[it was tricky, trying to sneak into the tunnels without trying to draw much attention to one's self. Not that Xiaolang had any issue being quiet-- he was very, very good at that-- but maintaining his focus on the burning talisman in his hand, willing the flame to be small and inconspicuous, while also going at his stiff, awkward gait was tough. It might have been easier to use his phone as a light source to navigate his way to the entrance, but the white light would have stood out like a beacon in the dark. With the talisman, he could at least shield it with his hand a little, until he got inside, although it needed concentration...
... which, of course, gets completely shattered once Ochako's flashlight shines upon him. He flinches in surprise, and the flicker of fire on the paper suddenly flares up without warning.]
WAH--!
[Quickly, he drops the slip of paper to the ground (hopefully without setting anything else on fire), squinting through the beam of light. The voice was familiar, but it's not until he can properly see her face that it registers.]
... Ochako?
[Oh. Well, thank goodness it wasn't somebody older, but she still wasn't someone he was eager to run into out here. His nose wrinkles a little and he makes to pick up his dropped talisman, although it's... difficult, given how much it's on fire now?? SHOOT.]
Nothing. It's none of your business.
[... this certainly does not look like nothing, Xiaolang--]
no subject
... which, of course, gets completely shattered once Ochako's flashlight shines upon him. He flinches in surprise, and the flicker of fire on the paper suddenly flares up without warning.]
WAH--!
[Quickly, he drops the slip of paper to the ground (hopefully without setting anything else on fire), squinting through the beam of light. The voice was familiar, but it's not until he can properly see her face that it registers.]
... Ochako?
[Oh. Well, thank goodness it wasn't somebody older, but she still wasn't someone he was eager to run into out here. His nose wrinkles a little and he makes to pick up his dropped talisman, although it's... difficult, given how much it's on fire now?? SHOOT.]
Nothing. It's none of your business.
[... this certainly does not look like nothing, Xiaolang--]