Is my friend scamming me, or is his explanation about Bitcoin and Bybit legitimate?

Around 10–11 months ago, I gave a friend approximately $3,600 to invest in Bitcoin when it was at $86K.

Ever since, whenever I’ve asked for my money back, he’s made excuses, saying Bitcoin crashed and he couldn’t return it.

Now that Bitcoin is back around $86K, I asked him again. This is what he told me:

I used Bybit. And it’s not as simple as just waiting for Bitcoin to stay above $86K. Since the money has been stuck for so long, the app keeps charging fees and adding them up. If I withdraw the money now, those fees will be deducted from the original $3,600, so I won’t be able to return the full amount. That’s why I want Bitcoin to stay above $86K for a few days or a week, so I can recover those fees and return the full $3,600.”

I’m genuinely very concerned. I don’t know much about crypto, and I don’t understand how any of this works. Does Bybit actually charge ongoing fees for holding Bitcoin? Does his explanation make any sense, or is he just making excuses to keep my money?

I’m starting to worry that he’s taking advantage of me because I’m a girl and assumes I don’t know any better.

Please, if anyone has experience with Bybit or crypto, I’d really appreciate your advice. I’m genuinely worried about losing my money. this is all i have!!