she's asking the guy who literally wears a mask… still, houki feels the pressure, so he doesn't shut her down outright. "we… are as much friends as i am with anyone." which is to say, not much, but not nothing.
a low hum and she looks down at her hands, before she bats her lashes, looking up at him under a fan of dark lashes. that’s not what she wanted to hear, after all, houki still isn’t really talking or actively participating in their group, and lips purse as she looks at him. “then that just means that i need to be a better friend right? that means we’re getting dinner, houki. keep that on your schedule!” does he have plans? who knows, but chouchou is worming her way into them.