[ Precisely, she's given enough reasons for him to now speak confidently about his plan that presented itself as a merely vague idea before. He doesn't want to make it sound more complicated than a simple request that it is, unable to carry any more weight of misguided feelings and emotions. No, he has to remain straightforward about the way he phrases it all; his own awareness is telling him that much. ]

Without hiding behind false pretenses, I would like to ask you to accompany me, even if only for a short while. I've already considered telling you earlier, so this has nothing to do with tonight...--

[ For a second, he glances to the side. ]

--... Except for one thing. Just now, I've realized that I would rather have you refuse, than live with regrets. That's all.