"Good morning, Souren." It's apparent Kosei is stifling a yawn as he voices his greeting before he settles into the plush chair of the dining table.
"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"Alright, I suppose." He smiles sheepishly. "I'm not quite used to waking at this time, but I'll adjust soon."
Souren tilts his head. Isn't this a normal time to get up? "What is your typical routine, then?"
Kosei waves his hand absentmindedly. "Oh, it fluctuates. Mother always tells me I ought to have a better sleep schedule, but." He shrugs.
"I see." Souren takes a sip of his soy milk, swirling the cup around as he ponders how to continue the conversation. "So you came here to study?" he asks lamely. "What fields are you interested in?"
"History. And classic literature."
Souren had assumed that Kosei would elaborate on this, which had been why he'd asked; people generally enjoy talking about what they're interested in, he assumes. But it looks like Kosei isn't adding anything else. Odd.
"I see. Well, we have many texts in our digital collection, a private library of sorts. I can show you how to access them later, if you'd like."
"That would be splendid." Kosei says cheerfully, then reaches across the table to grab the teapot.
Oh right, the food. That can be a talking point, can't it? "I asked the serv-bots to prepare some dishes from the Lianxiu region today." He'd thought of this last night, in his be-a-good-host efforts. "I hope they're to your liking." He does hope, because otherwise he will have to doubt the variability of the rest of the information he got about Kosei.
"Oh, yes, they are. The lotus seed bun — quite delectable. Some of my favorites, in fact."
"I'm glad."
"What is Souren's favorite food?"
Souren blinks, surprised by the question. "Out of these dishes? Or in general?"
Kosei hums. "Either."
Souren considers for a moment. "Well, I guess in general it would be walnut candy. But I don't know, would you even consider candy a food?"
"I think it counts," Kosei nods thoughtfully.
Unsure how to continue, Souren reaches for another steamed bun. Thankfully, Kosei is the one to continue the conversation this time; he probably needs this diplomacy relations thing to work out as much as Souren does. "What are your favorite landmarks in Huaqing?"
Souren chokes a little and coughs.
~~~
["Oh, and Souren?"
Souren stops his hand from where he intended to end the call, after his parents have finished giving him more information about Kosei and the visit.
"Yes, Ma?"
"It might be difficult, but," she pinches the bridge of her nose. "Try to avoid giving too much away about your… sheltered upbringing. It might raise questions, and…"
It does raise questions, Souren thinks. I've always had questions, and have those ever been answered?
He says nothing, though, other than, "I understand, Ma."
He's about to tap the "end call" once more when his mother quietly speaks again. "I'm sorry, Souren."
He looks up.
"I know it's been hard. If only…" she trails off, and after a long moment, she finally repeats, "I'm sorry."
Souren is now thoroughly confused. "What—"
His mother shakes her head and braves a smile. "It's nothing."]
~~~
"Are you alright?" Kosei's concern is apparent.
"Yes, uh, I'm fine. You were asking about favorite landmarks?" Souren repeats the question to stall, because he doesn't know what to say besides, I've never been to any landmarks. I rarely leave this house, which has been established as unacceptable. Finally, he settles on, "Not a landmark, per say, but I love going to the night festivals. They happen every month, in the big square not far from here."
"Oh, that sounds like fun! When was the last one?"
"A week ago. So next will be in three weeks."
"Mhm."
"Do you often go to these festivals?"
"Yes, I go just about every month."
"Wow, that's dedication. Impressive!"
Souren knows this was meant to be teasing, but he flushes. Perhaps he grasps a little too tightly to the rare outings he has, chasing the wisps of memories. But that's another matter.