[ A ticking timebomb; that's what Ryo is. As if to serve as a reminder, he goes stiff at the question, blunt nails digging into his own palms. The urge to strike out is terrible. Maybe it shows, but it's gone moments later and he looks away with a sharp turn of his head. Perhaps he's searching the crowd for the only familiar face here. ]

I would never intentionally hurt him. I'd rather die. [ His attention returns to Simon. ] I don't need to defend myself to you.

[ It's conversational, if not a tad clipped. There's a hint of defensiveness beneath it and in the way his lips thin into a grimace. ]

That's between he and I. I'll ask that you don't try to interfere if you know what's good for you.

[ Listen he's not dead. He's just being mildly threatened. ]