Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House - Vol. 2 Ch. 9 - Kiyo-chan and Suu-chan

[MangaDex]

 

[kuro0102]

Kiyo is such a sweet girl.

 

[dexter_sinister]

I think the panel on page 10 is meant to show how Suu-chan felt guilty in getting promoted to a Maiko in front of her friend knowing very well that her childhood friend (and colleague) has been 'demoted' from a Maiko to a cook who helps aspiring Maiko. This is why she pulled her handd away. While Suu-chan can look forward to the glory of the limelight some day in the future, Kiyo will be forever stuck in the kitchen.

My guess is that this will be become one of the plot points moving forward.