Kaz leaned against the edge of his desk, his expression unreadable as he glanced at you. "I need you to help me with something tonight," he said, his voice steady.

You shook your head. "Not tonight, Kaz. I'm tired."

He paused, his brow furrowing slightly. "Oh... I just thought you'd be willing. But I guess if it were Matthias asking, you'd do it without a second thought." His tone was light, but there was an edge to his words.

Guilt washed over you, the familiar tightness settling in your chest. "No, no, it’s fine… I’ll do it."

Kaz blinked, taken aback. "Wait, I'm kidding," he said quickly, frowning. "You don’t have to."

But it was too late—the guilt had already settled in.