Grading Chemistry (GenMui)

After School Errands

As the last bell of the day rang, the students eagerly bolted for the doors, their laughter and shouts echoing down the hall. Genya waved goodbye to his class, exhausted but relieved. He began tidying up when he heard a soft voice from the doorway.

“Long day?” Muichiro asked, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed.

Genya straightened, a little caught off guard. “Yeah, you know how it is. Kindergartners have endless energy.” He laughed, feeling the day’s tension ease as Muichiro stepped inside.

“Tell me about it,” Muichiro replied with a faint smile. “They’ve got me ready for a nap by lunchtime.”

Genya chuckled, grabbing his things and preparing to leave. As they walked down the hallway together, their conversation naturally flowed into plans for the weekend. They had both been looking forward to the café outing they’d planned in the teacher’s lounge.

Just as they reached the main doors, Muichiro glanced at his watch, a slight frown crossing his face. “I forgot—there’s a bookstore a few blocks away, and I need to pick up some things for class next week. I was going to walk over.”

Genya hesitated for only a moment. “I could come with you if you want. I don’t have any plans, and it’s always nice to have an extra set of hands.”

Muichiro’s expression softened, and he gave a small nod. “I’d like that.”

The walk to the bookstore was peaceful, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the street. As they strolled, Genya found himself relaxing in Muichiro’s presence. He marveled at how easy it was to talk to him about anything, from their favorite childhood books to the quirks of their students.

When they reached the store, Muichiro led the way, making a beeline for the children’s section. He picked up a few illustrated books, flipping through the pages with a quiet, focused look. Genya watched him from a few steps away, captivated by the way Muichiro’s eyes lit up at each new page.

“Found anything good?” Genya asked, leaning over his shoulder.

Muichiro nodded, holding up a book with colorful, whimsical illustrations. “This one’s perfect. The kids love stories with animals, and the art is beautiful.”

Genya studied the cover, his arm brushing against Muichiro’s as he leaned closer. The contact was brief, but he felt a sudden warmth spread through him. He quickly stepped back, clearing his throat. “Uh, yeah. Looks great.”

They continued browsing, occasionally showing each other different books or laughing at some of the odd titles they found. At one point, Muichiro spotted a plush bear and held it up with a faint smile.

“Think this guy would be a good classroom mascot?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Genya grinned, taking the bear and examining it. “He’s got the right vibe. Calm, collected, maybe a little mysterious. Kinda like you.”

Muichiro raised an eyebrow, lips curving in a small smile. “And what about you? What kind of mascot would suit your class?”

Genya shrugged, scratching his neck. “Probably something with boundless energy and charisma.”

"So, the genie from Aladdin," Muichiro joked, although somewhat in belief of his conclusion.

Genya breathed in embarrassment. "Ahh... no."

Muichiro chuckled softly, looking down at the bear in his hands. "I like you. You're funny."

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them as Genya registered the compliment, unable to respond. The unspoken tension subtly weaved into the space as his face glowed a vibrant red.

Eventually, the two would make their purchases. They walked back in comfortable quiet, the weight of the day starting to fade away. Genya felt a pang of disappointment as they reached the point where they’d have to part ways.

“Well,” Muichiro said, crossing his arms over his chest for comfort. “Thanks for coming along. This was… nice.”

“Yeah,” Genya replied, trying to mask the longing in his voice. “Anytime you need help with bookstore runs or… anything, really, just let me know.”

Muichiro’s gaze lingered on him, a rare, soft smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I might take you up on that, Mr. Shinazugawa.”

As Muichiro turned to leave, Genya felt a surge of courage. “Hey, Mr. Tokito,” he called out, voice a little too loud in the stillness.

Muichiro stopped, looking back with a patient curiosity.

“Maybe… next time, we could get coffee or something after?” The words tumbled out awkwardly, but Genya pressed on, willing himself not to back down.

Muichiro’s face softened, a hint of color touching his cheeks. “I’d like that.”

They exchanged a final smile before parting ways, and as Genya walked home, he couldn’t shake the giddy feeling that came from the promise of a future “next time.”