[Later, perhaps, he'll be able to think on it again, when he's calmer, and realize that it wasn't all bad. Maybe. But for right now, all he can think about is how almost panic-inducing something like that is for someone like him, and the only blessing is that it's a short hug. She releases him, and he takes a few hasty steps back, pride be damned.

He needs the space.

And he's still tense, though he manages to school his expression into something a bit less wide-eyed and panicked through long practice if nothing else, and he's barely even processed what she said. Was she thanking him again? Should he just--go? He doesn't know what to do now, and it's making it very hard to come up with a response.

Eventually, though, he manages to settle himself as best he can, clearing his throat.]

Don't-- don't touch me.

[Another step back, almost on automatic, and tenseness adds urgency to his tone.]

You... say whatever you want. Do what you want. It doesn't matter to me. I did what I had to do, but don't mistake it as care.

[He's seen that Otome is okay, hasn't he?

That's enough. An awkward beat (for some reason, he doesn't feel like he can just... leave, and he's not sure why), and then:]

I'm leaving.

[With that, he feels like he can turn and go, which he does hastily and without a lot of aplomb or style, in contrast to his typical prideful flair.]