The feeling of his hand on hers is a welcome one, and Rita responds by giving his arm a small squeeze. It feels natural to be close to him like this...

"What do you mean?" she asks, watching his face carefully. This Rita might not care much about what others think, but fortunately for 9S, he happens to be the one exception to that. Whatever he’s thinking, even if she might not agree, she can trust that he really is thinking of her.