... You're really going to say that with a straight face?

[ he doesn't even know Belph's whole story, but he does know for a fact that the two of them are both a handful. As far as boyfriends go, they're both fixer-uppers, so to speak... Still, a smirk's returned to his face. Telling him the truth was definitely the right move. It feels less like a soft rejection and more like telling him he's on hold - or in competition. Knowing he's the second choice doesn't feel great; still, when the first choice is Belph, it's hard for him to be upset.

(He likes to think he's good at winning things, anyway.) ]

Fine. I changed my mind. I'll let you hold my hand. You'll just have to deal with the consequences.