[She sounds...almost genuine. Enough that Sakuma stops and considers carefully everything about her from her posture to her tone of voice before he finally speaks again. More calmly this time, but with his attention returning to the sea lions.]
It isn't.
[Not for anyone his age, anyway. And the fact she seems to think it is makes him wonder if she has any idea how old he is? He's perfectly capable of being here on his own, of doing things on his own, and praising him for something so simple feels more patronizing than it does rewarding.]
Coming here isn't difficult. It's...relaxing.
[One of the sea lions splashes into the water and disappears for a few moments before, resurfacing near a particularly sunny rock, it emerges once again and emits a watery sneeze. Someone passing by Lapis and Sakuma giggles at the noise, but otherwise makes no comment and keeps walking, probably on their way to one of the other habitats.]
You work here, don't you? You must still do it because you like it. That's the same reason I'm visiting.
i thought about it but it seemed too obvious
It isn't.
[Not for anyone his age, anyway. And the fact she seems to think it is makes him wonder if she has any idea how old he is? He's perfectly capable of being here on his own, of doing things on his own, and praising him for something so simple feels more patronizing than it does rewarding.]
Coming here isn't difficult. It's...relaxing.
[One of the sea lions splashes into the water and disappears for a few moments before, resurfacing near a particularly sunny rock, it emerges once again and emits a watery sneeze. Someone passing by Lapis and Sakuma giggles at the noise, but otherwise makes no comment and keeps walking, probably on their way to one of the other habitats.]
You work here, don't you? You must still do it because you like it. That's the same reason I'm visiting.