[ Problem-solving over sentimentality. If that isn't familiar. It had been the root of several conflicts with TB, but K thinks better of saying as much. Even the ring he gave K is designed to monitor android-relevant vitals when worn — of course it had to serve a practical function, too. The loss of the technology god has also meant losing the only person who tended to the aspects of his maintenance and health that he can't do himself.

What Dirk says makes him wonder... but it'd be entirely too much to ask of him right now. Especially when K worries being a science project to Dirk might ultimately convince him that he's better off pursing something with another human, or at least a real person, rather than investing any emotion in something artificial like K. Problem-solving over sentimentality. What if Dirk reaches that conclusion regardless?...

The surprising sight of Dirk without his glasses before and how extremely uncomfortable he had seemed has spurred K's curiosity, and it makes the eye contact now feel more significant somehow, as brief as it is. It's something he wants to ask about but isn't sure whether it'd be appropriate right now; he's trying to tread carefully.

But watching him fidget makes K wish he could reach out and take Dirk's hands in his. Offer some kind of comfort. Physical connection. Something. ]

I may have noticed what you're describing in your interactions with other people. [ He acknowledges with a gentle note of humour in his tone. The underlying question being, what makes him different, or more deserving of better treatment? ] Ult Dirk showed me one of your memories with Dave. A transcript? About a "lightning round". I hope you don't mind that I read it. A lot of the context was lost on me, but I thought it was a good memory.

[ Getting to see that side of Dirk. Knowing that there's more to him than what he presents to most people. ]