[The look of regret in Penny's eyes is enough to break eye contact with her, his gaze wavering as he looks away. Although he had mentally prepared himself for an answer like that, for some reason hearing it makes him feel even more frazzled.

Even so, he understands...]

I'm fine with it. Take as much time as you need, Penny ... I will wait for your answer. And whatever it is, I will accept it.

[He wants to apologize to her for springing something like that out of nowhere, too, but he ends up biting his metaphorical tongue instead and continues to stare elsewhere.]