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[Right][sub] Tags: [@Feyblue][/sub][/right][hr]
Kenichi held in a sigh as Oyuki bowed to him, apologizing profusely. While a small part of Kenichi's mind was pleased at the thought of the local yokai being scolded, he wasn't sure how to feel about the overtly formal apology. More than that, from the tone and emphasis in her apology, it didn't take long for the apprentice to realize that she was taking personal responsibility for such a simple fall. Kenichi parted his lips to protest verbally, but he found no words to form. He wasn't sure how to reassure her. As he clutched at words, she spoke once more. He gave a small smile at her offer to let him rest.

[color=f6989d]"No, no... I could not ask of more hospitality than a spot to sit a moment."[/color] The doctor's apprentice took a small step forward up the steps, his heart thumping from the recent excitement and physical exertion. His thoughts fell on her words as he continued trying to craft a coherent response. Something was nagging at the corner of his mind, but that could wait. [Color=f6989d]"As for my business... um... medicine. I... brewed more than I anticipated. It is designed to help alleviate symptoms of a cold or sore throat, and would do best when mixed with some tea and honey. This should remain fresh for use for about a month or so."[/color] As Kenichi's mind focused on the medicine, he felt his social anxiety slip away for a moment. His words flowed like a river, and he spoke with the same confidence he had with any patients he treated. He felt his left hand rise and fall naturally as he gestured with his words.

For a brief moment, Kenichi had begun walking up the steps with surprising ease. He showed no sign of pain or discomfort as his mind was focused on explaining the medicine. He stopped as his words did, and reached into his satchel to quickly produce a small vial. He held it out in Oyuki's direction for a moment. [Color=f6989d]"With all of the work you do for the village, I thought you might be in most need of a dose if you awoke with a sore throat. It would buy you time before..."[/color]

The realization hit him like an axe striking a tree. That tone in her voice had finally registered as something being wrong. It was a sort of timid and rehearsed politeness that a young man with more self-awareness would have recognized all too well. Kenichi had instinctively pulled the vial back towards himself for a moment as he tried to find some way to acknowledge this development, before realizing he hadn't even finished whatever thought he had before. Kenichi's eyes turned upwards towards the hill as he spoke more to the general air than to Oyuki. [Color=f6989d]"I have caught you at a bad time. Of course..."[/color] Kenichi turned his gaze back towards Oyuki for a moment, before holding out the vial once again whilst bowing. [Color=f6989d]"My apologies, Lady Oyuki. I did not think of how busy you must be. I do not wish to take up more of your time, and hope you do not take offense at my refusal of your hospitality. I would not dream of interfering with your duties here."[/color]