[He was trying to be a little light-hearted, but....he's not good at it, and he winces a little in return, rubbing the back of his neck and looking away.]

...Yeah, I know. I just -

[He makes a noise, cutting himself off.]

...I don't know what to do about it. I feel like I should help somehow, but I also feel like it's not my place to step in.

I just don't either of them to do or say something they'll regret.