He needed to let her know she's just fine. This was most certainly the most effective way of doing it, especially since it was honest, not some empty platitudes... You know, romantic love is always half selfish. If his timing was selfish, then it was. Can't be helped.
Break
. 

This is PG-13!! We got a hug, but handholding ....Another ship sails into the sunset
HANDHOLDING WHEN