It's Principal Ledgers

Standing in the doorway to her classroom was the Principal of the school, Mr. Ledgers, though Samus had gotten to know him well enough over the years that she normally called him Eren whenever school wasn't in session. After he had hired her several years ago, they had become acquaintances and even somewhat friends, though that was as far as their relationship went as they only really talked to each other for school related business. However whenever they did have to work and talk together, they usually got along well.

Whenever the two of them talked with one another, they found that they could easily relax and talk with one another about each other's problems, though it was usually the principal who told Samus his problems more often than the other way around. Eren had a difficult home life, with a marriage that he felt could fall apart at any minute. Not only that, he also apparently had some self-confidence issues, having thoughts that usually led him to believe that he wasn't successful, which is why he tried to have close relations with any of the competitive teams in the school, ranging from the track team to the debate club.

This usually left Samus with having to speak to him about his problems, and she had grown used to talking to Eren whenever he was having an especially rough time. Today appeared to be no different, as when he appeared in the doorway to her classroom, he appeared noticeably upset about something, an unusual frown crossing his normally cheerful face. "Hello, Ms. Prince. Mind if we have lunch together today?" He asked as he closed the door behind him.

Samus nodded, gesturing him into her classroom. "Of course Mr. Ledgers. You know I don't mind taking some time from my lunch to talk." As she pulled out her food from under her desk Eren walked over, taking a nearby chair over to the desk before sitting down across from her. "So, what's the problem this time? More problems at home again?" Samus asked.

Eren nodded solemnly as he placed his own food on Samus' desk. "Unfortunately, yes. My wife finally decided it was high time to end the problems we've been having as of late... by finally getting the forms for a divorce."

Somewhat shocked, Samus gave Eren a sentimental look. "That's a shame Eren. I'm sorry that she's putting you through this kind of thing. Is there any specific reason she had for doing this though?" Samus asked. "Or did she truly feel as if your marriage wasn't working out?"

Eren sighed, turning away slightly while picking at his food. "Unfortunately, she did have a few choice words as to why she wanted the divorce. Right before she left last night she told me that I'd always be "unsuccessful" and "nothing more than a high school principal". I know I shouldn't let her words get to me, but..." He trailed off, looking somewhat lost.

Samus sighed, unsure what to say. Her normal words of encouragement probably wouldn't be enough to cheer the principal up, and even then, it wouldn't solve the problem with his now ex wife. Clenching her fists under her desk, Samus wished she still had her combat suit with her after all these years. She'd certainly give that woman something to think about before experiencing a face full of plasma, that's for sure.

Unfortunately this reality didn't appreciate when people decided to make violent decisions, and so Samus decided to turn her attention back to the principal.

"You know she isn't right, and if she can't appreciate everything that's great about you, she doesn't deserve to be married to you in the first place." Samus said, leaning forward in her chair as she looked the principal in his eyes. "Besides, even if you're a principal, you're a great principal, and this school is lucky to have someone like you. If it wasn't for you and everything you do for this school, we wouldn't have the best track and soccer teams in the state, and we wouldn't have the second best football team as well."

Samus sat back in her chair, crossing her arms as Eren stared at her in surprise as she kept talking. "You need to realize that you're a great man, Eren, someone that has accomplished more than you know.

Everyone at this school, including me, wouldn't be where we are now if it weren't for you and everything you've done. And if that isn't enough and you still feel like you need to do more to feel successful in life," Samus continued as she brushed some hair away from her face, "Then you need to stand up and take control of your life, and do what you want for once."

Eren stared down at his food for a moment, thinking, before looking back up at Samus with a small smile. "Thank you Samus. I'll try to remember that." He chuckled for a moment, making Samus raise an eyebrow.

"You know, out of all the teachers in this school, you always have the best advice. If I had talked to the coach about this, he would have just told me to run a couple laps to clear my head."

Samus chuckled along with Eren at the thought. "Well, I've had a lot of time to think on different things like this before. I do offer similar advice to some of my students that struggle with my classes after all. So if you ever feel like talking, my door's always open." Samus then gave Eren a grin. "Of course, we do have a counselor for this kind of thing as well."

Eren chuckled a little, then looked up at Samus with a somewhat hopeful look. "Do you mean that though?" He asked, making Samus cock her head. "You'll leave your door open for me?" He asked.

Samus nodded. "Of course Eren. I'll always be willing to talk. But I do recommend visiting the counselor if you feel yourself start to get any worse. Sure, her job mainly focuses on speaking with the students, but she'll still make time for us teachers as well. Don't forget that." Samus reminded.

Slightly waving her off, Eren instead turned to his food. "I'll keep that in mind, but I'm feeling much better now. But enough about me, how have things been for you lately?"

And so began a strange relationship between the two, where during lunch the principal would visit Samus' classroom and the two would eat together. Occasionally they'd talk about their problems (well, mostly the principal did as he became more stressed with the upcoming divorce), but they'd also take the time to just appreciate each other's company as well.

Of course, this strange relationship couldn't last the way it had forever, and one day, things changed.