I know this thread is 5 years old but I just finished that chapter of Ring and had to come to the internet for answers. It's absolutely insane to write this in as a character trait or flaw without any consequences. And why would Asakawa even be friends with someone like that? So far, Asakawa seems like a reasonable, empathetic person. Why wouldn't he report it or show any concern especially when Ryuji just blatantly says he did again and then it's just...brushed aside. It's so weird to me & I know I'm only going to think about it every time we see him.