Suit yourself, dude.

[ it's the same run-down ren always gives him, then, the few times ryuji's ever asked. for whichever reason, it's something he never wants to talk about all that much, so it's pointless to pry anymore out of him. it was a worth a try, anyway. ]

I'm just curious, 'cause it's you, and all...

[ because they're...best friends, of a sort? because ryuji has genuine interest? or perhaps he's simply always wondered how much face ren's parents truly lost if they saw fit to send him all the way out of the country for an alleged year-long rehabilitation. he's glad they did, for obvious reasons, but the same time he can tell how much of a toll it's taken on the guy, even now.

some things never change, including that urge to always look out for others. ]