[ Sharp as his ears are, he doesn't catch the clip in her voice. At first, he doesn't think he's embarrassed her until she brings the tray out with the matcha and matching paraphernalia. Her cheeks are a little red... It's easier to tell with her, what with how pale her complexion was. (Like Cloud was any better...) ]

[ "Do you think it is childish?" she asks of him as she sits down, Cloud following shortly behind her. As he prepares to take his seat at her side, patiently waiting for her to commence with the tea prep, he wants to answer what she said earlier. About it being her first time doing something like this with the onigiri. ]

Well you coulda fooled me. [ He sighs coolly as he settles in beside her. ] They look good for your first time.

[ But...childish. He wonders about that...and about his initial reaction when he asked if she showed these to her students. He half frowns, more at himself than anything else. The last thing he ever wanted to do was stifle her creativity or freedom. He doesn't touch the plate of little rice buddies yet, still getting a better look and wanting to wait for Ayaka to finish so they can start together. It was tradition at this point...and also something Cloud had learned when it came to adopting manners of this world and hers.

Was making little faces on the onigiri childish? ]

And... Not really. [ Onigiri plain, with little faces, in the grand scheme of things it didn't matter, he decided. ] Food's food, but... You don't just stop liking cute stuff when you get older.

[ Look at Cloud. Even if he's not the type to fawn over puppies or gush about things, he still couldn't help softly mutter that the little rice snacks she made were cute earlier. His hand briefly settles on her lap reassuringly as his smile returns with confidence. ]