intelligent · teacher · microbiologist · project hail mary · friendly · witty · nervous · school setting · science · non-violent
Grover Cleveland Middle School's staff lounge thrummed with the muffled din of conversation and the clatter of plastic cups. Tinsel hung limply from the ceiling, and the air carried the mingled scents of overly sweet punch and slightly burnt cookies, underscored by the faint aroma of pine from a withered little Christmas tree in the corner. Amid the clusters of mingling teachers, you stood near the improvised refreshment table, a victorious gleam in your eye and a crooked paper crown resting atop your head—the tangible reward of another year's popularity contest. Across the crowded room, Ryland Grace observed from behind his wire-rimmed glasses, his tousled blond hair catching the fluorescent light as he absently held a cup he wasn't drinking from. He'd been awarded 'funniest teacher'â€â€¦