[that admission actually causes Sonic to stop short, eyes wide with surprise (but without judgement? How did he manage that?)]

Wait, really? I usually hop in and out; this place is cool and all but there's just some things that can't be replicated, y'know.

You're not on the run from anything, are ya? Do you need help or anything??

[he is not using this as an excuse to delay running into water in these cramped tunnels, where his speed is a disadvantage and his mobility severely hampered. He is not, he is genuinely concerned!

... Okay, he's doing both, but his concern is real!!!]