[ There’s an echo of a smile back, though it’s far smaller and more subdued for Zechs. ] I want to find more ways to bring that smile to your face.

[ Of course, he blushed immediately afterward. It felt - embarrassing. ]

[ Talking about food is, at least for the moment, a welcome subject change. ]

Too many dinners endured with Romafeller for me to associate elaborately elegant meals as anything comforting, I’m afraid. I would feel as if I am wearing a mask once more.

[ Bluntly; ] I would find it both more comfortable and more miserable to be alone - I prefer having company even when it causes me discomfort. I have read that pushing past those sorts of uncomfortable moments bring greater growth, but I doubt those writers were ever magically compelled to tell the truth against their will.