Awkward Unsilence
Kana had gone to the ladies' room, and Shigure was socializing at the bar with someone he knew, so now, Mayuko was stuck at the table with Hatori, who smoked in silence.
Worst double-date ever.
"Um, you're a doctor, right, Hatori-san?"
Hatori took a long drag, then exhaled. "Yes."
"So, uh, why do you smoke? Isn't it really bad for your health?"
He took another, longer, drag, and a long exhale, this time with a smoke ring. "Because when I smoke, I don't have to talk."
Mayuko blushed in embarrassment. 'What a jerk! What does Kana see in this guy?'
Author's Note: Come to think of it, that's as good an explanation for Hatori's smoking habit as any. When surrounded by perpetual talkers like Shigure and Ayame, any excuse to avoid talking is a good one.