Ezra stared at Kaelis.
He knew Kaelis was joking.
He knew the tone, the way his lips curved just enough to soften the words, the way his voice carried that familiar teasing edge.
But even then—
Something about it lingered.
Something about it didn't sit as lightly as it should have.
'…have I really been that obvious?' Ezra thought, his smile fading just a little as the realization settled in.
Not just obvious.
Aurien also knew how Ezra felt about him, but even then, Ezra knew he was much more decent to Aurien compared to Kaelis.
All his anger.
All of it—
Directed at Kaelis.
His gaze dropped for a moment, his fingers shifting slightly against the armrest as something uncomfortable pressed against his chest.
Guilt.
It was faint.
But it was there.
'I might not have been fair,' Ezra admitted to himself, his brows pulling together slightly.
He had his reasons.
He always did.
But that didn't mean it didn't affect the other person.
Didn't mean Kaelis didn't notice.
