Aron too caught sight of Eden. And as soon as he saw Eden getting up to his feet, he turned and took off.
Aron left the refectory, and Eden soon followed. Helen sat there watching the two of them leave. She didn't bother going after them; she simply continued her meal.
---
"Wait, stop—" Eden said as he came to stand in front of Aron. The two of them were now outside.
"You..." Eden panted, both hands on his knees as he looked up at Aron. "Why are you running away? Why are you hiding?"
Aron said nothing; he simply adjusted his glasses.
"I helped you..." Eden stood firmly. "Shouldn't you at least be grateful... Say thank you? Maybe?"
Aron stared at him for a while before he said, "Thanks. Now can you leave me alone?"
"..." Eden raised his eyebrows. He guessed he wasn't so friendly or social. "What's up with the cold response?"
"Can you... perhaps leave me alone? I don't want any attention. I just want to stay quietly and alone. But you're not helping matters at all."
