( wide-eyed surprise says that the question's unexpected, whilst the open-mouthed pause says that marc doesn't have a ready answer. marc does not lack in confidence, but self-esteem and self-worth are wholly different matters. compliments are not something marc does well, are not something marc has heard especially often, are certainly not anything he imagines being part of a first conversation (or, in truth, any conversation).
surprise, then, gives way to reticence, gives way to— )Charismatic.
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surprise, then, gives way to reticence, gives way to— ) Charismatic.
( unpleasant yet charismatic? sure, why not. )