[ Well, this isn't exactly the first time he has managed to misread the kind of air or where things happened to be heading in terms of something as delicate as this.

Though, he certainly has a different approach to things that he is seeing has more or less ended up causing quite a bit of a misunderstanding. To the point where he thinks it is certainly upon him to clear it up right away.

He too does not quite move, just yet. ]

My apologies, Solomon.

I do want to make it clear that I do not merely see you as something to be conquered. I would also never wish to do something to you that you do not want.

I will confess that it was entirely on me for not being careful enough.

[ He certainly won't go ahead and try that again right now. He hopes Solomon can definitely believe that, even if it was definitely on him for mistaking that little test for him wishing to prove his interest to this extent. ]

I earnestly do and have enjoyed your company. This has not changed, even now.

[ To that end, the last thing he wishes to do is make him believe that he sees him as less than that. Or sincerely uncomfortable, though it is most certainly a bit too late for the latter. With this, he does gently let go out of his hand, and step back to give Solomon space. ]

With that said, if you are still amenable, my earlier offer remains, as it is, on the table.

[ He means in reference to the conversation about his student and the like; proving, perhaps his head isn't exactly in the clouds or otherwise empty. Though he will not begrudge Solomon for thinking otherwise of him. ]