It makes me look more pathetic, I'm sure.

[He pokes his tongue out a little, at the grin. But that's about all.]

Pity. I had very good ones, thank you.

[The change in tone doesn't go unnoticed. He traces the edges of his phone with a fingertip, processing that as best he can under the circumstances.]

You're incredibly optimistic about this, aren't you? Saa. Why should I say nothing?

... This isn't about aliens, is it?