Kusamakura immediately moved away after he somehow managed to get only those words out. He by no means pushed him away or anything, so the way he ran away from him like one would from a c.o.c.kroach lowered his spirits.
“Um, s-sorry, I got too close.”
“No! T-That’s not what I meant&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;”
It is what he meant, but confirming that here and now would actually be even more strange, so Tatsumi just tilted his head vaguely.
“Um, it’s become warm, so I’ll remake the tea.”
“No, warm is just fine. I’m pretty thirsty.”
Hearing that, Tatsumi cursed himself for not making the tea first. He had invited a guest over after all.
Since Kusamakura was carrying both mugs, Tatsumi headed to his room with him. When he sat on his bed without hesitation, he felt Kusamakura’s gaze facing him.
“&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;you don’t need to use your cane?”
“If I’m in my own home, I’m fine without it. Of course, if there’s anything in the way, and I’m being careless, I’ll trip.”
“Huuuh.”
The first one to break the silence that fell once again was Kusamakura.