"Next time I'll make more time for my friends here." A twist of his lips brings a sheepish smile to his face. "I've never had friends to think about before. I... I'm not used to it."

The wink is a good idea, because he'd work to clarify that otherwise. As it is, he's allowed to move on to more questions and answers. He nods seriously. "It really is." Then he hesitates. "The reason why... is explained differently by different people."