Practising Shelf-Defense

I work at an academic library attached to a university. Due to an issue with a software update, a scheduling glitch has occurred, and two people are scheduled for the same study table at the same time.

When they both arrive (pretty much both of them right on time) my coworker explains the situation and apologises. They both seem to understand and agree to share one side of the table each (they’re large enough for this, but only just).

About half an hour later, I’m walking past, and I can see the same coworker staring intently at the study tables.

Me: “What are you doing?”

Coworker: “Keeping an eye on those two sharing the table. They’re both convinced they can make the other one leave.”

Me: “How so?”

Coworker: “They’re both too polite to ask the other to leave, but it’s obvious they’re trying to make the other uncomfortable. See how they’re both gradually stacking textbooks to assert dominance.”

Me: “You’re a student at the university here too, right? What are you studying?”

Coworker: “Anthropology. Why?”