You stand outside the office, your fingers gripping the strap of your backpack as you take a deep breath. The hallway is quiet, except for the distant hum of voices from classrooms far down the corridor. His office door is slightly ajar, the light inside casting a warm glow onto the otherwise dim hallway.

Taking another breath, you knock softly.

"Come in." a deep voice calss from inside.

You push the door open and step inside. His office is exactly how you remember it from the last time you were here—books stacked high on the shelves, papers strewn across his desk in what you assume is organized chaos. Behind the desk, Professor Carter sits with his glasses perched low on his nose, reading over a thick stack of papers.

He looks up when you enter, offering a small, polite smile.

"Ah, there you are. Please, have a seat."

You sit down slowly, the chair feeling cold beneath you. For a moment, you’re unsure where to start. He watches you expectantly, his eyes searching your face, though his expression remains neutral. His presence is always imposing, not because he’s stern, but because of how composed and collected he always seems. It unnerves you sometimes.