Souma paused, eyes widening in the wake of Galina's words. He rocked back at the table, chopsticks falling limp in his hand. It was a moment of surprise, then he recovered... and began to laugh.

Nothing quiet, no restrained mirth or threatening chuckle. No, what bubbled up through Souma's widening lips was heavy, rich laughter that rose from his belly. It was the kind that refused to stop once it began, echoing in deep melody throughout the room until his sides hurt and tears blurred his sight.

How long had it been since he'd laughed like [i]that[/i]? Not since childhood, it had to be. There had been so much to do, even then, but at least there had also been time to laugh. He and Ai had always tried to recapture those moments later on, always tried to find that same, relaxed peace, with no luck. Too much work, too many risks, and then they were a world apart, each wrapped up in their own respective tasks. 

Souma had certainly enjoyed his work, as Ai had hers, and their conversations had always been a welcome break from the world. But this? Now, between him and Galina? This went beyond any of those conversations, beyond all the little joys and distractions, reaching all the way back to those simple times of youth. This was [i]wonderful[/i], this was [i]refreshing[/i].

This was something, he could learn to love.

"That [i]is[/i] hard choice. Either would... be a challenge."

His grin was wide, genuine, and said nothing more in answer, Souma leaning forward in mimicry of Galina's own actions.

"But, who here tempts who? Lowly ruffian of... what was? [i]Deliciously[/i] filthy alleys? Or noblewoman with silver tongue?"