Ash lifted a wide-eyed focus to Mitri. Shit. She’d been too obvious. Her nerves had gotten the better of her, and she didn’t know how best to soothe them. Should she be straightforward, or deflect? Something told her that the latter option would only lead to more awkwardness. Better to just get it out. Besides, she couldn't help but feel a measure of guilt as she took in the concern in his expression.
“I’m okay,” she finally answered, forcing her features into a mask of neutrality; one that was swiftly belied by the bloom of color that reasserted its presence. She drew a calming breath, gathering her courage and her words, then continued in an honest flood of speech. “You just make me nervous.
“Maybe I’ve gotten the wrong impression, but I think it’s important that I tell you now: I want for us to keep things platonic. I really like you, and I think you’re very handsome, but I’ve only just moved here. I haven’t gotten a job, or started my classes. I haven’t got any friends. I haven’t figured my life out in the slightest, and I really need to focus on that - on finding my footing - before I start relying on another person in that way. I know myself, and I know that’s how I’d be. That wouldn’t be fair to you, either.” Not like he wanted a relationship, Ash - if anything just a casual fling!
With an exhalation of laughter, Ash brought a hand up to her face; cupping both temple and cheek in embarrassment. Face-palm. She felt better, though, and her smile - bright and relieved - likely said as much. “Sorry for unloading on you, and sorry for being ... presumptuous, or whatever. I know we it’s only been a few hours since we met.”
... Just how badly had she misread things?