He isn't sure. He has his doubts, actually. He likes to think that he isn't some sort of waste of time, that he could prove to be valuable to others without also providing too much to worry about. But in his life he had only really made one friend—someone who had meant everything to him—and he's, at this point, convinced that that one friend reviled him for just that. His confidence is shot, and as much as he wants to improve so that it's no longer an issue, he isn't sure. He's not self-assured by nature. It's a constant fight.
So there's a hairsbreadth of a delay before,] No, [slightly rushed.] No, you aren't.
[He resists the urge to look down, away, anywhere but where she stood looking up at him point-blank, both the way she looked and was looking at him feeling particularly raw.] ...Sorry. [For the misunderstanding, for his abominable lack of confidence. He can't help but mention it.]
honestly how dare you
He isn't sure. He has his doubts, actually. He likes to think that he isn't some sort of waste of time, that he could prove to be valuable to others without also providing too much to worry about. But in his life he had only really made one friend—someone who had meant everything to him—and he's, at this point, convinced that that one friend reviled him for just that. His confidence is shot, and as much as he wants to improve so that it's no longer an issue, he isn't sure. He's not self-assured by nature. It's a constant fight.
So there's a hairsbreadth of a delay before,] No, [slightly rushed.] No, you aren't.
[He resists the urge to look down, away, anywhere but where she stood looking up at him point-blank, both the way she looked and was looking at him feeling particularly raw.] ...Sorry. [For the misunderstanding, for his abominable lack of confidence. He can't help but mention it.]