[ It's at least a little gratifying, that he manages to draw a smile from her, small and hidden as it is.

At her question, though, he chews on the inside of his cheek for a second. Then, ]

I dunno.

I think... if it's just playing along? Just keeping up appearances, so your father or your sister don't think you're up to anything? I can do that.

But— anything beyond that...