[ Oof, called out. There was a slight flush that rose to his cheeks before he let out a laugh, trying to shrug off that mild embarrassment. ]

Yeah, I left a little early because I thought it was going to take a lot longer to get here...

[ That in itself wasn't particularly strange and he didn't know why he felt like he needed to explain it but he couldn't stop himself. ]

...I didn't want you to think I forgot or stood you up or anything, you know?