[The other looking away doesn't escape Natsume's perceptive gaze and he tilts his head.]

I didn't mean to make you uncomfortABLE. And I understand that difficULTY, but... [He pauses uncertainly for a beat, face reddening and brows drawing together in an expression that's both stubborn and determined as he turns his teacup on in his hands for a few moments.]

I don't want to assume your preferENCES, but even if you would just like to hold hands to help satiate yourself for a short while I wouldn't refUSE. It would be preferable to you falling ill or WORSE.