[ It isn't something he doesn't expect. More, he's surprised that Ryuji's been so patient with his explanations. He's used to Akira listening to him for about ten seconds before losing himself to their surroundings unless he was something he was properly curious about. Akira was always patient, however. He teased him, sure, but it was something Ryo grew to like even if he wouldn't admit it to himself.

Even still, Ryuji's ability to be distracted overlaps with Akira's demeanor comfortably. Ryo just lifts his eyes again, the corners of his mouth not down-turned as much as they're drawn into a neutral. ]

It's not unmanageable, [ he says, eventually, contextualizing the meaning for him. Ryo neatly lays the last filter out by Simba's mechanical side and brushes invisible grime from his hands. It seems that no matter what he does, he doesn't accumulate filth the way a normal person should or would. He still looks pristine, his nails clean and neat despite the truly impressive build up that's present on everything he's taken out of Simba's open gut. He brings his right hand up to comb his bangs away from his eyes. It doesn't do too much, the wave of it instead curling up and tangling into the rest. He glances up at Ryuji again, clarifying. ] I'd rather not let just anyone cut it.

[ He straightens up, unrolls his left sleeve down his arm. ] Yeah. That one works. Simba, as the presumably younger and more dominant male, would have naturally taken the pride from the weakened one.