Grading Chemistry (GenMui)

The Field Trip

It was no longer fall break, and now the school bus was buzzing with excitement as both classes prepared for the field trip. Both classes, as in, Muichiro's and Genya's, because they happened to earn the collab from the principal, who anticipated their kindergartners would work well together.

As Muichiro stepped on board, he was met by a cheerful chorus of kids’ voices and the unmistakable sight of Genya at the front, helping his own students get settled. Dressed in a snug gray school uniform hoodie and open-leg jeans, Genya seemed as comfortable as ever, his tall frame standing out amid the tiny hands and colorful backpacks.

Muichiro greeted his students with a calm smile, ushering them to find seats next to Genya's class. It wasn’t long before Genya noticed him, offering a grin that made Muichiro’s heart skip a beat.

"Hey, Mr. Tokito," Genya said, a teasing edge in his tone. “You ready to battle this chaos with me?”

Muichiro chuckled softly. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Mr. Shinazugawa.”

They exchanged a look, a spark passing between them that seemed to make the bus just a little warmer. Muichiro took the seat across the aisle from Genya, glancing at him now and then as they settled in for the trip to the museum.

As the bus pulled out, the kids chattered excitedly, some pointing out sights through the windows, while Muichiro leaned back and tried to keep the calm atmosphere. Genya, however, leaned over from his seat, voice low and teasing. "So, ever been to this museum?”

“Nope, first time,” Muichiro said, his gaze catching Genya’s in a way that made him feel strangely light. “What about you?”

“A couple of times,” Genya replied, his voice softening a little. “But I think today might be the most fun.”

"I agree."

Genya bit back a smile upon realizing what he'd just admitted, the warmth in Muichiro’s gaze making him shift a little in his seat. He glanced out the window, hoping his cheeks weren’t as pink as they felt.

When they arrived at the museum, the two teachers organized their classes into one large, somewhat rowdy group, each taking one side of the line to guide the kids through the museum entrance. As they moved through the exhibits, Genya made sure to position himself beside Muichiro, leaning in closer whenever he got the chance.

As they approached a large dinosaur skeleton exhibit, Genya nudged Muichiro’s shoulder. "You know, I bet you could tell these kids anything about dinosaurs, and they’d believe you. You’ve got that… trustworthy look.”

Muichiro raised an eyebrow, giving Genya a playful glance. "Oh, you think I'm trustworthy?” he asked, partly due to his sudden recalling of the moment they shared over fall break—one that didn't last.

Genya grinned. “Definitely. Besides, you’re the kind of teacher these kids probably go home talking about.”

Muichiro’s cheeks warmed at the compliment, though he tried to brush it off with a casual shrug. “I think they talk about you more.”

Genya laughed quietly, and the sound made Muichiro’s heart flutter. Just then, one of Genya’s students tugged on his sleeve, asking a question about the dinosaur skeleton towering above them. Genya squatted down to the child’s level, patiently explaining the basics with a charming enthusiasm that made Muichiro’s smile soften.

After the dinosaur exhibit, they moved on to the art wing, where abstract paintings and sculptures lined the walls. Muichiro’s students began asking questions, and he took his time answering them, explaining colors and shapes with a soft, calming voice.

Genya watched from beside him, fascinated by Muichiro’s mannerisms. “Has anyone ever told you how relaxing you are to look at?” he murmured, crossing his arms in hopes that if the question had already escaped his thoughts, at the very least, it wouldn't be discernable.

His hopes were never heard.

Muichiro glanced at him, his tone light but the warmth in his gaze unmistakable. “Uhh, no? Is that a... compliment?”

“Y-yeah, it's umm,” Genya sputtered, unsure of how to proceed, cheeks only getting warmer. “I mean, you’re… I don't know. I guess—hmm, you just reassure me a lot more than I would like to admit. Like, just existing, if that makes sense.”

Muichiro felt his heart race, their eyes meeting in a way that felt more intense than before. The museum faded around them for a moment, their focus entirely on each other until a nearby student called Muichiro’s name, snapping them both back to the present.

After lunch, they took the kids to the final exhibit: an interactive science wing filled with hands-on activities. As the children explored, pressing buttons and pulling levers, Genya leaned in close to Muichiro once more, pretending to inspect one of the displays.

“Who would’ve thought we’d make a good team?” Genya teased, his gaze lingering on Muichiro just a bit too long. "Maybe the kids know they're in good hands.”

Muichiro's lips curled into a soft smile, his tone almost admiring. “Or maybe I’m just lucky to have you by my side.”

Genya’s breath hitched, his gaze flicking to Muichiro's face, his heart pounding a little too fast. “You… really think that?”

“Of course,” Muichiro said, his expression sincere. “I mean, it’s clear that this is what we both wanted," he admitted, secretly anticipating this would ring a bell—preferably one of a certain break.

They both fell silent. Muichiro’s gaze softened as he took in Genya’s earnest expression, his usual playful confidence replaced by something more open, more vulnerable.

---

On the bus ride back to school, the kids’ excitement finally waned, a few even nodding off in their seats. Muichiro and Genya ended up sitting across from each other again, the quiet making them relax into a comfortable silence.

As the bus rumbled down the road, Genya leaned over, his voice soft. “So, when’s our next field trip?”

Muichiro smiled, shaking his head. “Already planning the next one?”

“Only if you’ll be there,” Genya replied, the warmth in his eyes clear, sending a thrill through Muichiro’s chest.

“Then I guess I’ll have to,” Muichiro replied softly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the bus.