"That would be nice," Howl agreed immediately. "Hot chocolate's great. How's tomorrow for you? I have the day off." He hesitated, and covered this by putting Kalay's money into the drawer of the desk. "I'm sorry, I haven't gotten your name. I've been very rude, asking you someplace without introducing myself properly. My name's Derek." It was getting more and more difficult to keep up the act. Not because Howl was becoming tired--no, it was this blasted new conscience he seemed to have gained! Years before, he never would have cared much for the feelings for others. He was the most important person in any situation.

What did it matter, what Kalay's feelings were after she found she had been fooled? And why did he so genuinely care if she liked him?