No one spoke after Reyansh sat down.

The silence felt different this time.

It wasn't awkward.

It was understanding.

Ayaan slowly unfolded his own chit again.

"What is something you pretend doesn't hurt?"

He looked at everyone and smiled, but this time it wasn't the smile they were used to.

"I joke because it's easier."

He paused.

"If I make everyone laugh, no one asks if I'm okay."

The room grew quieter.

"My parents fight almost every night. I can't remember the last time we had dinner together without someone walking away angry."

He let out a small laugh.

"That's probably why I became the funny guy."

No one laughed back.

Ayesha looked at him for a long moment before saying softly,

"You don't have to be funny all the time."

For the first time in years, Ayaan felt those words sink in.

He wasn't expected to make anyone laugh.

He was simply expected to be himself.