fish are friends. { kouen }
This is what it felt like to be nagged? He experienced it fewer times than most during his childhood and even less in adulthood; then again, he was a mild mannered boy during his childhood, most parents would think that a blessing. Kouen leaned against the door frame; he cared not to be nagged by some woman he’d just met. “… Yes, I’ve taken your feelings into account, that’s why I apologised.” He sunk his fingers into his hair, followed by a small sigh—tell a woman what she wants to hear, only to nag him some more. Saying he was sorry was something he rarely did.
Was it her turn to observe him now? Trying to figure out his standing status, no doubt. The same dubious smile would reappear on his face. Her opinion of him matter to some degree and of course if she’d permit him, then he’d like to know more about her and other like her. A great opportunity has arisen, a chance for Kouen to further indulge his desire of knowledge—no, he’d make sure to make good use of the situation.
Tatsumiya. A nice name—very ordinary, not what he was expecting, but he’d leave that part out. “Hm… Tatsumiya.” It was given that she’d ask for his name in return, and he’d gladly give it. Fortunately enough for him, titles didn’t really matter here—he’d exclude it from his introduction. “Kouen Ren. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He folded his arms and continued. “I can see you’re concerned about the well-being of yourself… and your friends, but I also care not to hear your worries at the door. That being said, you could join me on a stroll… since I lack the latter.” Not waiting for her reply, he closed the room behind him and walked past her. A good walk could do him some good, plus he could etch his way into Tatsumiya’s past.
"...A pleasure, sure." She's not entirely sure why he's doing this. He could've left it alone after his apology. She'll humor him though, just to see where this goes and how far it will and she didn't even have time to protest or give an excuse as to why she couldn't join him, so she's stuck. "...Erm," Nothing but jumbled words leave her mouth as she tries to think of something to say to him, anything really. "You sure...come off rather strong."
It was intimidating, she didn't know how to react and she couldn't refuse his invitation now. "I suppose I'll..take a stroll with you." Hands behind her back now as she walks behind him at first, but she speed-walks just enough until she's by his side. "I worry for my friends because we are the only people of the sea here. It is hard to fit among the land dwellers, after all." Her worry was justified, as no one around here looked friendly to be exact. "...And what of you? Do you have friends that you wish to protect as well?"
She didn't wait for him to answer and instead she posed another question, "And where do you come from exactly? We all have somewhere we originate from. I'm curious." Probably shouldn't ask these things to a stranger whom you've just met, but she was bold and willing to take the risk.
