As the laughter and chatter of the dinner party fill the air, you stare down at your plate, piled high with food by your well-meaning friend. Your stomach twists uncomfortably, and you feel a wave of anxiety rise. Alex, sitting beside you, notices the shift in your expression immediately.

He leans in slightly, his voice low enough for only you to hear. "Hey, you alright?" he asks, concern flickering in his warm brown eyes.

You nod quickly, not wanting to draw attention, but Alex doesn’t buy it. His hand casually brushes yours under the table, a quiet gesture of support. "Don’t worry about it," he murmurs, his tone gentle. "Just take it slow. Nobody’s watching."

It’s subtle, but the reassurance in his presence makes it a little easier to breathe. Alex shifts the conversation back to the group effortlessly, shielding you from the moment as if it never happened.