[a strange thing happens when she reaches out to touch his shoulder - and that's that Kaoru jumps a little when she comes into contact with him. he doesn't seem to notice, it's so small and seemingly instinctive, but it's definitely the first time that he's ever reacted like that to any sort of physical contact since she had first arrived in her old home.

but he's far too absorbed in the idea of this horrible clan to pay it any mind even if he has noticed it. something about that - "it's not dangerous for me" - doesn't sit right with him. if it wasn't too dangerous for her, why would she be making this request at all? why would a person with her face be in trouble? doesn't that imply that she would be in trouble? he'd fold his arms across his stomach in a habitual gesture of irritated anxiety if it weren't for the bags he's holding, but the agitation manifests even without him doing that.]

...I won't make you carry that burden. [the burden of him getting into a situation that's over his head and ending up hurt because of it. the idea makes him unreasonably upset, thinking that she might not be able to forgive herself because of something he's done.]

But just accepting something like that - I can't... How can you live like that? With people who force you into these situations...? [he shakes his head, and while some of the anger dies away from his expression, there's definite lingering tension.] You shouldn't have to spend your time around people who mistreat you.