[He nods -- even if it wasn't the best news, it was better he know, on the off-chance someone else mentions it to him.]

[But dwelling over heavier topics could wait. He returns the smile with one of his own, answering without really thinking--]

Of course! I'd be happy to go with you.

[--and it's only after agreeing that he remembers this is a dick festival. But it's probably fine, right? It's just a cultural event, nothing more!]

But... I hope this doesn't give you too strange of a first impression of this place. This is a pretty weird festival, even for Nippon.