( he looks back down at his shoes at her first question. because, no, not exactly, not anymore.

but her next question earns a moment of silence. right when it's about to get awkward he begins chuckling, still staring straight down. it isn't the loose, crazy laugh he tends to let out whenever yata's concerned--it's quieter. perhaps no less unsettling for that fact, though. )

Ah, now it all makes sense. ( what is that supposed to mean? he's not telling, but he does look her straight in the eye. ) Declaring people important after just meeting them once again, are we? Thanks for asking my permission, but no. Someone like you isn't worth the effort.