[ Quiet thanks mumbled quickly over the bowl before he tucks in. Maruki doesn't pay a lick of attention to Akechi or where he's looking, focused solely on trying to force his stomach out of knots so he can enjoy the dinner he worked hard on.

But he knows. He doesn't have to look to know what Akechi's seeing. ]

Hm?

[ He glances up at the question, follows his line of sight. ]

Oh, those? They're fine. I just wanted to be sure they were completely dry before I put them away again.

[ Casual. Calm. Offhand.

So very curious. ]

Why, are they bothering you?