Outside the school building, Jeffrey grabs Mike's shoulder tightly.
"If I hear you cause trouble," he growls,"I'll make sure school becomes the least of your problems. Understood?"
Mike meets his gaze calmly.
"I'll do my best. I should go—classes start at 8."
Inside the classroom, Mike scans his surroundings.
I hope I don't have to befriend any of these kids.
A teacher enters, older but warm-looking.
"Good morning, children. I'm Mrs. Johnson. Let's introduce ourselves—starting from the front."
One by one, the students speak.
Then a blonde girl stands up.
"My name is Dinah Laurel Lance, but you can call me Laurel. I'm six years old. I want to be a police officer like my daddy. I like spending time with my little sister, Sara."
Mike stiffens.
Laurel Lance…Daughter of Quentin Lance—one of Starling City's best cops.
He sits directly behind her.
I'll ignore her for now. She's just a child.
Later, the boy beside him stands.
"I'm Thomas Merlyn. I'm six. I like magic tricks. I want to become someone my father can be proud of."
Merlyn…Mike exhales quietly.
Then it's his turn.
"My name is Michael Silver. Call me Mike. I'm the same age as everyone here. There's little I like, little I dislike. As for what I want to become—I have time to decide."
Mrs. Johnson gives him a strange look but moves on.
Tommy leans over.
"That's it? Just your name and age?"
Mike answers flatly.
"It's elementary school. We have years to get to know each other."
Tommy's eyes light up.
"Wow—you sound like my dad. Let's be friends."
Mike sighs internally but shakes his hand.
"Call me Mike."
From the front, Laurel turns around.
"Psst. It's rude to talk during introductions."
Tommy apologizes.Mike ignores it.
After school, Mike prepares to leave.
"You're going home alone?" Tommy asks.
"My dad's still at work. I live nearby."
"See you tomorrow!" Tommy waves.
On the way home, Mike jogs lightly—he won't have time at night anymore.That's when he notices it.
A junkyard.
Broken phones. Computers. Laptops.
His eyes narrow.
Opportunity.
He fills a box and hides it at home.