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Ritsu walked carefully along the streets, being careful not to get into anyone's way, no matter how much it slowed him down. It was difficult when he kept his eyes glued to the sidewalk in front of him, though, and he'd almost run into someone twice now. He'd apologized profusely with a red face each time, while skirting around them and hurrying away.

Now, he was passing by a shop filled with wind chimes, and he slowed to look in the display. The windows were open, allowing the breeze in, and the various sounds they made could be heard. High-pitched glissandos came from the small metal ones contrasting with the hollow, mellow sound of the wooden ones. The larger metal ones emitted bell-like tones, and there were even some that were made from glass that made fragile, delicate sounds.

He wondered if he should go in. His room had a window that had a nice breeze... but he might break something. He was so clumsy and pathetic...

People passed by as Ritsu wavered back and forth in front of the store, frozen with indecision.

Ritsu's eyes opened wide in horror, and he watched the other pass him to hold the door open. He'd been blocking people's way! Even when he did nothing, he managed to screw things up!

"I'm so sorry! Please forgive me, I didn't mean to be in your way, I promise I didn't mean to! It won't happen again!" he apologized profusely, bowing deeply and going rather sickly pale..

Not wanting to offend the guy anymore, Ritsu scooted inside the door and then stood off to one side, looking like he was afraid to move anywhere. The lovely chimes could be heard much better now that he was inside, but the timid boy was certain now that he would break something.

Then he remembered. He hadn't said thank you. He bowed again, quickly, saying, "Thank you! For holding the door, I mean... I..." He trailed off, and kept his eyes firmly glued to the floor, and his hands were clasped low in front of him. "I'm sorry," he said again, since it was what came naturally, even after all this time with Rime and the others.

"My name is Ritsu, Ellic-san. It is a pleasure to meet you," Ritsu said with another bow. Inside, he was surprised. This boy wasn't mad at him?

I thought that was just Rime, he thought, though some little portion of himself berated him with all the other people who hadn't been belittling towards him. His mind flinched away from that part of him, though he only put on a nervous smile for Ellic.

"I was only looking a little, they're so beautiful, I couldn't help it. I like the way they sound, but... I don't want to break them. I'm so clumsy... I should probably leave, before I do break something," he said, eyes downcast.

He wanted to edge out the door, but his feet stayed glued in place. The chimes really were lovely, and Ellic had been nice to him. It would be so rude to just leave, especially since he'd hinted he wanted Ritsu's help. He peeked up through his bangs to judge Ellic's disposition.

Ritsu looked once at the door, but he allowed himself to be led further in, since it appeared that Ellic wanted him to stay around. One comments in particular gave the saru food for thought.

Careful? Me? But... he decided not to debate the point, and instead smiled at the sounds the chimes made when Ellic tapped one.

He reached out very gently towards a silver one, with many silver rods of varying lengths. When he pushed it, they swung back and forth in sequence, making a glissando of sound that made him smile unconsciously.

"You're right, Ellic-san." he said, turning to the other boy. They were more durable than they looked, with all their delicate rods and slender strings.

"Which one do you like?" he asked, looking around. Nearby there were some of several different sizes, including one that was as tall as an adult! Ritsu wondered a bit what it would sound like, but didn't want to upset the store owner by playing with them too much.

Ritsu turned around to see which one Ellic was pointing at, and smiled at the whorls made by the grain of the wood. It was very pretty, too, and he traced them for a moment with his eyes.

As Ellic reached past his shoulder to unhook it, Ritsu jumped slightly. He hadn't been paying attention, and he lowered his head a bit, peeking out of the corner of his eye through his bangs at the other. He listened to the mellow hollow sounds of the wooden chime, and spoke.

"It is beautiful, Ellic-san. I like them both..." he said, and stopped when Ellic began to speak.

His expression became one of surprise, and he blushed a bright pink. A gift? For him? "Oh! Thank you very much, Ellic-san! But it isn't neccessary! I don't want to be a bother!" Ritsu turned towards Ellic and raised his hands up, fingers splayed in a gesture of denial. For, despite the meaning given to the chime by Ellic, Ritsu was still unconvinced deep down.