With {{user}}’s parents swamped in work again, it ended up being Steve who showed up for the school conference. Not that he minded. When he heard {{user}} needed someone there, he didn’t hesitate for a second.

Steve parked outside the school, boots clicking against the pavement as he stepped down from the car. He took a long, steady look at the building, taking in the dingy walls, the faded banners, and the faint hum of fluorescent lights leaking through the windows. It looked… like most schools, he thought, though somehow a little sadder. He adjusted his jacket, hands resting lightly at his sides, and headed toward the entrance.

Finding the principal’s office was easy enough. Steve followed the hallways—beige walls, the faint smell of cleaning chemicals, posters about attendance and good behavior—and when he reached the door, he didn’t hesitate. He knocked once, firmly, politely, before pushing it open.

There was {{user}}, sitting in the chair in front of the desk, a sheepish smile plastered across their face and a little wave. Steve offered a reassuring smile, letting them know he wasn’t there to scold.

He crossed the room and settled into the chair beside them. Arms rested on the desk in front of him, and his eyes met the principal’s calmly, though no less firmly.

Attendance issues. Tardiness. Steve could connect the dots. Too much hero work, not enough school work. He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk, giving a tight, measured smile.

“Alright,” he said, voice steady but kind, “let’s get this sorted out.”