[Linhardt may have a lot left to research on the topic of love, but it's obvious that he has definitely been doing his homework. The words that leave him so easily are... honestly the sort of thing that would probably catch Hubert completely off-guard if he weren't expecting it, but since he was expecting it, it's totally fine. His brief hesitation and the way his gaze darts suddenly is definitely a part of the act.]

You flatter me. [Strange how even the breathlessness comes so easily.] Though I find I can't bring myself to complain too much. Try not to make a habit of it, or someone's likely to catch us.

[It's for the person who is passing by - selling the act and making it sound like something that's supposed to be kept secret. Gossip will spread like wildfire, so this will undoubtedly reach Caspar's ears eventually.

Still... There's something about all of this that is... different than what he was expecting. He's not really sure he can't place it (he's not really sure he wants to place it) so Hubert pushes thoughts like that aside and does his best to lean into the role he has to play. He brings his hand up to rest beside Linhardt's, just barely brushing their fingers together. He's fairly certain this is entirely too scandalous for Lorenz, but it should sell the act well enough.]