"Hi, Max-kun, hi," Kozue started in a normal tone of voice, but almost immediately dropped into a whisper, realizing that they were supposed to be sneaking. Sneaking meant quiet. But that knowledge couldn't keep her from taking a spare moment to drop to the ground and rub the dog's belly. Just... it would have been impossible not to.
She stood up quickly enough, brushing a stray curl out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. "You're right, Hayashi-san. Let's go." She made an attempt to join in the serious mood, but it was very, very hard not to grin like a loon while in the presence of the adorable puppy.