[He's so used to seeing Fuuta reduced to embarrassment that the bite in that retort surprises him a little. Aak can imagine Fuuta saying something like that to his real face. He'd probably laugh at it. So, even this person he recognizes, he'd keep secrets from, huh? The inquiries were just annoying probing from someone who didn't have the right to know?]

[But it's not annoying enough to let go of his wrist, or run away in a huff. There's a little moment, the tiniest moment, that he actually feels a bit of respect for Fuuta's maturity in the matter.]

[It definitely derails his train of thought, where he's envisioning this shrinking violet, for Fuuta to then assert that he's a man and has to watch his own back. There's a moment he's looking at Fuuta and just looks befuddled.]

[He could keep up the act, get some free food, and possibly learn something more about where the older boy came from. But there's something so funny about the situation they're in, and the advice he's being given, that it becomes irresistible to act up.]

Worry about myself...

[he takes a step forward and brings his other hand up, tucking it under Fuuta's chin and keeping the other's face pointed at him]

So, if I did taste something here... it's my job to take care of it, right? And you'll do what you can to "help"?