Yeah, he'd ruined it. Kire all but jumped up, and Ruli felt guilt wash over him. Still, he remained sitting, teetering between trying to explain or letting herbert annoyed. 
"I don't," Ruli began, then hesitated. So what? He didn't have to invest. He could toss up his defenses and entertain her when she needed it. What was the worst he'd get out of it? More relaxed now and then?

Defeated, Ruli got up, offering his hand to her. 

When they were back in Űvano, standing outside of the house offered to her. "I told you, I'm no good at this." He excused apologetically. "Getting involved isn't my thing." He took a step back, toward the steps that would lead through the cliff to home. "Goodnight, Kire."