Grading Chemistry (GenMui)

Fall Break

The cool autumn air drifted through Muichiro’s apartment as he lounged on his couch, enjoying the quiet of an unexpected break. It was nice to have three days off from the busy energy of the kindergarten, though he had to admit there was something—no, someone—he couldn’t quite shake from his mind. Just as he considered what he might do with his free time, his phone buzzed on the table. He picked it up, surprised to see Genya’s name on the screen.

“Hello?” Muichiro answered, trying to sound casual.

“Hey, Mr. Tokito—err, Muichiro,” Genya’s voice came through, warmer than usual, although still fumbling, which was typical. “I, uh, was just calling to see if you had any plans for the break?”

Muichiro’s lips curved up slightly. “Not really, why?”

There was a moment of hesitation on the line, a quiet breath that made Muichiro’s heart skip just a little. “Well,” Genya started, and Muichiro could almost picture the way he’d be nervously scratching the back of his neck, “I was thinking of taking a road trip… Just to the other side of the city. Thought it might be fun to check out a few places, you know, since we finally got some time off.”

Muichiro felt a faint blush dusting his cheeks. “Are you asking me to come with you?”

“Y-Yeah,” Genya admitted, his tone a bit sheepish but with a touch of excitement. “I figured it’d be more fun with company. Plus, you know, you’re the only one who’d actually put up with me.”

Muichiro chuckled, warmth spreading through him at the subtle compliment. “I’d love to go. I’ll just need a bit to get ready.”

Genya’s voice brightened immediately. “Great! I’ll pick you up in, say, an hour?”

“Perfect,” Muichiro replied softly, biting his lip to keep from smiling too wide. “I’ll be ready.”

The call ended, and Muichiro couldn’t help but feel a hint of nervous excitement flutter in his chest. Genya inviting him on a trip… It was so unlike his usual cautious nature, and somehow, that made it feel all the more special.

He hurried to his bedroom to pack, throwing in a few essentials—a couple of sweaters, his favorite scarf, a thermos, and some snacks. He checked his reflection in the mirror and, with a small burst of confidence, combed his hair a little neater than usual. He wanted to look good, though he wasn’t quite ready to admit to himself why.

Just as he zipped up his bag, he heard a car pull up outside. Peeking out the window, he saw Genya’s car parked by the curb, the man himself leaning casually against the driver’s door. He wore a simple gray beanie and a dark jacket that hugged his frame just enough to make Muichiro’s cheeks warm a bit.

Taking a steadying breath, Muichiro grabbed his bag and headed out.

Genya’s face lit up as Muichiro approached. “You ready?”

Muichiro nodded, feeling oddly self-conscious. “Thanks for inviting me. I was honestly just planning on staying home.”

“Well,” Genya shrugged, opening the passenger door for him, “we can’t have you cooped up for the whole break. Besides, I thought we both deserved a change of scenery.”

They set off, the city passing by in vibrant shades of gold and red as they headed out of town. At first, they chatted about school, exchanging stories about their classes, but soon, the conversation drifted into more personal territory.

“You know,” Genya began, glancing at Muichiro as he drove, “I don’t think I’ve ever asked—what got you into teaching?”

Muichiro leaned back, thinking. “It was actually my teacher when I was younger. I always admired how calm and patient she was with me and my classmates… I wanted to be like her.”

Genya’s eyes softened. “That’s really nice. I can definitely see why you've come to be so collected.”

Muichiro’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, but he gave a soft smile in return. “What about you? I never would’ve guessed you’d go into teaching.”

Genya laughed, his voice a little embarrassed. “Honestly? I kinda stumbled into it. I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a long time. But… kids are genuine, you know? They don’t hold back, and they’re never trying to be someone they’re not. I guess I wanted that in my life. Keeps things real.”

Muichiro nodded, and for a moment, they both lapsed into comfortable silence, the road stretching out ahead as the city faded into the distance.

They soon arrived at their first stop: a small scenic lookout over the river, framed by trees painted with reds and oranges. Genya parked, and they climbed out, walking together toward the edge of the lookout. The air was crisp, and Muichiro wrapped his scarf a bit tighter around his neck, glancing up as Genya pointed to the view.

“It’s even prettier than I remembered,” Genya murmured, his eyes reflecting the colors around them.

Muichiro smiled softly, unable to stop himself from staring. “It really is.”

They sat side by side, gazing out at the river. A light breeze brushed past them, making Muichiro shiver slightly, and before he could react, Genya slipped his arm around him.

“Is this okay?” Genya asked, his voice almost a whisper.

Muichiro’s heart skipped, his own voice barely audible. “Yeah… It’s nice.”

They stayed like that for a while, shoulders pressed together, surrounded by the peaceful silence of autumn. Muichiro could feel Genya's hand subtly tighten around him, his thumb grazing his waist in a gentle rhythm that made it almost impossible to breathe.

"Genya," he murmured, breaking the silence.

Genya turned to him, eyes dark and searching, catching something in Muichiro’s gaze that made him pause. Neither spoke, but there was an unspoken understanding in the way their eyes met and held each other. Without another word, Muichiro felt the steady pull of Genya’s presence, guiding him closer until he could see the slight hesitation in his gaze, feel the warmth of his breath.

Their faces were mere inches apart, so close that each shift and swallow was perceptible. Muichiro’s heart thundered, his gaze flickering to Genya’s lips and back to his eyes, and he saw Genya’s throat bob in a small, nervous gulp. They both leaned forward instinctively, their breaths mingling in the crisp air as the world around them fell silent, leaving only the anticipation suspended between them.

Just as their lips were about to brush, Genya’s eyes drifted shut—and then, with a quiet exhale, he pulled back ever so slightly, his brow furrowing as if grappling with a thought he couldn’t quite push away. He lingered close, his gaze soft but troubled, before he slowly opened his eyes.

“The sun’s… already beginning to set,” he murmured, his voice gentle but strained. “I should probably get you back soon. I still have some grades to finish for my kindergartners.”

Muichiro’s heart sank, the disappointment almost tangible, but he forced a small smile, understanding Genya’s hesitation. “Right… yeah, of course,” he said softly, his gaze drifting back to the river.

With a nod, they reluctantly stepped back from the water’s edge, walking side by side, their shoulders occasionally brushing as they made their way to Genya’s car. Neither spoke as they climbed in, but they were aware of what the other knew.