[ Yukong expects it's also because Phoenix had been worried about making anyone feel bad for not naming them, or for getting someone's hopes up, and so on and so on. Granted, she avoided being put on the spot like that herself due to her early luck, but she can imagine how it felt.

And... hmm. So her instinct was correct, then. She shakes her head. ] Please don't be embarrassed. I didn't mean it that way, but it does provide some additional context. You were grievously betrayed your last partner, so I suspect you would do well with someone who you feel you can trust implicitly. Or am I assuming too much?

[ Clearly this experience had an effect on Phoenix, if he hasn't been with anyone since then. ]

To be honest, it's been quite some time for me as well. I imagine we've been caught up in caring for our daughters.