Ooh, was he embarrassed? Anise's grin widened at that reaction. It was nice that she could once again make time for some good old-fashioned teasing. "Well, if you insist, I'd be happy to be your friend!"

But no sooner had she said so, than the intercom buzzed to life and the shift change announcements began. She'd just finished eating, so it wasn't the worst timing. "I guess it's time to go. Let's talk again sometime, okay?" Even if she was partly joking earlier, she really did want to make more friends, and Tsurugi didn't seem like a bad guy so far.