[ At least Thoma is a simple dog who will gently and happily hold onto his single hope while Ayato thinks himself in circles. ]

[ Aaand the not-flustering lasts for only a minute. He's quite sure he would have literally died if it had been Ayaka who'd come to check in on him. If not out of embarrassment for being caught in that position, then certainly by Ayato for letting himself be caught. ]

No-! I had hoped you would tell her, though I had also hoped neither of you would visit for worry of getting sick yourselves...

[ That plan hadn't worked in the least. ]

Ah- we could just say your clothes got dirty while you were here.

[ Which... wasn't a lie, a fact that Thoma realizes when his gaze flickers toward the discarded clothing. ]