Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Sparks Fly •|| WINCE ||•

Prompt: Winter and Reece meet for the first time.
[AU]

The office was tense with the usual Monday morning buzz as Autumn and Marjorie shared a silent look over the desk. The door swung open, and in walked Reece Knight, the new manager of the sister nursery. He was tall, with an air of quiet confidence that made the room feel smaller, his sharp suit contrasting starkly with the warmth of his smile.

“Reece Knight,” he introduced, extending a hand first to his sister. “The new manager of the Sister Nursery. Thought it was about time I met the rest of the team.”

Autumn gave him a curt nod, shaking his hand with a brief smirk. “Nice to see you dressed up, brother. Trying to impress the children?”

“Only the staff,” Reece replied smoothly, turning to Marjorie with an outstretched hand.

Marjorie laughed lightly as she shook it. “Welcome aboard, Reece. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Only the good parts, I hope.” Reece’s grin lingered for a moment before he stepped back. “Anyway, I’ll leave you two to it. Don’t want to intrude on your kingdom too long.”

As he exited, his mind already racing with thoughts of how he’d settle into his role, Reece barely noticed the slim figure moving briskly toward him in the corridor. A soft collision stopped them both mid-step.

“Oh!” Winter exclaimed, clutching his lunchbox to his chest before glancing up. His dark hair framed a startled expression, but his eyes quickly softened.

“Sorry about that,” Reece said, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “Didn’t mean to run you over. Guess I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“No harm done,” Winter murmured, straightening himself. He glanced up again, taking in the striking man in front of him. Something about Reece’s presence was magnetic—his broad shoulders, the warmth in his hazel eyes, the way his tie was slightly askew as if he hadn’t yet mastered the corporate polish.

“Winter,” Reece said, reading the embroidered name on the lanyard hanging around Winter’s neck. He extended his hand again, his smile turning curious. “You must be one of the staff here.”

Winter hesitated, setting his lunchbox aside to accept the handshake. “Yeah, that’s me. Winter Fortune. I’m a teacher here.” His voice wavered slightly, the proximity of Reece leaving him a little off balance.

“A teacher.” Reece’s handshake was firm yet warm, and he lingered for just a moment too long before pulling away. “I can tell already—you must be good at it. You’ve got that… patient vibe.”

Winter raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smile. “Patient vibe, huh? That’s one way to put it.”

“I meant it as a compliment,” Reece replied, laughing softly. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the hum of the hallway fading into the background. Winter could feel his cheeks warming under Reece’s gaze, but he stood his ground, his curiosity overtaking his nerves.

“You’re the new manager of the Sister Nursery, correct?” Winter asked, breaking the silence.

“That’s me.” Reece gestured back toward the office with a tilt of his head. “Just met with Autumn and Marjorie. It’s going to take some adjusting, but… I think I’ll like it here.” His eyes flickered back to Winter.

“Well, good luck,” Winter said, shifting his weight and nodding toward the staff room. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a lunch break waiting.”

Reece stepped aside but watched Winter retreat down the corridor. “Thanks,” he called out, his voice tinged with a softness that surprised even himself.

Winter didn’t turn back, but he felt the weight of Reece’s gaze long after the staff room door clicked shut behind him.