[b]Kotori Shirohane - Warakuma Streets | After School[/b]

Kotori's question was answered quickly and simply, thereby leaving no reason for either to remain any longer at the school. Turning on the spot, the two headed toward the main gate - the masses of leaving students thankfully having lessened at least a little compared to the usual initial wave - and from there, on toward the Shopping District. The walk was a quiet one for the most part - Kotori was hardly one to strike up a conversation by herself whilst Alexei remained similarly silent. That is, at least, until they left the school gate behind them.

Looking up - and noticing that recently, she only seemed to meet people either clearly taller or equally shorter than herself - she gave a questioning look as the older student spoke her name, not even having the time to add a curious-surprised 'Yes?' before he already spoke on, stating that there was another matter that he needed her help with. Barely blinking once in surprised wonder, Alexei already went on; asking her whether she liked flowers. Kotori blinked again once, twice in confusion at the sudden question. "Yes?" she answered tentatively, though truthfully - even as it sounded more like a question, given that she was unsure what he meant by it. Either way, though, it was just so - and also a reason why she actually enjoyed helping out at home.

The Third Year quickly went on to explain his question, going into her thoughts on the particularities of an Ikebana arrangement - whether, if being presented as a gift, it were better for it to represent the gifter or the giftee. Impassive as he may seem at first glance, he really was trying his best for his family's happiness it would seem - warranting a moment's thought on the matter, as Kotori guessed that it most likely pertained to, even before Alexei clarified his question further. A thoughtful expression crossed Kotori's face, a finger lightly tapping her lips as she considered the matter - it certainly wasn't a question that she got asked regularly.

After a moment's pause, Kotori answered: "I don't think there's such a big difference, really. I mean, if you wanted to give someone a present as a friend, that would mean you saw them as a friend, too," she explained her view of the matter, a little unsure whether if would be a sufficient answer given the more clear-cut question that Alexei had posed.