A simple thank-you turns into one misunderstanding after another as Sasaki unknowingly creates problems for Tayama, leading to some of episode's funniest and sweetest moments.
The episode 3 of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You starts with Sasaki standing at Yamada's register while holding a deodorizing spray, clearly trying to ask her something before losing his nerve. He gives up on the question, pays for his shopping, and leaves, thinking it isn't the right thing to ask while she's working. As he walks away, his thoughts connect his demanding workplace, his boss's complaints, and the deodorizing products he just bought.
Later, Sasaki meets Tayama during their usual smoke break and she immediately guesses why he bought the spray. Without hesitation, she asks if someone complained that he smelled like cigarettes. Sasaki is stunned that she figured it out so quickly and admits his manager scolded him for the smell. Tayama explains she noticed him buying the spray earlier, proving she had simply paid close attention instead of reading his mind.
Rather than making fun of him, Tayama calmly shares practical advice she once learned from a senior coworker. She recommends brushing his teeth after smoking before using a deodorizing mist on his clothes. Even then, she warns that some people may still complain, since she has experienced similar situations herself. Sasaki is genuinely impressed by how knowledgeable she is and thanks her for teaching him something useful.
Before they part ways, Tayama unexpectedly tells Sasaki to hold out his hand and gives him the deodorizing mist she personally uses. She insists it is already opened and says she has another bottle at home, encouraging him to keep it without worrying. Sasaki happily accepts the thoughtful gift, joking that using such a stylish product will make him feel fashionable. Tayama also explains that its scent is mild enough not to bother the people around him.
The playful mood continues when Sasaki asks what the mist smells like. Tayama mischievously tells him to check for himself because she has already sprayed some nearby. Embarrassed, Sasaki immediately refuses, insisting he is not about to lean in and smell her directly. Tayama laughs after realizing he completely misunderstood her joke, comparing him to a Labrador retriever because she expected him to sniff around without thinking twice.
The next day at work, Sasaki carefully prepares to use the deodorizing mist but quickly realizes he has no idea how much he should spray. While he debates the right amount, his coworker Suzuki notices him fussing over his appearance. Sasaki explains everything his friend taught him about brushing his teeth and using the mist after smoking, proudly repeating the advice as though he has become an expert overnight.
Suzuki becomes curious about the mysterious person who gave Sasaki such detailed advice, but Sasaki awkwardly avoids revealing Tayama's identity. Instead, Suzuki comments that the pleasant scent will probably make Sasaki's wife even happier than she already is. The friendly teasing continues until Sasaki confidently demonstrates the tiny amount of mist he believes should be enough before heading back toward the convenience store.
When Sasaki visits the store again, Yamada immediately notices something different about him. She smiles and casually remarks that he now smells like Tayama, instantly making Sasaki realize he must have sprayed far too much. Completely flustered, he admits he never learned the correct amount to use and apologizes repeatedly while Yamada struggles to hold back her amusement after her harmless joke unexpectedly embarrasses him.
Away from the register, Yamada quietly reflects on how her attempt to tease Sasaki completely backfired. Instead of laughing at him, she ends up feeling awkward herself after seeing how sincerely he appreciated her gift. Meanwhile, Sasaki decides he should properly thank Tayama for helping him, believing that a simple expression of gratitude is the least he can do after receiving such thoughtful advice and kindness.
Determined to repay her kindness, Sasaki buys a small thank-you present and heads toward the familiar smoking spot behind the supermarket. Instead of finding Tayama waiting there, he unexpectedly runs into another employee named Goto. Unsure who this unfamiliar visitor is, Goto immediately becomes suspicious and jokingly threatens to call the police, forcing Sasaki to hurriedly explain that Tayama invited him there and that they often smoke together after work.
Goto listens to Sasaki's explanation and slowly realizes this is the same cheerful customer who always smiles while standing in Yamada's checkout line. Even so, he still has no idea who "Tayama" is, assuming Sasaki must actually be talking about Yamada. When Sasaki describes Tayama's appearance and mentions that she said she was friends with Yamada, Goto quietly concludes that the unsuspecting customer is being completely fooled by her fake name.
Although Goto jokingly wonders if Sasaki has become Tayama's "sugar daddy," Sasaki quickly explains that he only brought a small thank-you gift. Since Tayama is still working, he politely asks Goto to hand the present to her instead. Goto agrees, and after Sasaki leaves, he can't help comparing the kind customer to his family's pet dog because of the innocent expression he always wears.
Not long afterward, Tayama arrives for her break, only to find Goto waiting with questions. He accuses her of secretly smoking with customers behind the store, repeating everything Sasaki told him. Tayama immediately denies smoking herself, but Goto reveals that Sasaki specifically asked him to deliver a gift to someone named Tayama. As soon as he hands over the package, he realizes that Tayama and Yamada are actually the same person, leaving him amused by how easily Sasaki accepted the fake name.
Rather than exposing her secret, Goto simply laughs and warns Tayama not to toy with such a genuinely kind man too much. Even while teasing her, he decides the situation is entertaining enough to leave alone for now. Meanwhile, completely unaware of what happened after he left, Sasaki imagines every possible worst-case scenario and worries that Tayama may have gotten into trouble because of his unexpected visit.
A later conversation between Goto and Yamada shifts the mood. Goto mentions that he switched from regular cigarettes because electronic smoking is viewed more favorably and saves him from constantly brushing his teeth and spraying deodorizer. Their chat naturally leads into the real reason Yamada wanted to speak with him, as she nervously asks whether it is actually acceptable for her to keep meeting Sasaki behind the supermarket.
Goto gives a surprisingly understanding answer. He explains that he has no problem with their meetings as long as they happen during personal time and never interfere with work. His only condition is moderation, making it clear that he will step in only if things begin affecting the store or the staff. Relieved by the unexpected approval, Yamada happily thanks him before returning to work with a smile.
Even after receiving permission, Sasaki still feels guilty about the misunderstanding. He returns to the smoking spot intending to apologize, only for Tayama to suddenly appear and catch him acting suspiciously. Once she explains that the employee he met was actually the store manager, Sasaki immediately asks whether everything turned out all right. Tayama reassures him that nothing serious happened and casually mentions that the manager said their smoking breaks are acceptable as long as they remain reasonable.
The conversation becomes much warmer after Tayama finally opens Sasaki's thank-you gift. She genuinely likes the cute present and admits that simply looking at it makes her smile. Instead of focusing on the item itself, she imagines Sasaki awkwardly searching through the store, asking employees where to find something suitable and wandering into sections he normally would never visit, all because he wanted to thank her properly. Sasaki is amazed that she guessed the entire shopping trip almost perfectly.
Although Sasaki insists she must be teasing him again, Tayama quietly says that thinking about his effort honestly makes her feel better. Unsure whether she is joking or completely sincere, Sasaki simply accepts the moment. Their comfortable conversation continues as naturally as ever until Tayama notices his cigarette ash building up and offers him the new ashtray she just received as a gift.
The episode ends with Tayama insisting that Sasaki use the ashtray correctly, repeatedly making him stretch farther while refusing to simply take the cigarette from him. The playful game goes on until Sasaki strains himself, leaving Tayama horrified when she notices pain-relief patches and realizes she may have pushed him too far. She apologizes over and over despite Sasaki assuring her that he is completely fine, closing Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Episode 3 with another heartfelt mix of comedy, awkwardness, and genuine care between the pair.
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Episode 3 delivers another charming balance of gentle romance and workplace comedy without rushing its pace. Sasaki and Tayama's conversations remain the heart of the episode, with every misunderstanding bringing them a little closer while keeping the humor natural. Goto adds an entertaining new dynamic, and his surprisingly supportive attitude gives the story extra warmth. By the end, the episode leaves viewers smiling thanks to its mix of awkward comedy, thoughtful character moments, and the growing bond between Sasaki and Tayama.
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