[Sadly 'easy target for teasing' seems to be Emil's lot in life despite his best efforts. Granted, it probably wouldn't be so bad if he didn't have a tendency to flail about so much when embarrassed, but...]
Asking you out? What? No, that's not what I meant! I wasn't trying to do that!
[Voice]
Asking you out? What? No, that's not what I meant! I wasn't trying to do that!
[Putting his foot further into his mouth...]