I... [He really didn't want to have to deal with that expression...] Kikuchi-san, you're being really nice worrying for me.

[It isn't so much hesitation as it is trying to piece the words together that makes him pause. He knows exactly what he feels, but with her, he feels like he should chew on his words more.]

But I can't let my team down. I know I said I'll lose, but it's more like we'll all lose. And I really don't want that to happen again.