[ If only he knew that this meeting had Kougyoku was feeling so nervous. Truthfully, he's still feeling a bit unsure since their last interaction, but he's come to value Kougyoku's company (perhaps even thinking of her as a good friend now), and so, he tries.

It's a lot easier to chat casually over the phone, it seems. When she arrives, he gives her a nod in greeting, then a shake of his head. ]

Don't worry, I wasn't waiting long. I apologize if you had to rush over-- I guess I was too eager for a breath of fresh air.