Grading Chemistry (GenMui)

Midnight Grades

Genya rubbed his eyes as he tried to focus on the last set of worksheets in front of him. The quiet ticking of the clock reminded him it was past midnight, but he was determined to finish grading before morning. He stretched, groaning softly as he leaned back in his chair.

“Should I come back in the morning to find you asleep on a pile of papers?” A voice cut through the silence, making Genya jolt. He looked up, surprised to see Muichiro standing in the doorway, holding two steaming cups of coffee.

“Guess I didn’t think anyone else was still here,” Genya muttered, hoping his slight fluster didn’t show as Muichiro crossed the room and set one of the mugs in front of him.

“Don't mind me. I’m just here to remind you that grading can wait until daylight,” Muichiro said with a hint of a smile, settling in the chair next to him. “But I guess you’d ignore that advice anyway.”

Genya chuckled, taking a sip of the coffee. “Depends who’s giving it. Though it looks like you’re stuck here grading, too.”

Muichiro’s lips twitched. “I’m not grading. Just watching you suffer through it.”

Genya tried not to show his smile. “So you’re here to make fun of me?”

“Maybe a little,” Muichiro teased, leaning back in his chair. “But mostly to keep you company because that's what friends do.”

He had a point, and Genya was aware of it even if the title given to him as just a 'friend' attempted to keep him distracted. “Yeah, fair. Though you’re pretty good at passing by my classroom to check up on me during the day.”

Muichiro shrugged, but a slight flush crept over his cheeks. “Maybe I just like making sure you’re not overdoing it.”

The casual admission hit Genya harder than he expected. He leaned back, feeling the warmth of the coffee and the weight of Muichiro’s gaze on him. “So, you’re here to play teacher watchdog?”

“Someone has to make sure you get some sleep tonight,” Muichiro replied, his tone softer. “Besides, I know the kids adore you. I’d hate for them to lose their favorite teacher just like that.

Genya snorted. “Favorite, huh? Bold assumption. They like you just as much.”

“They’re kids. They like anyone who brings them juice boxes,” Muichiro said, rolling his eyes.

Genya grinned, his mood lifting. “Maybe. But you’ve got a way with them that I could never match. I’ve seen the way they look at you. You’re the quiet, mysterious one... I’m the clumsy one.”

“And that's why we're so drawn to each other as opposites,” Muichiro said, the remark quiet, almost contemplative. His eyes met Genya’s, a look there that felt heavier than their usual teasing.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Genya found himself distracted by the way Muichiro’s bangs fell over his forehead, the calm, soft expression that was so uniquely him. Something about the silence, the empty school late at night, and the soft glow of the desk lamp made him feel like they were in their own little world.

“You’re staring,” Muichiro pointed out, breaking the silence but not the gaze.

Genya looked away quickly, clearing his throat. “I… Y-you're staring too.”

Muichiro didn’t look away; instead, his eyes sparkled with something like amusement. “Am I?” he asked, his voice calm, unfazed. He leaned a little closer, his gaze steady and searching. “Maybe I just wanted to see what had you so distracted.”

Genya swallowed, his words caught somewhere in his throat. “Distracted? I wasn’t—I mean, that’s… I was just…”

Muichiro gave a tiny smirk, tilting his head. “You’re easier to read than you think.”

Genya raised an eyebrow. “Oh, yeah? What am I thinking now?”

Muichiro paused, letting his eyes linger on Genya’s for a beat too long. “You’re wondering… if I’m thinking the same thing.”

Genya’s breath caught, heart pounding as the meaning sank in. The space between them felt charged, the silence thick and expectant. He forced himself to keep eye contact, his voice barely more than a murmur. “And… are you?”

Muichiro’s smirk softened, just a hint. “What do you think?”

Genya couldn’t tell if the warmth spreading across his face was more from embarrassment or excitement, but he found himself leaning just a little closer, caught up in the unspoken pull between them.

However, Muichiro had a different idea. He unknowingly evaded Genya's advancements and reached for one of the worksheets from his pile, casually looking it over. “Do you mind if I help?”

Stunned, Genya opened his mouth to protest, mostly in response to what might've happened, but he couldn’t bring himself to say no. Instead, he slid half the stack toward Muichiro. “Guess I owe you one.”

Muichiro shook his head. “Consider it a favor between friends.”

There was that title again.

They worked quietly, with occasional glances and small comments about the students’ answers. Every now and then, Genya would catch Muichiro watching him, but neither of them said a word about it. The silence was comfortable, but also charged, each lingering gaze saying more than either of them was willing to voice.

When they finally finished, Genya stretched his arms over his head, stifling a yawn. “Thanks for staying. Didn’t think I’d survive tonight without a bit of help.”

Muichiro shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I wasn’t going to let you suffer through it alone.”

Genya laughed softly, glancing over at him, the weight of the night settling between them. “Guess you know me too well, huh?”

Muichiro’s gaze softened. “Maybe just enough.”