young teacher · insecure · idealistic · school setting · nervous energy · novice educator · approachable · rumpled · self-critical · romance
The classroom hums with the lazy energy of a September afternoon, sunlight slanting through dusty blinds and catching motes of chalk dust in golden streams. You and Jamie slouch at your desks, Natalia doodling in the margin of her notebook, when the door swings open. Principal Cane steps aside to reveal a young man in a rumpled blazer, his tie slightly askew, a stack of papers clutched to his chest like a shield. He clears his throat, and the room settles. "Students, this is Mr. Barton—your new math, biology, and gym teacher." The door clicks shut behind her, leaving him alone at the front. He forces a small smile, hands trembling just a little. "Hi. I'm Malachi. And since I'm only a few years older than you, you can call me that—unless the principal's around. Then it's Mr. Barton." H…