"... Did something give you the impression I'm not?"

He hesitated a few seconds before giving that remark which was neither admittance nor denial... But Minato was genuinely curious what it was that led to the assumption. Being easy to read was not something that he was eager to add to his checklist of traits; if it was just Ace's instinct speaking to him, he would take to that better than any self-perceived vulnerability.

This is such a strange thing to say without even the smallest motion at turning or establishing eye contact, but... Minato lowers his face, signifying his focus--if you could call it that--was no longer on the distant horizons.

"It's good to see you."

Continuing to be a mostly-avoidant oddball up to the end of the year, your patience is appreciated, Ace.