[ She wasn't going to take "no" for an answer, but it's still warming to her — how he takes her hand, how he doesn't refuse.

Well, except for one small part. ]

Oh, please. It's not on the professor's behalf! It's more . . . on the behalf of anyone I'd want to share a meal with.

[ Including him. Not the blanket term of "Claude" — him.

She gives his hand a playful squeeze before tugging him along, dipping her head to avoid another firefly. ]

Just be careful of these little guys flitting about though, okay?