#[ also!! i had herja say emailing instead of texting because apparently every mobile phone sold in japan ]

[causalitylinked]

    Given the fact she was such a hopeless romantic, hearing Rindo confirm he meant it in a platonic way did admittedly sting, but at the same time, Herja believes it was for the best; after all, even if he did happen to reciprocate her crush on him, she probably wouldn't be able to juggle both work and romance at the same time. To that end, she'll then wave her hands this way and that to assure him it was alright. "I-It's fine, truly! I simply have a habit of getting lost in my delusions; besides, it was my fault for daring to get my hopes up to begin with," Herja insists before furrowing her brows and perching her curled fingertips beneath her chin in pensive rumination.

    "...Interesting. Then since there isn't a dress code, I shall wear what's most comfortable according to the weather at the time," she decides. Of course, aside from gym clothes or fitness wear, Herja didn't exactly have any outfits that weren't considered professional attire, but she figures as long as it wasn't too hot or cold, she could pull off a green wool pantsuit without drawing too much attention to herself.

    "Still, I never realized cafés were establishments that contained beds for customers as well. Why, it makes me wonder exactly how big Enchante must be if there's enough space to house both a dining area and living quarters... but I digress! Anyways, regarding the matter of location... would you be comfortable picking me up at a condominium apartment called Sadohara Flats? It's near Sotobori-Dori Road... though, if you would much prefer me emailing you the address, I have no qualms doing so." Naturally, she'll begin pulling out her phone just in case Rindo required an address, but held off on doing anything until he either told her he knew where that was or needed a proper address so he wouldn't get lost.

Rindo smiled sheepishly as she went through her outburst, preparing to apologize for using that word again. It was a little frustrating how he kept making that mistake knowing the implications it held to her. But that smile faded a touch when he overheard her muttering about returned feelings. He wondered if he was really leading her on with all of this, though he couldn't deny the way his own heartbeat seemed to quicken at the knowledge.

Even still, he knew better. Even if she was involved in his life now, he didn't want to get her deeper in than she had to be. And he lived a dangerous life. What was he going to do if he was killed on the field someday? What was she going to do if she lost him to a nonhuman...? Type 3 nonhumans were still a major problem in the world, even if their most recent debacle had been held with Type 1s. Or even worse yet, what would happen if he somehow ended up in the same situation as Shizuku...? He didn't even want to consider that potential.

Furthermore, there was also that to think about. Herja didn't know about Shizuku yet, and if they were to enter into a relationship she would almost certainly have to learn at some point about it. How would she feel about him then? Would she hate him? Would she demand he do something about it? What about Mikado? Would she do something to him, too...? He hadn't even hidden how he felt about Shizuku or her current form in front of Kotone. He certainly wouldn't do as much in front of Herja...

Even if he cared about her, even if he wanted to entertain the idea of a relationship, it was just too risky...

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I keep using that word when I know how it makes you feel. I do mean as friends, as usual, and I will endeavor to stop using it if I can. I don't want to hurt you at all. As for what to wear, you can choose anything you're most comfortable in. I myself will likely just be in something like this, since I'll technically be on work duty. Enchante is a classy establishment, but since everyone who frequents it lives there, the air is very casual. Next Saturday... Yes, I think that'll work just fine. I'll set up my calendar to make sure I'm going to be visiting on that day. Would you like me to pick you up from anywhere?"