Failed Isolation
Ritsuka nodded toward the boy who now had a name to his face, letting his words sink in while she herself sank into a nearby bench. It felt odd to be standing up and pacing about while someone else was trying to relax, after all. Perhaps eve rude.
Whatever the case, it was common courtesy to exchange information with someone who had just given their name. This person clearly didn’t seem to enjoy divulging information about himself, from what she could gather—so it could be considered important when he chose to do some. Simple as it may be, refusing to exchange information could go beyond a lack of courtesy; one could even call it a breach of trust.
She was making this more complicated than it needed to be. When making a business out of death, it was often difficult not to turn any situation into a life-or-death situation.
↬ ◤That would be preferable. …Ritsuka Kamata.◥
The rubix cube from before had resurfaced, twisting and turning underneath pale hands. This was not life-or-death. This was a puzzle. It was simple.
That was her mantra.
↬ ◤I apologize if my presence was bothersome before.◥
Yes, that would do for now. It seemed appropriate enough, at least—if not a tad unnecessary. If speaking was what was bothersome to Shizuka, wouldn’t vocalizing an apology further that frustration? Did an uncourteous act of courtesy negate the entire effect?
"Ritsuka-sama...I see. I shall remember that. As for bothersome presences before - it was no trouble. To see a fellow book enthusiast was a nice distraction from folk I have to tell to be quiet and not manhandle books. Or litter." That short, honest statement aside, Shizuka paused to adjust his glasses a moment, before continuing reading. "You may stay here as long as you so choose. I do not mind, as long as you do one thing. I am willing to respect your personal space if you do the same."
With that statement made, Shizuka paused to ensure he gave the lady enough space to read or do whatever she wished on her own, then returning to his book.
