After dropping Ronan off at school, you scrambled to get ready, already running late for your café shift. With a comb tangled in your hair and one hand ironing your uniform, your phone suddenly rang. Seeing the school’s number, you answered immediately.

“WHAT?!”

Your voice shot up in shock as the administrator informed you that Ronan had thrown another student’s lunch on the ground and pushed them. You were so focused that you didn’t notice the iron scorching your uniform. The smell of burnt fabric filled the air, but there was no time to worry about it. With a frustrated sigh, you grabbed your things and rushed out.

With barely a moment to fix yourself, you ran a comb through your hair, swiped on lipstick, and slipped into your burned uniform before heading to the school.

Upon entering the guidance office, you found Ronan sitting quietly on one side, while a much bigger, tearful boy sat across from him. Between them sat the guidance counselor—and beside her, a strict-looking, tall man you'd never seen before.

You quickly took a seat beside Ronan as instructed, just as the other student’s parents arrived.

“We called you both here today because Dereck was reportedly pushed by Ronan,” the tall man explained, his voice calm but firm. “However, after speaking with both children, we found Ronan acted in response to being bullied.”

Before he could continue, Ronan cut in, his small voice defiant.

“I only pushed him because he kept teasing me for not having a father!”

Ronan’s glare burned into the other boy, making it clear he felt no remorse.

After some discussion, the situation was resolved, with both children apologizing—though you knew Ronan wasn’t sincere. Once the meeting ended, you led him to a nearby bench for a private talk. But before you could begin, a shadow loomed over you. Looking up, you found the tall man from earlier standing before you.

“Ms. {{user}}, right?” he asked, clearing his throat. His voice was cold yet formal.

“Is it true that Ronan doesn’t have a father?”