The Awkward Art of Saying Goodbye in Japan

"I tried disengaging from the conversation. “Well, it was nice talking to you!” I said. My student just stared at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue. After a moment of silence, I tried again, “Yeah, it was really good to see you.” A blink. One more time, “I’m looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!” “Yes,” he said. In the end, we went for tea and I was late to my post-meeting plans.

Where had I gone wrong?"