That made her feel better, honestly; being esteemed was not the same as being the object of obsession. Lakshmi nodded, smiling a trifle sadly. She couldn't help but feel a bit responsible; she hated causing pain to anyone, even unintentionally.
She laid a hand on his arm, wanting him to look at her. "I would still love to spend time with you, and I would still very much like to keep in contact with you. I was and am very fond of you, but right now, that is as much as I can say."