The Opposite of Love
Hojo was in love with Higurashi Kagome. In his own gentle, unobtrusive way, he was rather passionate about her.
His infinite gifts of herbs and all manner of "good-health" trinkets were the manifestation of this passion.
But, while ordinary and simple he and his methods may be, Hojo was not stupid.
He knew Higurashi-san was not ill nine times out of the ten that she said she was. But he liked humoring her.
It was easier than asking questions.
Hojo also knew that she was not in love with him. She apparently did not mind humoring him too.
Hojo could say he was content with the way things were.
Sometimes, though, he wished even if Higurashi-san couldn't love him, she would at least hate him. Hatred at least implied some sort of passion. Not those empty, polite, well-meaning smiles she always gave in his presence.
After all, the opposite of love is not hate. It is indifference.
And indifference is the worst rejection of all.
fin
"The opposite of love is not hate. It is indifference."-Mal Pancoast