[He clears his throat as he refocuses on the stranger. He guesses it would be easy enough to see him around, given how much he sticks out on his mountain bike. Thanks boon. He sounds entirely proud of himself as he answers,]

I guess I do stand out! I guess it has. There was a lot going on. Last month I ended up healing a bunch of messed up fairies, and then this weird magic cow transported me to the mountain town down the way. I stayed there for a bit before coming back... But now I know the area pretty well.

[He blinks, a little surprised that the guy saw through him so easily. He swallows, trying to look chill and burying his face in a cup of warm tea, but his heart is beating pretty fast now.]

Ah, uh, I mean... I came here with my...[friend] rival, Haruto, and he's kind of been in a magical sleep for a few weeks. They, uh... they said it's pretty normal, but it's always been bad news in the past. I guess I just can't shake it.