"...You know, I never actually considered what happened after the ground swallowed me up? I was usually pretty focused on the idea of just completely aborting myself from the awkward situation so no one could see me jamming my foot in my mouth."

Hey, at least from his smile, it seems like he's trying to make a joke too, or at least try to laugh off his stupidity. Maybe it's a bit too rambly for a proper joke, a little too theoretical, but he seems to be a little less embarrassed, especially when he realizes just why she mentioned this person.

"...Huh. You think so? I mean, not going to say no to a new friend... didn't realize I'd made myself look that desperate when I talked to you, though." Rich, you were talking about people liking the real you and getting weirdly depressed about it. Of course she was concerned.