Should I hit him with the rejection now or give it more time

F31/M32 - We met at a bar. Nothing romantic happened, but we exchanged numbers.

The next morning, he asked to set up a date. I liked how direct he was, and I was curious to get to know him more, plus I haven't dated in over a year and thought he was cute so agreed to it.

The date was...painfully boring. He spoke about himself the whole time. He didn't really ask me any questions and found ways to bring the conversation back to him.

We had nothing in common, though he seemed really into me, complimenting me and referencing future dates/introducing me to his friends.

It all felt a bit much, and quite frankly I don't want to see him again, even though he's handsome, I can't picture myself with him at all.

We left off the date with just a hug, I let him know im traveling for work and back next week (which is true.) It's now been a day since our date and he's already texting me to check in, which feels a bit smothering to me.

Should I just reject him right now?

Or politely reply to his message, and when he next tries to set up another date, then I can reject?

I feel so bad because he seems so sweet and excited about me. I know how painful it is to be rejected, so I'm dragging my feet.

I just don't even want to bother giving him another chance. There was absolutely no chemistry.