['Good boy,' his ass. As Mal may have learned just earlier in the day, he's not all he seems to be, no matter how convincing the 'regular stupid kid' act is. He's got some observation of his own to do before he can start spouting theories. As it is, Ethan may not be a threat, but who knows if that'll change.

He glances back over to her at her approach, but he doesn't really pull away or anything. There's probably some stupid joke to be made about having a girl in his bed, but he's not really feeling it.]

Tch... Still soft on kids as ever, huh? [Unsurprising. He heaves a sigh and closes his eyes, his voice sounding a little resigned.] But you know, it's crueler to just let him chase after hopeless love like that.

[And also, probably more of a pain in the ass for everyone else in this room.]