( the pat on the back doesn't exactly take him off-guard, but it isn't exactly met without any surprise. but, as for an actual indication of it, there's none. his body language vaguely shifts, his shoulders still as stiff and his posture rigid, but he does seem a bit more tense. though, as always it's transitory. a shift, before he recovers. still as stoney-faced as ever.

his eyes follow chuya's movements, and of course... the clear fact he seems so much more involved with himself and his own purchases doesn't go without notice. but, as for actual care??? there's none. he seems to regard the situation all the same, as he gingerly tips his chin downwards in consideration. ) She's a lovely girl, and there is nothing that's ill-suited to her.

( he says it... with a straight face. one that was probably much too serious for the situation. enough where one couldn't even imagine it to be a joke. ... and it's not. ) As for specifics, she mentioned that anything would be fine as long as I picked it, however...

Since it's her long-awaited return gift, I thought it wouldn't do for me to simply choose without deeper consideration. ( maybe from valentine's day??? somehow, this is becoming so much more questionable. regardless, he gives a brief shake of his head. ) However, since that hardly acts as a start to our quest—

White. ( it almost comes out suddenly. but, well... white had always suited miyuki... and her fair skin. )