[ The floor. His gaze is on the floor with an intensity that suggests he's in a staring contest with it. There's a moment where his eyes flicker back to Alhaitham's, a flash of shock behind carmine irises— an apology?— but then they fall away once more. ]

Which assumption? The one where I'd rather choke on rice than imply an interest in you, or the one where I wouldn't?

[ There's an uncomfortable shrug of his shoulders in time with the words. ]