"Do we?" Maruki can't help but question somberly at the mention of we. He remembers how it was like when he used to include others like his friends back in college or when Rumi used to pull him into activities. She was the igniter, he was the wood- parallely growing and expanding along to her whims. He liked that a lot but he had never been the one to initiate.

And for Hamuko to just..."You remind me of my friend- Shibusawa. He's much more of an extrovert than I was and well- you are out here, picking friends up. Picking me up like I am some stray," he chuckles as he scratches the side of his cheek. This side of him feels less...pushy. Less out of place. It's somber and quiet like the gentle sigh of a breeze. "...it's a refreshing change."

"...oh, right! The pinky, pfft," he waves his hand and finally finally reconnects with Hamuko- one pinky looped with the other. "You are welcome to share whatever troubles you and...I will communicate my grievances. To the best of what I can share. Pinkie promise?"