[ Meng Yao supposes he should've expected the other to say something like that, as it was well within his nature. It almost feels like it comes out of left field. It still doesn't keep him from blinking and feeling as if he'll need to take a pause before answering that, watching as the other is composing himself a bit there.

...When he opens his mouth, Komaeda's sudden continuance of their 'routine' throws him off, but already he's giving a soft 'meow' at the count off, and just like that, he's already followed suit so that when Komeada's gaze is upon him, he's ensured it's three claps. ]

Mew, purr...nyan~

[ Then, he'll proceed to do sweep an arm forward as he bows, before righting himself, clapping three more times himself, following the rhythm the other has given. Though, as opposed to Komaeda's left, he makes it to the right side, and copies the hand motion to his own chest, followed by the two claps. ]

This one humbly does believe Rantarou is deserving of such loyalty from him. Though, it is a little embarrassing to admit. In the end, it might not sound or seem pragmatic, but...it's not as such things are given so carelessly or thoughtlessly. But, you understood that just by asking what you did, didn't you?

[ Meng Yao thinks himself a pragmatic person, and yet he doesn't do anything half-way. ]