[ An astute observation about a relatively new friend; that doesn't escape Maruki's notice at all. Noted to bring up later...

He smiles at Eren, sets the tea down. ]

You're right. For a little while, I didn't feel quite so alone. It was a huge help, actually...

[ He slides off the chair then, moves to package up his own leftovers for Akechi.

He won't say that it was only a text conversation, that he was hardly going out and seeing anyone beyond whoever happened to be at the farm during his working hours. Maruki knows that isolating was a bad idea; he knew even as he was doing it. Did it anyway. ]

Speaking of not being alone, though. Are you going anywhere else tonight?