement and enthusiasm from the kobold. I was going to say anything but I just couldn't muster anything to say to finish off that conversation. Fortunately Smith was there to continue "Well I think I'll be leaving you in capable hands Polt, I'll take my leave for you to get situated" she turned to me "all her luggage is outside if you could bring it in, I'll let you get sorted and be here in the morning to see how you two are doing"

I nodded in response happy with the arrangement though she seemed to be thinking for a moment, "… oh! And do you think you could have some coffee ready for when I arrive?" she asked with an expectant look. I felt Kinda bad since all I had was some random instant coffee from my time as an office worker but replied regardless "sure, I'll whip up some before you arrive"

Smith went to leave and I followed to see her off, while at the door I grabbed Polt's luggage, almost dropping it from how heavy it was. I managed with some strain to move it into the house where I'm sure Polt could deal with it considering she'd been holding it ONE-HANDED before. Smith faced me then spoke quietly almost conspiratorially "and remember… no sex" before she closed the door, wrenching it out of my grip.

I stood there blushing for a good minute, wanting to speak up about how I'd read the laws twice over and knew about the 'no touchy' rule specifically… but then I'd be speaking to a wooden door and frankly they just don't make good conversationalists.

Deciding I couldn't do anything just standing there I dragged the suitcase through the house to the kitchen/livi- you get the idea I'm just gonna say living room and kitchenette when I go there! Ah where was I? oh yeah to the living room where Polt was.

When I arrived, she spotted me and excitable skipped over, "oh thank you for bringing it in, I almost forgot he he!" she took it off me and I'm ashamed to say that she had no trouble holding it.

Still. Not letting it get to me I realised something and hastily made to correct it, "sorry Polt, I haven't actually introduced myself I'm Charles Sita, please call me Charles" I smiled warmly, getting an eager grin back. Just then a loud growling noises could be heard, a moment later we both blushed embarrassed and looked away from each other. I chuckled and said "you hungry? I've been looking up some great healthy recipes and I haven't really had anyone to share a meal with lately" I finished up with a slightly saddened tone but covered it up with a smile.

She smiled happily, tail wagging, and replied "that sounds great! Can you just make sure there's a bit more protein, Kobolds need it a bit more than humans anyway"

I chuckled "You just answered my next question, are there any other dietary needs I need to know?" receiving a shake of the head I continued "good to know, how about I show you around the house and where you'll be sleeping before I start. That way you can unpack while I'm busy" she seemed happy with that so we ended up on admittedly short tour, I showed her the bathroom and how to operate the shower.

We came up to her door which I opened for her to see into, it was relatively un-decorated in hopes whoever came could personalise how they wanted. A double bed with white sheets and pillows (a lot of pillows because you never know how many people want). Despite the rather dull look Polt seemed happy and just before she lept in, I said "and just there is my room, all you need to do is knock if I'm in there though mostly I'll be in the living room or out running" pointing over my shoulder at the closed door to my own bedroom.

With that she dived in and started rapidly unpacking, I was pleased that she seemed so eager to do so. I returned to the kitchenette with a smile on my face, searched through the recipe book I'd found looking for a high in protein meal, eventually I found one - the main ingredient being chicken with some salad and seasoning. Hopefully that will be enough if not I'll see about getting a protein substitute or getting more meat so Polt can have larger portions.

Following the instructions with some ambient music playing as I worked, around forty-five minutes later I was dishing out the meal onto plates and arranging the table, once that was done I called Polt who came running with still damp hair but the fact she was near salivating over the food sparked my pride a bit, still…

"hey Polt, you didn't come like half-way through a shower did you?" I said half teasingly, to my surprise the kobold actually blushed and responded after a moment

"yup! It smelt so good; I just couldn't resist!" she looked at me like she was barely containing herself "can I?" I chuckled and nodded affirmative, making her dive into the chair and start gobbling own the meal with gusto. Tucking into the meal myself I couldn't help but watch as she thoroughly enjoyed the meal I'd made; it was actually something I quite missed so I looked forward to more meals in the future. But hey enough about that, lets enjoy this meal

(-)

"OH WOW! Charles, that was really good, where'd you learn to cook?" Polt asked, we were letting the food go down by sitting on the sofa which Polt seemed happy with I thought she'd still be bouncing off the walls with her endless energy, though it seemed she was filtering it through into the conversation with how cheery she was.

Nevertheless, I responded "thanks, and I learned mostly on my own after moving out of my parents' house. Though until recently I haven't had much a chance to cook for myself or other people" she looked surprised to see that so I asked "was there enough protein In there, I had some thoughts If there isn't enough" I waffled slightly but Polt seemed to take it in stride

"YUP! Really good, I'm surprisingly full actually!" ah that explained while she was 'relatively' sedate right now, I had no doubt she'd be up and about in no time though. "so what are the other options?" she leaned forwards like she was ready to take notes

"well…" I started "if you're that happy with the portions I can get some extra protein substitutes or supplements. Or I can buy some more meat for the recipe and give you a larger portion if you'd prefer that" whoah what is that expression, had I said something to upset her?

Before I could attempt to apologise she sprang at me, wrapping me up in her arms and unfortunately holding my head to her rather large… chest "AWW you're soooo kind! Thank you for being so considerate!" ah apparently that had been like… pure happiness?, she sat back, her tail going mad behind her "If you could~ larger portions would be better, though I heard some real progress has been made with protein supplements for drinks!"

We ended up talking a little more about random things until I could tell that Polt was getting a bit twitchy sitting for so long so I suggested we go for a little run before it gets too late. She was all too happy to agree and soon we found ourselves putting on running shoes and getting ready for our run. I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to actually running with someone, Polt even said her afternoon route was a lot shorter than her morning one so I hoped I could keep up with the obviously more experienced athlete.

Things started as normal and Polt and I only had to change our paces a little bit to match each other, as can probably guess I had to speed up and she had to slow down but she looked happy, maybe she was as excited as running with someone as I? we actually followed my morning route quite closely, deviating near the middle to make it longer but for some reason I felt I could continue more than normally so I didn't complain.

During the run we actually met up with an old friend of mine, Satsuke or Bike Cop as some called him, he was finishing his rounds working in the police force as he does. He rode alongside us for a few minutes as we talked about our day and anything interesting taking place, other than a Harpy saving a little girl from falling from a tree there wasn't much to report apparently. Though I was pretty happy that Liminals were now getting credit for day to day heroics.

Eventually Satsuke moved off with the two of us waving goodbye to him before continuing. Later when we came back to the house I was dripping with sweat and almost desperately unscrewed the cap from my bottle to take a large gulp, Polt – with a single bead of sweat coming from her hairline – looked impressed as I heaved for air in the living room. Which would have helped my predicament could I see past the thudding of my heart.

"Wow! I see why Miss Smith thought you'd be such a great host; you know it takes real talent to do twelve kilometres after doing eight previously! That's like four extra after having done eight already this morning!" It was greatly encouraging hearing her praise, but I had to ask

"so, if that was your afternoon run, what is your morning run like?" I asked dreading the answer I was going to get

"oh! My morning us usually thirty" THIRTY I think I'd die if I do that! "but I was thinking of upping it soon though that depends on how busy I'll be with the Gym" well that's honestly true but… even more? Seriously what was Smith thinking that I could keep up with a Kobold that ran like what? A marathon a day? Plus, everything else!?

"s-so… do all kobolds exercise as much has you?" I slowly pulled myself up from my leaning, looking to Polt who seemed to be thinking about her answer…

"YUP!" why did I even ask…

I looked at the time, damn it was getting late. Alright almost time to start cooking, I looked at Polt who was busy stretching a little most likely cooling down. "so Polt, I'm going to cook food in a little bit, feel like watching something for now?" I asked, figuring we could watch the TV until night truly started to fall

"o-oh sorry, Charles. but I got to get some paperwork done for the construction of the gym." She said, and she actually looked a little sad that she couldn't but she perked up and said "a few days' time and it'll be furnishing time! Then you can come with me to see around and experience it!" ha that actually seemed quite nice, I was looking forward to that though I doubted it would happen so quickly, probably Polt's optimistic outlook kicking in there.

"alright don't worry, There's a desk in your room or If you would prefer to work in here I can keep quiet in my room" I offered, it wouldn't be long till I started cooking anyway so I'll go wherever.

"thank you! I'll just work in my room but it's so kind of you to offer!" she said in her usual chipper tone, racing off without another word to start her work I suppose. I flopped tiredly of the couch, flipping back to the comedy show I had found earlier it was quite long with a fair few episodes but maybe I could slowly work through it.

(-)

I'd finished one episode before I decided it was time I make dinner, Polt was still in her room so I let her be and heaved myself off the sofa. Making my way into the kitchenette I decided on a recipe I wouldn't need the guide to help me with, god knows I made it so many times during my time in the office. It took a bit longer than normal because I added the extra helpings of meat to Polt's dish, but in an hour I had two meals of spaghetti and meatballs ready to go. I hoped the carbs and protein would make it a good choice; I even had my typical addition of cheese ready on the side should Polt feel like it.

I called Polt for dinner while grabbing some drinks for the two of us, after waiting for a good minute and no appearance of her I grew a bit concerned, from what I knew Kobolds' hearing was a great deal more sensitive than human's so had she been playing music like… really loudly? if so that couldn't be good for her health.

Growing too concerned I made my way over to her door, finding it closed but I couldn't hear any music from behind it. I resolved to simply knock and peek through, I found Polt sitting at the desk in the room a laptop open in front of her and several large stacks of official looking paper around her, her brown hair was in a bit of disarray as if she had ran a hand through it many times and her right ear twitched every now and again.

I slowly walked up to her, when I was close enough to see her stuck on some form I reached and gently patted her shoulders getting a small jump in surprise from the kobold, I leaned down and gently said "how about you come down for dinner, take your mind off it then come back with a full – and hopefully happy stomach?" her ear stopped twitching and a smile grew on her face as I said that.

She stood up, thanked me and gave a quick hug before bouncing out the room to the table in a much more chipper mood. I followed behind her. Dinner progressed much the same as lunch with Polt looking like she enjoyed the food greatly and complimenting me on it again, eventually we finished and Polt returned to her work though she reassured me she wouldn't spend too long on it as it was getting late.

I opted to go straight to bed, the extra exercise today leaving me more drained then normal, so I happily hopped under the sheets after changing and a quick shower seeing as I forgot to go after the run earlier. In no time at all I was falling into a pleasant slumber and drifted off to sleep.