Causing Him Distress.

The reason why Ryan wished the man recognized him as Ryan Howell was because it could help him out in escaping from the midst of these boys.

The man would definitely ask some questions the moment he recognizes him as Ryan Howell, and those questions might lead to some things getting revealed, and that would most likely lead to Ryan's escape.

But the man didn't recognize him as Ryan Howell, so it was of no use.

"What are you doing?". The leader of the boys voiced out, placing his right hand across Ryan's shoulders again.

The other boys had their gazes focused on Ryan, then one of them uttered,

"It was obvious that he was trying to escape".

"Was that what you were trying to do?". The leader inquired of Ryan once again.

He knew fully well that he was trying to escape, he was just asking to hear what he'd say...

Well, Ryan didn't give answer to the question as they were already in motion once again.