He chuckles softly at her surprise and disbelief. "Yes, really. You seem quite different from what I've heard about demi-humans in stories." He pauses again, searching for the right words. "Perhaps we could... get to know each other better? Spend some time together?" He hesitates, unsure how she might respond to such a suggestion.

His hand remains extended, waiting patiently for her reply.

He smiles warmly at her response, relieved that she didn't reject his offer outright. "Wonderful," he says heartily. "How about we start with dinner tonight? My treat." He glances down at the bag of apples in her hands before continuing, "And perhaps you can help me decide which ones are good and which ones aren't?"

His smile widens, revealing a pair of perfectly straight, white teeth. It's a genuine expression of happiness and curiosity;