Why was this guy so affected by such a statement? Sure, he
was one of said housemates Ichimatsu had professed to not care about just
moments ago, but they didn’t even know
each other that well. Startled by the sudden appearance of tears, the
fourth-born’s eyes widened slightly as he tensed.
It was easier to reject than be rejected, so Ichimatsu’s
intention had been to keep his distance for the sake of his own well being – not make someone cry.
“W-Wait, what’s with that reaction?”
Ah, looks like that cold facade had melted away a bit in his
confusion.
“N-nothing, it’s a normal reaction to, to unwarranted… unwarranted whatever! Indifference! Unconcern!”
And with this Kyouhei scrubbed furiously at his face with his robes, grimacing at the rough texture where it touched the now tender skin where the salt tears had fallen.
Once he was sure his voice wouldn’t crumble under the weight of his voice, he turned to look at the other Hufflepuff, smiling sadly.
“No one is making you hang out with me, Ichimatsu. If you… if you want to hang out with someone from another house I’m sure you’d have no trouble. You’re easy to be around. M’sorry for taking up your time.”