[For half a moment, he thinks she means she knows the truth, and his heart skips -- although with fear or excitement for the challenge, he's not sure. Then he realizes what she really means and quietly deflates again, although he just nods uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck.]

I used to know someone a lot like this. Even if he's just provoking people now, if he's really unpaired... we should be keeping an eye on him, shouldn't we.