[Malik has no intention of steering Ryou anywhere but to their new room, and he keeps walking at the same steady pace.

Ryou considered him his "friend", did he? That was useful. Not just for his goals and being able to use the boy, but because that meant any casual enjoyment he got out of him wasn't utterly one-sided. Like with Rishid, he did crave mutual company at times.

He was going to kill at least one of Ryou's friends, but he'd enjoy this while it lasted.]

There's no need. I can protect myself just fine, especially now that I can summon.

...Also. I said anybody else. That doesn't include me. [He was saying it more to get off the hook than anything, a small smile causing his lips to twitch.]