fingers cupped around the warm porcelain material that composed the Chagall cup. the little yet pretty cafe in the mall was crowded as ever, but all her focus was centered on the boy; who had been so kind to invite her after school, maybe hoping at the same time to keep the Leader some company - who, Mitsuru knew already, did work there as a part-timer. it was no official date, naturally. she was not in the right mindset for such things, still.
« Oh– no, no. Don’t fret over it, Mochizuki. Please. »
of course she was listening to his words and questions - at the best of her capabilities. maybe thanks to the tea’s influence, her concentration was partly restored. with its familiar yet strong taste, so different from the ones she was used to, usually. bringing the cup to her lap, she looked at him again, with curiosity filling her eyes - now, and attention.
« Is… something troubling you at school ? As council president,
I need to know of any problems. You arrived recently, after all. »
her concern works wonders to quell the anxiety that had once refused to let go. it was so nice to know that there was someone who cared, had enough kindness to comfort him and even ask if there was something wrong. he takes a breath to calm the fingers that he knew were only going to shake, shake, shake against the porcelain that radiates warmth against his touch, eyes shifting to glance down towards his tea.
“thank you.” the words are gentle, filled to the brim with appreciation as he lifts the cup to his lips for a sip. it’s only then that he lets out the sigh he didn’t know he was holding, fingers curling and uncurling before he places the cup back down on the table.
“have you ever just thought too much about something that it begins to become all you think about? or rather, it just leads to more thoughts you shouldn’t think about?” he places his elbows on the table and threads his fingers together, placing his chin right above his knuckles as he finally looks back at her with a smile that becomes apologetic.
“i apologize if i’m making our time unpleasant by bringing this up. would you like to change the subject to something more… fun?”
