First year student asked out by dining hall staff member (maybe??)

I’m a first year student (F18) living in res and on a meal plan. The staff are very friendly and since i’m there at least twice a day i’ve come to be familiar with many of them (small talk and such). Up until now i’ve always been happy to see friendly faces around.

The other night I was riding my bike when a staff member i’d never really spoken to waved for me to stop. We talked a bit and it didn’t feel much different from my interactions with other staff around campus. He asked what year i was in so i told him i am a first year that’s just gotten out of highschool and he told me he’s a graduate student getting ready to head into his phd (so much older than i am).

He had asked why students weren’t coming by to eat as much and i mentioned how many are busy with midterms (especially since we aren’t allowed to pack food and the dining hall closes at 10) so he asked for my number with the offer to pack dinner for me if i ever needed anything, then bring it to me after his shifts. I am pretty picky so I assured him all I’d ever ask for is pineapple because in my mind, I assumed that he was doing this out of kindness.

He started texting me, and I kept it surface level as he would ask the types of questions one would when trying to get to know someone. I maintained polite but mindful responses considering he is much older and not someone i’d typically look to keep in touch with as friends.

He proceeded to ask me to go out and, initially i had a hard time figuring out if this was hinting at a date, so i’ve put his wording down below (won’t take a screenshot cause he has said a couple things abt himself previous to this):

I’m thinking of taking a break from work and research—maybe catching a movie or grabbing some good food. Haven’t decided yet. If you’re free and feel like taking a break too, you’re welcome to join! No pressure, just putting it out there.

Last night he told me he packed an extra lunch and was wondering if i wanted it (i didn’t respond cause i felt bad but this is seeming like a lot for only texting for a day and a half). I ended up telling him i was fine in terms of dinner.

I’m looking for advice as i’ve been avoiding the dining hall for the past day but don’t feel it’s fair for me to be anxious. This may be his workplace but i live here and i shouldn’t have to feel like this. Definitely feel like a boundary has been overstepped. ( apologies for this long post but i genuinely don’t know what to do and don’t wanna cause alarm by asking an RA)

Edit: 1. “not inclined”= declined (quite literally) and 2. talked w/ my RA (she a real one) apparently this has happened to multiple ppl w/ multiple guys (in previous years too). Edit 2 : He had offered the lunch he packed after i told him i wasn’t wanting to go out.