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“Your presence is neither wanted nor welcomed. I suggest you leave. You're not invited.”
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“... I am, as always. Doesn't seem like the same can be said for you, though.”
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His thoughts were interrupted by her sudden invitation to sit beside her. He didn’t understand the purpose of it, but he complied nonetheless, rising from his seat and making his way over to join her.

“I don’t see the point, but here I am.”
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Dan Heng was someone who valued solitude, always preferring to handle things on his own without distractions. It surprised him how Kafka’s presence didn’t irritate him as much as he had anticipated. (↓)
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“Glad to hear it. There may not be much to do here, but at least it gives you a break from all those scripts of yours.”
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“...Don’t mention it.”

Compliments weren’t something he was used to, and while his expression remained stoic and composed, her words left a subtle impact. The sudden headpat caught him off guard, prompting him to raise an eyebrow at her. She could be surprisingly kind when she wanted to be. (↓)
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Given his narcissistic tendencies he noticed from the little time they've spent together, it was no surprise.

“I didn’t have the time to find a better picture of you. If you want me to update it, just send me one, and I’ll make the change.”
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“I’m sure this equipment is simpler than what you have at your base, and the environment might not compare—but our technology is more than sufficient for our needs.”

The archivist couldn’t help but notice Aventurine’s first choice of data—the page featuring himself. (↓)
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"If the others see you, I'll handle it. You're not here to cause any harm, and if they don’t believe me, I’ll take responsibility for letting you in."

Reaching forward, he picked up a piece of cake, letting the fork sink into the soft layers before taking a bite.

"What’s on your mind?"
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“Take a seat. Don’t you want to get a closer look? It’s probably a little different from the technology you’re used to.”
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