Grading Chemistry (GenMui)

Flower Shop

Genya had wandered into the local flower shop, aimlessly browsing rows of vibrant bouquets and potted plants. He wasn’t entirely sure why he was there—maybe it was the way the soft aroma and quiet atmosphere felt soothing, or maybe it was the thought of bringing something beautiful into his home.

As he absentmindedly examined a bunch of white lilies, a familiar voice broke his reverie.

“Mr. Shinazugawa?”

Genya turned and saw Muichiro standing a few feet away, his usual calm demeanor softened as he held a single, small pink carnation in his hand. A pang of excitement, mixed with a sudden wave of nervousness, surged through Genya as he managed a casual smile.

“Mr. Tokito,” he greeted, hoping his voice didn’t sound as flustered as he felt. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Muichiro tilted his head, looking at the flower he held. “I stop by sometimes. Flowers remind me of… simple things, I guess.”

Genya chuckled, trying to hide how much the sight of Muichiro with a flower in his hand was making his heart race. He could imagine being the one who'd of bestowed it to him. “I don’t know much about flowers, honestly.”

“Do you like these?” Muichiro asked, gesturing toward the lilies Genya had been examining.

Genya shrugged. “I guess they’re nice, but… not as nice as the one you picked out.”

A faint blush dusted Muichiro’s cheeks as he looked down at the carnation. “Oh… I just thought it looked delicate.”

Like you, Genya wanted to say but couldn’t bring himself to. He shifted his weight awkwardly, caught between wanting to stay in this moment forever and his nerves getting the better of him.

After a short silence, Muichiro held out the carnation, hesitating for a bit. “Here. You should take it. For your place.”

Genya stared at the flower, his mind racing. “Are you sure?”

Muichiro nodded, a small, almost shy smile on his face. “Yeah. Consider it a reminder that… sometimes it’s the smaller things that stand out.”

Genya took the flower carefully, their fingers brushing ever so briefly. He felt a jolt, like static, and glanced up to find Muichiro looking at him, his expression gentle but intense. The shop felt impossibly small, and all he could see was Muichiro, his soft gaze and the faint pink on his cheeks.

“Thank you,” Genya murmured, feeling a lump in his throat. “I’ll take good care of it.”

Muichiro’s smile widened just a bit, and he looked down, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear.

As they lingered among the flowers, their conversation drifted in an easy rhythm, occasionally punctuated by soft laughter. Eventually, Genya glanced at his watch, realizing he’d lost track of time.

“Well, I should probably get going,” he said, feeling a bit reluctant to cut the moment short. “But, if you want, I could drop you off.”

Muichiro looked at him, his usual calm expression brightening a little. “Sure, that’d be nice. Thanks.”

They walked out of the shop together, and the drive was filled with casual conversation that somehow felt refreshing, different from the usual exchanges they had at work. They talked about anything that came to mind—random observations, a favorite book Muichiro had recently discovered, and even a few lighthearted memories from the school. It was easy, unforced, and oddly comforting in a way that Genya hadn’t expected.

When they finally pulled up to Muichiro’s place, Genya braced himself for a simple goodbye. But Muichiro hesitated, glancing over at him with a hint of a smile.

“Hey, do you want to come in for a bit?” he offered casually. “It’s still early, and… well, you’ve never actually seen my place.”

Genya felt a flutter of surprise but nodded, trying to keep his response casual. “Yeah, why not?”

Muichiro led him up, unlocking the door to a space that immediately struck Genya as effortlessly serene. It was minimalist yet inviting, filled with subtle touches that felt unmistakably Muichiro—a few potted plants by the window, neatly stacked books, and a faint hint of something misty in the air.

Muichiro set his things down and gestured toward the couch. “Make yourself at home. I’ll grab us something to drink.”

Genya sank into the couch, feeling surprisingly at ease. A minute later, Muichiro returned with two glasses of tea and settled down beside him, close enough that their shoulders almost brushed. They relaxed in the quiet, the faint sounds of the city filtering in through the open window.

“This is nice,” Muichiro said softly, glancing around as if he, too, was surprised by how comfortable the moment felt. “Just… being able to unwind like this.”

Genya nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, especially when it's with...” His words trailed off as he abandoned that bold admission.

The conversation continued, flowing smoothly, the quiet space around them turning more comfortable as they talked. At one point, Muichiro leaned back, his posture relaxing, and he put on some soft background music.

They stayed like that for a while, the evening settling gently around them. Eventually, Muichiro turned to Genya, sinking into his chest, his voice barely above a murmur as his eyes drooped. “You know, you’re welcome to stay a little longer. Your presence... is really comforting.”

Genya looked over, cheeks flushed in a meaningful hue of red as he met Muichiro’s sleepy gaze. “I’d like that.”

And with that, the day unfolded before them like the lingering scent of a candle; a feeling was mutual.