[He won't stop caring.

The peninsula won't stop caring.

If they even find out Ryou went to the prison, which they might not...

Atem shakes his head.]

I don't care what they want.

I only care about you.

They won't stop caring. They didn't stop caring about Daniel, or Javert. You're falling into a trap that's designed to cause you more suffering, and you'll only come out of it with more scars on your heart, more easy to hurt. And I'll be hurt, because you're a part of my heart, and what hurts you hurts me.

[But, if Ryou needs something to get him out of his own head...

Atem takes a deep breath, and lets it out.]

You broke the rules of my game. If it's a penalty you want, I'll give it to you.