[ She's not sure whether it's her imagination or not, the way his voice seems to gentle. Not enough for her to think as though he's approaching a wild animal or a sensitive topic, but something a bit more pensive. ]

Mikotoba-san and I are just acquaintances, Sholmes-san. I don't know if he would call us friends, though I do appreciate the offer. But if I were to earn your friendship, I would prefer to do it through my own merit, rather than through any perceived connections.