The irony is that the more physically imposing man is more susceptible to pushing. Potemkin is so submissive, he doesn't consider this treatment as something on the fault of others. All that's in his mind is embarrassment that he keeps bumping into people.

He feels someone's hand deliberately wrapping around his arm immediately because how different it is from all the other impersonal touches. When he sees who it is, Ky's efforts at supporting him seem to do their job, since he becomes still completely. Though Ky can't feel it through his arm, Potemkin warms up slightly at his face too.

Without any words he nods and stays by Ky.