"That sounds terrible," Nozomi commented. She worked back up to pace with Shoan, still taking laborious breaths every once in awhile. "Were you there?"

"A children's amusement park? How terrible," Nozomi said, completely stopping her pace. She lowered her gaze and then sighed. "Would you like to talk about something else? I don't want you to, well, be sad."

"You've been neglecting me? That's an interesting choice of words," Kitsu said, followed by an awkward laugh that was mixed with catching her breath.

"Oh! Oh, oh, we don't need to talk about that. It'd be kind of embarrassing."

"No, nothing like that," Nozomi corrected. She looked away sheepishly. "I get embarrassed talking about my interests out loud."

"Oh, no, no, even in private I'd be embarrassed." Nozomi looked around at potential eavesdropping folk before looking back to Shoan. "I don't really like talking about my feelings so much. Not the best for a miai."

"If you're worried about who to recommend me to, then I can help with that part, at least," Nozomi stated while holding a finger up just like a teacher. "What benefits the clan, of course! As we had discussed, the Crab and Dragon would do well, though the latter are, well, not present. Imperials are always a safe bet. The Unicorn are endearing, though I must admit, I find the Moto family... unsuitable for my tastes.

"As for the rest, Lion are, well, a comfortable pick. Minor Clans don't seem like they'd have much to offer, but maybe we'd be surprised." She leaned in closer. "The Phoenix we are not meant to mingle with." Then, a step back. "And that's it." The ones left unspoken for were left that way.

"Eh?" Nozomi stepped back, fanning herself with her palm. "I ran so much, phew." She bought more time, perhaps justifiably, by removing any fog from her glasses.

"To answer your question, it's hard for me to say who's at the top of my list," she said in a diplomatic way.

"No, no, nothing like that! I meant, like, there are numerous contenders, all from the clans you listed back to me."

"There aren't that many on the list. Just, well, it's embarrassing to name them anyways."

Nozomi smiled meekly. "That is what I'm afraid of, though. I might miss my chance due to hesitation."