I allow myself a small, private smile when he turns around again, pleased that my comment drew the reaction I expected from him. We have a push and pull relationship, and it's not always Ryouma that's doing the pushing.

"I'm very grateful that you seemed to value my life enough that you didn't set it to explode the moment I activated it." I comment, my tone dry, almost sardonic. "Still, I do wonder if you are intentionally delaying the progress of this new driver model."

I give a thoughtful hum. "Again, I probably don't have to remind you that that decision was yours, not mine."