[it seems to take him by surprise, hearing something like that, and it's not because it's such warm sentiment from a person that he barely knows. the strange closeness that he feels toward her and from her has already made it difficult to look back over their interactions and go "wow, yeah, this is a little much". something else about it, though... he's not sure what or why, but it's surprising.]

It's nice of you to think that. It would be nice if it really did help, too.

[there's a gently teasing lilt to his tone, like he doesn't actually believe that it will help much, but he still finds the verbal gesture endearing. he glances back down at the tea within his cup.]

...You're a very kind person, aren't you?