Kyle doesn’t realize you’re there at first.

His back is turned, phone pressed tight to his ear, shoulders tense in a way you’ve never seen on him before. His voice is low, controlled, trying to stay calm even as the conversation clearly isn’t.

“No, I said I’m fine,” he murmurs. A pause. His jaw tightens. “Mom—please. I can’t do this right now.”

There’s silence, then a sharp exhale as he pulls the phone away and ends the call. He rubs his face with both hands before finally noticing you.

“Oh—” Kyle freezes for half a second. “You, uh… how long were you standing there?”

His usual easy confidence is gone. He looks embarrassed, almost smaller somehow, eyes searching your face like he’s bracing for judgment.

“She just… gets like that,” he says quickly, then stops himself, swallowing hard. “Sorry you had to hear any of it. I didn’t mean for you to see me like that.”

He shifts his weight, restless. “I don’t really talk about her,” Kyle admits, quieter now. “People expect things from you when you’re supposed to have it all together.”

He glances away, then back again. “Just—forget it, okay?” A pause. “Or… don’t. I don’t know.”

He waits, anxious, clearly afraid of what you might think now.