[center]
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/dt17rGTz/447183dd7cc5ade8f836bee572351f52.png[/img][/center][Right][sub] Tags: [@webboysurf][/sub][/right][indent][hr]

...He really was too nice.

Oyuki fidgeted and nodded along with his little explanation, for a moment distracted out of her overwhelming worry by how unexpected it was to receive such kindness unasked. Most of the villagers had little to do with her outside of problems with the local youkai or commissions for her sewing work, after all -- and for the most part, she had just as little to do with them. If there was a problem, she'd address it herself sooner than troubling anyone else for their assistance, and of course, her duties preparing for the festival were no different. It had always been this way. Since she was being relied upon to prepare the shrine for the festivities and to ensure everything went smoothly, she would just have to make more time to ensure that she could fulfill those expectations -- even if it meant beginning her work days or weeks in advance. It was always hard, and tiring, and sometimes even frustrating to the point that she was glad when it was over. And yet, seeing the warmth on the faces of the visitors to her shrine, even if she didn't have a place among them, always made her feel like it had been worth her while.

...And yet now, that same warmth was being directed at her. "With all of the work you do for the village," he had said. He had noticed. He acknowledged her effort, and was glad because of it. Before she knew it, a small smile had reached her lips, though it was hidden as she lowered her head in a gracious bow, hiding her partially-reddened face beneath the brim of her hood.

[color=#19CACA]"You have my sincerest gratitude. It's... very thoughtful of you to go so far out of your way for my sake -- particularly when you no doubt have many pressing duties of your own. The chilly season hasn't quite gone away, after all, and I'm sure there are many who want for your services."[/color]

She managed to give her thanks, but faltered for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. Her usual answer would likely have been to try to refuse something she couldn't easily repay, but after seeing the fall he had taken and hearing his concern, there was no way she could say no to his gift in good conscience. But she also felt a bit... hesitant to just reach out and take it from him, even as he offered it to her. There was something about the warmth in his smile that set her heart on edge. It was an unfamiliar sort of feeling that thawed the icy dread that had clutched at her, and yet that warmth brought with it its own weight. The emotion she felt in that moment was one she could neither put a name to nor immediately comprehend how to deal with. It wasn't... unpleasant, but... at the same time, she felt ashamed of herself for receiving such generosity and not being able to immediately give back more. He was just so...

...But, before she could continue this line of thought, the mysterious emotion she felt vanished and gave way to a much plainer variety of shame. Even a blind woman could have spotted the moment when Kenichi caught on to her unease, and the kind, warm atmosphere gave way to one of bashful awkwardness. She had hurt him. All because she'd been too preoccupied to address him properly, all because of all the times, this had to happen right here and right now. Her heart sank as she quickly shook her head, raising her hands and trying to explain -- but when she did, it took several moments for any words to come out. What would she say? Would he believe her? No, before that, even if she trusted him, this wasn't something she should tell anyone! The panic that it might cause if the messenger's words were to get out... She needed to see Takamori first! But then what? It wouldn't do to tell a lie -- the spirits held no respect for those who dealt dishonestly. So, instead, she fell back on what information she could share -- and upon the action which came most naturally to her inadequate self.

So, stammering over her words, she hastily apologized, her hooded head bobbing up and down in a sequence of hasty bows as she tried to salvage this miserable situation without alienating one of the few people in the village she dared to regard as a dear friend.

[color=#19CACA]"Ah -- erm, no, that's not... That is... This [i]is[/i] a bad time, but not because of anything you've done, so please don't apologize! It's just... an unfortunate coincidence, that we happened to meet at such a time. I have business with the elder and was just planning on going out, and I hadn't expected to get any visitors -- least of all yourself, Masaki-sensei, and... I just... I felt you deserved a better reception than I can currently give you. I didn't mean to be rude. I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry. You went so far out of your way, and I can't even show you the decency of receiving you right now..."[/color][/indent]