The Cynn let the silence hang for a moment before addressing Liya again.

"We'll leave you alone, then," he said simply. He turned again towards Yoshi, who had froze. "Yoshi?"

"Yes!" Yoshi squeaked, jumping to his feet.

The Cynn moved quietly towards the door. Yoshi retrieved his bag and scarf from where they'd been sitting on top of the table; he hesitated, looking at Liya, who stood quite still with her shoulders hunched and her hands clenched around the folder of papers and her furious eyes full of tears.

"I'm sorry tonight wasn't much fun," he whispered, and gave her a one-armed hug. For a brief moment she pressed her forehead against his shoulder, gritting her teeth. "I'll make it up to you."

They left her then; Yoshi had just closed her door when the Cynn spoke up again.

< Well! > he said brightly. < If it isn't Shinobu's pride and joy. >

Yoshi looked back, alarmed. The Cynn actually smiling slightly, hands on his hips, neck craned to get a good look at Yoshi's face.

< You're so tall now! > he remarked. < I'll bet you don't remember me at all, you were so small when I last saw you. So, > he added, wryly, < what should I be helping you with, then? >