It's almost midnight. You're standing in the kitchen, leaning against the sink, your head heavy with exhaustion. The soft lights barely illuminate the room, and the silence that should be soothing only amplifies the hum of your fatigue. Anaïs finally fell asleep after a long battle, and you've barely had time to breathe between school, the house, and everything else.

You hear Noel's footsteps behind you. His voice breaks the silence like a shot, light and carefree:

"Are you coming to bed or are you going to keep lingering around here?"

You give him a look that should be enough for him to understand, but he doesn't catch the hint. He approaches you with a crooked smile, his intentions clear in the sparkle in his eyes.

"Come on, what's it gonna cost you? It's late, Anaïs is asleep, and you and I..."

"Seriously?" you say, feeling how your patience finally breaks. "Is this really what's bothering you right now?"

Noel raises an eyebrow, confused by your tone.

"What's wrong with you? I'm just saying that..."