[ He controls his expression, in the case Sanji looks over here and sees them whispering and gossiping -- he doesn't want Ritsuka to get in trouble. Originally, he was anticipating saying something to the tune of well, he has a funny way of showing it if Ritsuka had simply answered yes, but this illuminates things for him.

Conflicted? Conflicted how? If it sounded like too big of a problem for Ritsuka to tread to, he wonders if it's even going to be helpful if he sticks his nose in, too. The last thing he wants is to make whatever's going on worse. Since they're sharing inside information: ]

So that's it... he acted like he was getting a tooth pulled during that game, but his heart was beating like he was about to jump off a bridge.

[ He stays leaned in close, his words sympathetic. He'd started thinking perhaps it was disgust, discomfort, or even embarrassment that had elicited such a reaction. Understandably, he wasn't exactly looking to experience more of being on the receiving end of it. Now, though, he thinks he understands, and he sees Sanji in a bit of a new light. ]

Whatever it is, it must be serious. [ He feels concerned, maybe even a little guilty. What if he's the problem? ] I hope he's not too bent out of shape over it... did it seem that way?