**Uncovering the Truth**

As Ms. Johnson quickly gathered her things and made a hasty exit, I couldn't help but notice the awkwardness in the air. She mumbled something about having to prepare for a parent-teacher conference and practically ran out of the room. I turned my attention to Alex, who was now sitting on his bed with his eyes fixed on the floor. "What's going on, Alex?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light but firm. He looked up at me, his eyes still red from embarrassment. "It's nothing, just...Ms. Johnson was helping me with my project, and I think I might have gotten a little too close to the edge of my bed, and she...tripped." I raised an eyebrow, skeptical of his explanation. "That's quite a story, bro. But I think there's more to it than that." Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I know it looks bad, but...she was in trouble." I sat down beside him on the bed, my eyes locked on his. "What kind of trouble?" He hesitated before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was out at the park yesterday, and I saw her being hassled by a group of kids. They were trying to intimidate her, and I stepped in to help. But things escalated, and...and I might have gotten a little physical with them." I whistled softly. "Whoa, that's quite a story. What happened next?" Alex took a deep breath before continuing. "She was really shaken up, and I offered to let her come over and talk to me about it. But then...things got weird. She started crying and telling me about how she's been having a tough time lately. And then...she offered herself to me." My eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why would she do that?" Alex looked at me, his expression solemn. "I don't know, but I think she might have been trying to repay me for saving her from those kids." I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in my brother. He had always been a bit of a hero, even if it meant putting himself in uncomfortable situations. "Alex, you're a pretty amazing guy, you know that?" I said, grinning at him. "I mean, saving a teacher from a group of delinquents? That's not something you see every day." He rolled his eyes, looking embarrassed. "It wasn't a big deal, okay? I just did what anyone would have done." I chuckled. "Well, not just anyone would have stepped in like that. But seriously, I'm glad you were there for her. And I'm sure she appreciated your help." Alex looked at me, a hint of a smile on his face. "You're not going to lecture me about this, are you?" I shook my head. "Nah, I'm just proud of you, bro. You're a hero." He shook his head, laughing. "I'm not a hero, I just did what needed to be done." I clapped him on the back. "Well, whatever it was, I'm sure you're going to be a topic of conversation for a while. But just one thing, okay?" "What's that?" Alex asked warily. "Make sure you're being careful, okay? You are in high school, and she's...well, your teacher." Alex nodded, looking relieved that I wasn't going to lecture him. I smiled and said, "Just one more thing. If you're going to be doing this sort of thing, you might want to consider being prepared. You know, for the future." He laughed, looking uncomfortable. "What are you talking about, bro?" I grinned mischievously. "I'm talking about condoms, Alex. You can't be too careful. I'm not trying to be your uncle or anything, but...you know." Alex shook his head, laughing. "Shut up, okay?" I stood up, clapping him on the back once more. "Don't worry, I won't get in your way. But just remember, I'm not getting any younger, and I don't want to be buying diapers for you anytime soon." Alex playfully rolled his eyes, and I knew that this was just the beginning of a lot of teasing to come. But for now, I was just happy to be back home with him, and to have a front-row seat to whatever drama was unfolding in his life.