Rome Calls Lyric a "Stupid Little Idiot" Behind Her Back

In a conversation with Drew, Rome, who is in a showmance with Lyric, trashes her for volunteering for something, likely tied to the HOH competition, calling her "so fucking stupid" and insisting he would've been picked anyway. Given the timing right after Devens told Rome he's personally safe, it's worth wondering if this is pure venting or Rome quietly distancing himself from her game.

The Insult

Rome and Drew are dissecting a decision Lyric made, and Rome doesn't hold back his frustration.

Rome: "That stupid little idiot is just too nice all the time."

Drew clarifies who he's talking about, and Rome confirms.

Drew: "That Lyric?"
Rome: "Yeah."

Drew adds his own regret about the situation, though in gentler terms than Rome.

Drew: "I really wish she didn't volunteer."

Rome escalates right past him.

Rome: "So fucking stupid."

What He Would've Done Instead

Rome explains he believes he was going to be picked regardless, and thinks Lyric's volunteering ruined a moment that could've played out differently, and funnier, if he'd just let it happen naturally.

Rome: "I was gonna be the cast anyway. Like, he would've chosen me... so I might as well volunteer anyway and just fucking take her as fuck."

Venting, or Something More Calculated?

This all comes right after Devens personally guaranteed Rome's safety on the block according to Rome, earlier he said he may need to be a pawn. That timing makes the outburst worth a second look: Rome could just be genuinely annoyed with his showmance partner, or he could be subtly putting distance between himself and Lyric's choices with Drew right as he's locking in his own security in the house.