Now there were only a few options available. The left wasn't one. The right wasn't either. Karkat would either have to roll forward or leap back. He would also have to time it just right, if he was going to take the forward option. One second late and he would get hit with both attacks, but then he would be able to turn on them. Their backs to him. Was it worth the risk?

Not entirely, as it would seem. Instead of going forward, Karkat waited until the last possible second and left backwards.