[This is so impersonal. The part of Hibiki that cringes away and isolates herself is tempted to just leave it there. Her guess? Elda doesn't want an "I was wondering how you're doing."

...

...she comes up with a bizarre plan. First, she undoes her hair tie, letting her hair fall down. Second, she bunches up the ribbon and shoves it in her pocket.

And then she replies.]

Um...I lost my hair tie earlier, and I'm havin' trouble makin' it look nice until I can knit a replacement. Since your hair is always so beautiful, I thought you might have some tips? I don't know who else to ask!

[She remembers Elda likes being complimented?]