Hiro was a bit taken aback by the other’s words. He wasn’t sure why, but he expected the other to argue with him, that maybe they’d start a FIGHT. Almost something akin to volatile, the same way he’d probably be around Kyo-nii. He knew most people didn’t like his attitude, coming from a young and rude kid like him. He wondered if his INSECURITIES would be something he’d eventually grow out. That he’d stop and think before he spoke and stopped saying such rude things the way he often did. He almost says something sarcastic back, even though the other’s words didn’t warrant it, but he bit them back. They weren’t trying to start a fight with him, so he knew better than to do so. After all, even if he was initially irritated by them, they weren’t doing anything right that that made him feel that way.
“Why? I’m young, sure — but I ain’t a LITTLE KID. I can look after myself just fine.” Perhaps that was all his false bravado. Trying so hard to act like he was more mature than his age but only acting more childish than he intended. He wasn’t expecting the other to offer to walk him back to his place. He can feel himself stiffen at that. Outsiders weren’t allowed on the Sohma Estate, so even if he’d let them, he didn’t want to get in trouble, nor to put his parents in a bad place for an outsider coming to their house. “I don’t need a guide, I know how to get back to my own house, thanks.” He waved his hand dismissively. Not meaning for his words to come out SARCASTIC, but they did. A defense mechanism he seemed to develop to those outside of the Sohma household, outsiders who didn’t know of their curse. It was better this way, to keep everyone at ARM’S LENGTH.
Not a little kid? Well, they’d beg to differ. The boy looked like a kid and acted like one, too. But, Kaoru would keep their mouth closed. Better to avoid the arguing and instead, doing their best to focus on the real problem. Trying to figure out whether they should guide him home or somewhere more safe. “ Good. I’m glad you can look after yourself but y’know, it’s not a bad thing to let others look after you, too. Doesn’t mean you’re less capable of taking care of yourself. Everyone needs a little help and maybe some company, from time to time. ” They really were trying to make up for the bad attitude they had earlier. And also, trying to let the kid know that they really didn’t want to walk away from him. Not yet, at least. Kaoru felt iffy about leaving him alone without any adult supervision or some friends.
But their little mission seemed to be failing so far. His tone didn’t bother them too much. Maybe they were finally getting used to his type of behavior and speech. So, they stayed quiet for a second, trying to think of something to say next. Even if this was going poorly, they still wanted to help in some way. Or to figure out the boy in front of them. What was with the attitude? Why was he alone? Did he have anywhere to go? Did he have friends? The last question... They really hoped that he did. “ But what will you do if something happens to you during your walk back home? What if you encounter a scary stranger? Or you trip and fall, and really hurt yourself? Or... A monster pops out and tries to eat you? You see, with me as your traveling buddy, I can help with those situations. ” Kinda, their bodyguards were the ones keeping them safe which meant, the kid would be guarded as well. “ ...I can also treat you to something sweet? Ice cream? Crepes? Cake? ” They’re really trying.
