[the way that Kaoru watches her is very careful, but it's also much more open than his expressions used to be. over the years, he had gotten very accustomed to keeping his guard up. he watched others sharply but kept them at arms length, allowing very little of what he felt or thought to show.

now, though, his curiosity is something he wears openly. who wouldn't be curious about something like this? a stranger with his face... a girl who can't be much older than himself, who carries herself in such an elegant, refined way - it takes him a second to redirect his thoughts, but that question is enough to prompt it.]

Oh— Yes, I am. [a nod! he reaches out to place the brush on a nearby table so that his hands are free. in a gesture that she might find familiar, he clasps both of his hands in front of himself. however, there's no air of anxiety or nervousness present as had always been the case when he had used it before (because he had always used it when he was wearing his facade).] Please don't consider it ill-timed. I'll do the best that I can to help you, even though I'm only an apprentice... What is it that you need?