He's in a damned if he does, damned if he doesn't moment. If he continues on, he's walking in a verbal landmine, at least in his head. If he does what he has, he risks upsetting Inej. Though, given her tones, he's already done just that. Splendid start in this place.

He doesn't hesitate, moving to one side, nearly pressed to the wall, giving Inej space if she chooses to sit with him and not leaving himself in a place where he might endure panic.

"You're not interrupting and I wouldn't have invited you to join us if I didn't want you here. As for my direct answers..." Because he wants both of them to hear this. "I doubt you have need for my compliments, and I won't damn you with blatant lies. You have classic Fjerda beauty which many find delightful. Subjectively it isn't my taste but I can recognize it when I see it."