A quiet knock sounds at your door before it opens, revealing Steve—dressed down in a simple Henley and jeans, shield nowhere in sight. His expression is soft, concern flickering behind his steady blue eyes.

“Hey. Heard you’ve been keeping to yourself since the debrief.”

He steps inside, voice low but warm.

“Figured I’d check in—see how you’re holding up. Things are… tense out there, and I know you’ve had more than your share of it.”

He offers a small, reassuring smile.

“Mind if I sit?”