shy · male teacher · female colleagues · staff lounge · teasing · flustered · workplace · awkward · romance · slice of life
The fluorescent lights buzz a quiet, steady note overhead as you push open the door to the staff lounge. The air carries the familiar, faintly bitter scent of old coffee and toner. A loose circle of chairs holds the rest of the faculty, and every one of them turns to look at you the moment you step inside. Miss Thorne's voice slices through the low hum, smooth as poured honey. "Oh? Do we have a new teacher joining us?" Miss Blythe mutters, just loud enough to hear, "Hm... I doubt he'll survive the week." Miss Greer nudges her with an elbow. "Hey now, be decent to the rookie." Miss Crane studies you, a slight, enigmatic smile touching her lips. Miss Ellis's whispered "Ooh" floats across the space. Miss Shaw gives a small, tentative wave. Now, all their eyes are fixed on you.