Benefits of Education [Kiyotsumi/J.]

J. was a man of tradition, so he very much appreciated her correction. To others, it may have been seen as obnoxious or arrogant, but he had a title, one passed down to him from his father and grandfather before him. These weren't things you just threw away to make others feel better. Her respect toward that earned her points with him, points not normally easily earned. And what came off as mild panic when he complimented her caused him to sift through concerned thoughts. Had he done it wrong? Was it the timing or his word choice? He'd have to ask his sister later.

Her next words helped settle his nerves. He hadn't bothered her, but made her happy. That was the intent. The flawless movement of her hand through her wavy hair was something he could appreciate. He took care of his hair, and could tell she did as well, or she was blessed in that trait. Either way, it was a sign of a healthy, well-groomed young woman. She should be proud of her hard work. However, she stopped mid-sentence and he raised a curious eyebrow at her.

"Are you all right?" J. asked.

When he seemed perplexed by her sudden stopping mid-sentence, colour flushed brighter through Kiyotsumi's face than ever before. Of course, he would want to burrow into that half-comment she had made. Courage won out over cowardice now, though, and suddenly the words were tumbling from her lips at a rapid-fire pace.

"Oh, I just meant that my hair is usually nicer when I am going out for the evening. So if you wanted to see it properly then that would be the best time to."

Both her hands were now running through her hair, spooling through the strands with an alarming intensity. What was she even thinking? Making such a flagrant comment like that. Perhaps he would laugh it off as a joke, or correct her form again. Or maybe the ground would swallow her up.

The fact that it was possible for a woman to turn that red was beyond J,'s understanding of anatomy. And he did admit, with that color of hair, he was curious how she took care of it on a day she wanted to look her best. He brought his hand to his chin, wondering about any upcoming events she could attend. Did the academy do events like that? He read that schools did festivals and dances in the world of the living, but here? He couldn't remember anything like that from his time at the academy. He'd have to research. Then he'd have an answer for her.

"It is beautiful as is, however, I am curious about what you deem 'proper,' so one of these days, I might. We shall see." J said, oblivious of certain implications that carried. "Until then, make sure you continue your training, and keep in mind what changes you made here. Your stance, balance, and footwork all seem improved."

With much more on his mind than he expected, J. bowed his head like before, turned on his heel and began walking out of the area. His busy mind didn't even remind him to say goodbye. He wasn't being rude, but was distracted with thoughts of becoming a teacher here, wondering about dances at the academy, and even why a woman could turn that shade of red. All serious subjects and mysteries.

It would have been unbecoming of a lady in her position to expect a definitive answer, so perhaps Kiyotsumi should have been glad to have not been met with a blunt refusal. The uncertainty that he had offered her was little comfort, of course, and she was left hoping that she had not offended Jay. He seemed like the kind of man that would have spoken his mind had she done so, and he hadn't, so maybe that was good.

"O- Of course, Lord Saionji. Thank you for the tips and the advice."

She bowed again, keeping her head low as Jay made to leave, before returning to her new and improved stance and beginning a few practice motions. It was only when she was sure that he was long gone that she loosed a deeeep exhale and went to find a wall to lean against. What exactly had that all been? Would she even see him again?