Grading Chemistry (GenMui)

Cafe Surprise

It was a rare quiet Saturday morning, and Genya had decided to treat himself to breakfast at the little café near the school. He ordered his usual coffee and a pastry, then settled at a corner table, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Just as he was taking his first sip, the bell above the door chimed, and to his surprise, Muichiro walked in. Dressed casually in a soft sweater and wide leg sweatpants, he looked different from his usual professional appearance, but just as striking.

Genya's gaze drifted to Muichiro, who was now standing at the counter, looking effortlessly soft and… beautiful. The gentle curve of Muichiro’s profile, his calm expression as he placed his order—it all had Genya completely lost. He watched the way Muichiro’s dark hair fell around his face and how his lips moved just slightly as he spoke, his eyes steady and focused on the menu.

Genya’s heart thudded, his thoughts dissolving into a quiet awe, utterly mesmerized. It wasn’t until Muichiro turned around, coffee and breakfast cake in hand, that Genya froze, caught in his stare.

Muichiro’s face lit up when he spotted Genya. “I didn’t know you came here too.” He made his way over and took the seat across from him.

“G-guess it’s just coincidence,” Genya said with a smile, still blatantly flustered. “Though I’m not complaining," he mumbled.

Muichiro took a sip of his coffee, glancing out the window. “I needed a fat break after having to deal with all of those children. The café looked promising from the outside.”

They chatted idly for a while, talking about the week, their students, and the upcoming field trip. Genya found himself relaxing more and more, charmed by the rare glimpse of Muichiro’s softer, more casual side—no look of stress.

At one point, Muichiro leaned back, studying Genya with a thoughtful expression. “You know,” he began, “I’ve always wondered what you’re like outside of school. Well, I mean, I know I've technically already seen, like the other day. But like, over the weekends is what I'm talking about. I'm just saying like PJ's, relaxed... bedhead. I like your bedhead,” he mumbled the last part, immediately made aware of his ramble.

Genya raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I mean, it’s not that different. I’m just… me.” He laughed awkwardly, trying to shake off the sudden self-consciousness.

Muichiro’s gaze softened, a small smile playing on his lips. “Well, you’re a bit quieter here. But I think I like this version too.”

Genya felt his face heat up, caught off guard by Muichiro’s words. “Thanks… I think?”

Muichiro chuckled, and Genya couldn’t help but stare at the way the corners of his lips curled when he smiled. It wasn’t often he got to see Muichiro so relaxed, and the sight made his heart skip a beat.

After some time, they finished their breakfast and headed out together, strolling toward the nearby park. The crisp autumn air was refreshing, and the streets were quiet, only a few early risers around. As they walked side by side, Genya found himself more aware than ever of Muichiro’s presence, their arms occasionally brushing as they navigated the narrow path.

“Do you come to the park often?” Genya asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Sometimes,” Muichiro replied. “I like the quiet. It’s a nice escape from all the school noise. And you'd think it's the children. The teachers are just as bad.”

Genya subtly sulked. "Oh. Uhm, right."

"Not you, though," Muichiro was quick to save, nibbling the inside of his cheek. "Just Mrs. Kocho... or, I guess there's two of them. Shinobu, I mean."

“Yeah, I get that,” Genya said, immediately taking note of Muichiro's beautiful features instead. “Though I’ll admit, I never really noticed how nice this park is.”

Muichiro glanced over, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “You’re just saying that because you’re here with me.” It was his thoughts speaking aloud again.

Genya felt the sudden rush of heat to his cheeks, the close proximity doing nothing to help. “Yeah, m-maybe... I don't know,” he mumbled.

Muichiro’s expression softened, and he gestured a quiet smile. After a while, they reached a small pond, the water reflecting the trees that surrounded it. They stood in silence for a moment, just taking in the peaceful scene.

Finally, as they walked back toward the café to part ways, Genya felt a new sense of connection growing between them, something quiet yet undeniable.

When they reached the café, Muichiro turned to him, his usual calm expression softened. “Thanks for today, Mr. Shinazugawa. I had a good time.”

“Anytime,” Genya replied, trying to keep his tone light even though his heart was racing. “Maybe we can do this again?”

Muichiro nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “I’d like that.”

They exchanged one last look before heading off in opposite directions, each of them smiling as they walked away, both thinking of the next time they’d meet outside of school.