[to his credit, shalem does not cringe, pull away, or otherwise react negatively when mizuki grabs his hand. half of it is his acting ability, his strong control over his body to be someone else when he needs to-- the other half being so used to impromptu physical contact, in a world that encouraged intimacy.

though in that world, he would have offered his hand first if the other person was someone he likes.

even if mizuki is technically a coworker, shalem is still unsure of what to think about this young man. at the very least, he doesn't have a bad impression. he'll just let mizuki hang onto him as much as he wants.]

I'll have to turn all of that down, I'm afraid. [shalem offers him a small, apologetic smile.] In such an unfamiliar place, I'll need to pay attention to our surroundings.