[AH YES, the guilt trip that lingers on and on endlessly... Kaoru would be so proud to know that it had been so effective and in such a lingering way. A backpat of victory for himself!

But the smile stays in place as Kaoru's posture straightens, both hands coming to rest clasped together at waist level after the flowers are gone from them.]

Tenka-san would say something like that... But I have much to be grateful to you for. [hAH] And even if I didn't, it makes me happy to know you. I can at least thank you for that.