[look at his dumb fond face. KAORU SURE IS, and that statement earns him a gentle, chiming laugh.]

It's a kind thing to say, though there are also those things that "putting one's mind to" alone can't accomplish. [HAHAHa...h a..... There's nothing to outwardly indicate that it's meant in a negative way, though. Both hands, previously resting in Kaoru's lap, rise to gently rest against the surface of the table.]

But I do like to try, regardless. I'm very grateful that my efforts in this case can be shared.