Voice

[He was literally just texting her a second ago. There's really no reason it should have taken him four and a half rings to answer his phone. When he does, his voice is quiet, and a little heavier than normal. It's obvious he's trying to sound fine, but it only works if he's had more time to prepare. She'd caught him off guard.]

H-hey..! [His voice cracks slightly, prompting him to clear his throat and immediately deflect her.] Isn't it kind of late to be calling me? What will people think! H-haha...

[He's trying as hard as he can, but the strain is obvious in his voice. For someone who's a professional at burying emotions, he's having a hell of a time keeping it up right now.]