Mhm, [ encouraging, the nodding along, the hot exhale on a cool morning. Gojou used to have it too, that invisible buffer between himself and the rest of the world. maybe he still does. so does he. maybe they're all just young and self-absorbed. ]

And why shouldn't you? You're needed elsewhere. [ catch of flint on a thumb's callus, a flame from the lighter in his pocket sparks between them, beckons her to lean in and breathe deep, give into this vice with a smile that definitely implies it's in no way hedonistic. ]

[ annoying when he gets like this, isn't he? ]

Yeah. Both. [ the heavy conversation he's expecting isn't half as much as the one no one wants to have. ] But we can forget about them for just a bit, if you want.

Wanna dance? [ the hand that had held a flame stays ready, an offering of another kind. the dance floor is right there; isn't there something to be said about music and science's union through math? ]