[In the same way that Kaoru didn't know exactly how to deal with the gift that Sen had given earlier, he doesn't know how to handle an apology, either. It's been years and years since he's heard a genuine one, an apology with actual meaning behind it instead of mockery, and he doesn't know how to take it at all. He's trying not to stay silent for too long to keep Sen from worrying, but it lasts for a while this time - at least half a minute - as Kaoru tries to fight back the strange tightness of his throat that prevents him from speaking.
When he does, there's a gentle waver to his voice that she might have difficulty picking up on if only for the low volume he continues to speak at. Denial is at the tip of his tongue, or perhaps the less offensive "I don't understand"...
In the end, the topic is simply too uncomfortable for him to face down for any solid chunk of time. His fingers knit anxiously into his kimono again and he shakes his head even though it can't be seen.]
Asking for forgiveness is not necessary at all, I promise you that. You risked yourself for a person like me, and now... Now you've been given misfortune for your troubles.
[The days when Kaoru cries are dwindling, but not yet buried. She may hear a pitiful little sniffle before he continues.]
I went back to see if I could fetch your bag, too, but it was already gone...
[The first gift he'd been given in years and he couldn't even protect it.
Still, a part of him wonders if it's better this way. Sen seems like such a kind and warm person, going out of her way for a problem that had nothing to do with her, but he can't shake the consuming fear that if he did still have the bag, she would demand it back. No one wants a troublesome friend. If he does find it again, he thinks he may simply forget to tell her.]
no subject
When he does, there's a gentle waver to his voice that she might have difficulty picking up on if only for the low volume he continues to speak at. Denial is at the tip of his tongue, or perhaps the less offensive "I don't understand"...
In the end, the topic is simply too uncomfortable for him to face down for any solid chunk of time. His fingers knit anxiously into his kimono again and he shakes his head even though it can't be seen.]
Asking for forgiveness is not necessary at all, I promise you that. You risked yourself for a person like me, and now... Now you've been given misfortune for your troubles.
[The days when Kaoru cries are dwindling, but not yet buried. She may hear a pitiful little sniffle before he continues.]
I went back to see if I could fetch your bag, too, but it was already gone...
[The first gift he'd been given in years and he couldn't even protect it.
Still, a part of him wonders if it's better this way. Sen seems like such a kind and warm person, going out of her way for a problem that had nothing to do with her, but he can't shake the consuming fear that if he did still have the bag, she would demand it back. No one wants a troublesome friend. If he does find it again, he thinks he may simply forget to tell her.]