K hasn't known much kindness or affection in his life, and has never had the luxury of taking these sorts of things for granted, so any crumbs of either that he's given are very significant to him. Even better if they happen to be the truth. Plus it can't hurt to encourage Viktor with any of these softer emotions he feels, especially right now.

"Sounds like it's an astral-date, then. We'll find out together."

Now he knows to refrain from trying to pet Adele with wet soapy hands, so he just continues washing the robe when she reappears. He'll make it up to her with fish in a bit.

"Your magic might be able to affect me in other ways," he says thoughtfully.

Since we're able to do this now.