Of course he thought it was a joke and let it slide with a "hm?" but he was seriously annoyed. I mean, just don't say things like that even as a joke

For my tastes, I'd prefer plainer, or rather, more tasteful clothing

Or rather it seems, Kensuke arrived at the studio at the same that I and the other two were still coming

As a man, no a human being, you're the pits

The dining hall is directly adjacent to the lobby, or rather, from where you are, it's just three steps away

No, no. I mean to say that it has originality

Or rather, is it not just pathetic that I think such whiny thoughts like this