yuuta hums in acknowledgement, unsure what to say about how ordinary folks view jujutsu sorcerers. sure, he knows they can't see spirits, but it's never been his worry to know how they perceive him and his peers. yuuta would save them sometimes, sure, or run into people when out and about on his off days, but they were the least of his worries.
when yuuta finally thinks up a reply, he's cut short by her next message, the sudden change in topic.
"huh?" he manages, closing his mouth once more, his eyes flickering between the message and the girl. "t-thank you?" it comes out as more of a question than anything, confusion evident in his tone.
"i'm only here with rika thanks to gojo-sensei..." he elaborates briefly before turning in his seat in an attempt to get a better look at his classmate. his hand unconsciously reaches for the ring on the necklace around his neck, holding it for a moment. why was she concerned about him and rika? did she want to be stronger?
"you're strong too, you know? we were able to finish our mission with your help," he adds. he isn't sure what she was getting at, but hoped he could reassure his junior at least a little. he chooses to relax in his seat, considering his next words.
he's still new to the whole senpai thing, so he tries to think of how others might treat this. maki would probably comment on how she's being a worry-wart; inumaki would utter a 'mustard leaf'; panda would find a way to offer surprisingly wise advice; gojo-sensei would somehow lighten the mood.
"you're lucky gojo-sensei isn't here. he would comment on your serious mood. you're one of us now so you don't have to be glad for me and rika. i hope you're happy to be part of jujutsu high."
"you don't have to be glad, though," he quickly adds, trying not to sound too pushy. "i just mean you don't have to worry."