Chapter Text
During lunch, it suddenly came to me that I'd forgotten to ask Rui about the possibility of designating specific times for anyone to interact with the chickens.
I brought it up with him before I could forget again. He was a little hesitant at first but I told him it was just an idea that I thought could be done, and that it was all up to him if he wanted to go with it or not.
Rui set his fork down and pondered over it for... an uncomfortably long amount of time. I was starting to think he'd fallen asleep while sitting when he said that he'll think over it and give me an answer soon.
I hope I didn't come across as pushy... I'd hate for him to feel compelled to do something he wasn't willing to. I told him as much before we parted ways in front of his room, but he reiterated that he understood where I was coming from and just needed some extra time to think about it carefully.
I hope that's really all there is to it.
Rui dropped by near the end of the work day to tell me his answer.
It was a no.
He kept his head low and was very apologetic when he was speaking. I told him it was perfectly fine. I was happier to know that he could be frank with me, and told him that he didn't need to apologise for standing his ground. His smile was slow and uncertain. It was like I was watching someone test the waters before dipping their whole foot into an icy pool of water. But the unspoken gratitude was conveyed nonetheless.
Rui excused himself and turned to swing the door open after that. Before shutting the door fully, he popped his head back in and stuck his tongue out at me, declaring that he still wouldn't lend the chickens to me even if I asked. And just like that, he was out.
I couldn't help but laugh after I replayed what had happened in my head several times before everything clicked into place.
You really ought to learn how to express your thanks properly with words, Rui. I'm afraid my heart may not be able to take your awkward attempts at being genuine much longer.