There was nothing good to find in gossip; it hurt to hear whispers at your back. He was a little surprised in how quickly the issue had become known, though. Visibly caring for these people was hard, and his concern had taken a long time to appear.
It didn't take him a moment to think of a probable solution to any embarrassment. But it was with surprise that he thought of it. He wouldn't mention it yet. Perhaps it needed more time to be straightened out inside his head.
He didn't go anywhere, hoping that by remaining he would show Toru he at least had company.