His eyes were so focused on the placid waters that he didn't hear the stranger's approach. Katsu narrowly avoided the impulse to jump, but when he turned to face her his hackles were raised. She was striking, with a pelt like an aurora sky, and he found himself eyeing it with curiosity - but he quickly blinked, hoping she wouldn't mistake it for a lecherous leer. Too late. She thinks you're a creep.
"Not swimming," he said stiffly, "Fishing." It was unfortunate for them both that neither of them socialized well, but Kat always made a valiant effort to at least be cordial and respectful as his father had taught him. He had intrinsic respect for elders and women, but the latter still confused him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a bright flash in the water and he tried to take the opportunity by diving quickly down, jaws agape. A splash erupted around him, his jaws closed on empty water, and he came up sputtering and dripping wet. Not swimming, huh?
He felt blood rush to his face and he directed his gaze back at the water, knowing he'd made a fool of himself and not fond of seeing the judgment that would be plainly written on her face - judgment that he was convinced would be there, anyway. "Trying to fish," he added, his voice strained with embarrassment but he hoped it made him sound cool and aloof. "Do you know these waters well?"
