Someone was apparently involved in other thoughts, too.

Tsubaki smiled at him. “I’m Tsubaki,” she returned. “Nice to meet you.” Making conversation with her new seatmate was better than sitting alone or dismissing talk in favor of mulling. Like a distraction for distractions. Maybe it was the same for him.

And his name, Riku… Had she it heard it before...? No, no, she was sure she’d read it!

Instead of asking a general question, like how long he’d unfortunately been in Landel’s already, she lowered her hand into her lap, expression tinged with curiosity. “Riku-san…” she repeated slowly, adding, “This might sound odd, but are you by chance the same Riku who was writing to Sora on the bulletin?”