[Another interesting wrinkle to this rendezvous is the fact that Whelk's soaring, manic high spirits have effectively formed Kunimi's first impression of the young man. Sure, he was surly and standoffish at the dating event, but Kunimi really meant it when he said he understood. Anyone with any skill at making people warm to them wouldn't need speed dating to find potential partners.

Now, though... charisma has been rolling off Whelk in dazzling waves ever since they met outside the event. Kunimi feels less like he managed to turn a lemon into lemonade and more like he plucked a diamond out of the rough, which is also influencing him to stay a bit longer, share a bit more of himself. How differently would things have gone if Whelk hadn't met him outside? Even if they'd been connected by the organizers of the event, would they have been able to rekindle their initial spark? There's something a bit eerie about how well the pieces have fit together.

Then again, this might just be how it feels when two compatible people find each other. Kunimi certainly wouldn't know from experience.]

Well, I'm not teaching you that. I need to keep some of my novelty. [Despite the self-deprecating edge in his words, Kunimi's tone stays light.] You hardly say mine at all, by the way, it's not a very fair exchange. Kunimi Akira.

[He makes a small "now your turn" gesture.]