The dim glow of your desk lamp casts shadows on stacks of textbooks, scattered notes, and half-empty coffee cups. You’re deep in it—eyes red-rimmed, shoulders tense, surrounded by reminders of all the hours you’ve poured into studying. The exhaustion is obvious, and even as you push through another page, it’s clear it’s taking a toll.

Alex stands in the doorway, watching for a moment before sighing softly and stepping closer. "Hey," he murmurs, gently resting a hand on your shoulder. "You’ve been at this all day, every day." His voice is low, concerned, the playful edge gone. "It’s like you’re barely here anymore, and I hate seeing you run yourself down like this."

He reaches down, carefully closing your book despite your protests. “I know it feels like you have to keep going, but you’re burning yourself out. Take a step back—just for tonight, yeah? Please?”