Grading Chemistry (GenMui)

Formal Marriage

Two Years Later

The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the elementary school as Muichiro Tokito entered his bright classroom, setting down his bag on his desk. His kindergarten students buzzed with energy, some stacking blocks, others attempting to color within the lines of their morning worksheets. With a soft smile, Muichiro clapped his hands twice, commanding their attention.

“Good morning, everyone,” he began, his voice calm and melodic. “I have some exciting news to share with you all.”

The children’s heads snapped up, their eyes wide with anticipation.

“What is it, Mr. Tokito?” one eager boy asked, practically bouncing out of his chair.

Muichiro clasped his hands together, his engagement ring catching the morning light. “Mr. Shinazugawa and I are getting married.”

For a moment, there was silence. Then the room erupted in applause and cheers, little hands flying into the air with questions.

“You’re getting married?” a small girl squealed.

“Can we come to the wedding?” another chimed in.

A group of children rushed to his side, pulling at his hand to examine the ring. “It’s so shiny!” one marveled, while another gently poked his finger to feel the gem.

Muichiro laughed softly, allowing their excitement to wash over him. He patiently answered their endless questions, basking in their enthusiasm, when suddenly the door swung open. Genya Shinazugawa appeared in the doorway, slightly out of breath and holding a bouquet of flowers. The children turned, their cheers reaching a fever pitch.

“It’s Mr. Shinazugawa!” someone shouted, pointing.

“Is that your fiancé?” another student asked, wide-eyed.

Genya froze momentarily, clearly overwhelmed by the tiny mob of well-wishers rushing toward him. His usual stoic demeanor faltered as he awkwardly waved and muttered, “Uh, good morning, everyone.”

The children bombarded him with questions. “When’s the wedding? Will there be cake? Are you going to dance?”

Through the commotion, Muichiro chuckled, his shoulders shaking with silent mirth. “Alright, everyone, give Mr. Shinazugawa some space,” he said, gently herding the children back to their seats.

Genya finally made his way across the room, holding out the bouquet. “For your empty vase,” he said simply, nodding toward the glass vase on Muichiro’s desk.

Muichiro’s eyes softened as he accepted the wisteria bouquet, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. “Thank you, Genya.” He set the flowers in the vase, arranging them delicately before turning back to his fiancé. Without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed a deep but brief kiss to Genya’s lips. The room erupted in a mix of cheers and some with groans of “Ewww!” from the children.

Genya’s ears burned red as he pulled back, clearing his throat. “Uh, I should probably get to my class, baby.”

Muichiro giggled, walking with Genya to the door. Outside the classroom, they lingered for a moment, savoring the rare time alone.

“You really outdid yourself with the flowers,” Muichiro teased, his tone light. “Are you trying to impress the five-year-olds or me?”

Genya shrugged, his lips twitching into a smirk. “Why not both? Besides, I saw the vase. It was looking pretty lonely.”

Muichiro’s laughter rang out like wind chimes. “Well, mission accomplished. It’s perfect.”

Genya hesitated for a moment, his gaze softening. “I still can’t believe you said yes, y’know. Feels surreal.”

Muichiro’s smile turned tender. “And I still can’t believe you thought I wouldn’t.”

The two shared a lingering look before Muichiro leaned in for a quick kiss. “Go teach your kids,” he whispered against Genya’s lips.

“You too,” Genya replied, smiling as they parted ways.

---

Later that day, during dismissal, Muichiro and Genya walked toward the parking lot together when a familiar voice called out. “Mr. Tokito! Mr. Shinazugawa!”

They turned to see Kotone, a former student of Muichiro’s, now a second grader, running toward them with a group of friends in tow.

“I heard the news!” Kotone said, beaming. “You’re getting married! I knew it would happen—I was the first to notice when I was in your class!”

“No, I noticed first!” one of her friends argued.

“That’s not true,” another chimed in. “I saw it first when they smiled at each other during the school play!”

Soon, the group of children was engaged in a full-blown debate over who had noticed the relationship first. Muichiro watched with a small, amused smile, his soft gaze flickering to Genya.

“Thank you, Kotone,” he said quietly, patting her head. “I appreciate your support.”

With that, the couple made their way to Genya’s car, leaving the lively chatter behind. Muichiro slipped into the passenger seat while Genya settled into the driver’s side. The engine purred to life as they buckled in.

Genya glanced at Muichiro, his expression thoughtful. “Did you ever think it’d turn out like this?”

Muichiro tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Not exactly, because I didn't think I was special enough. But I always hoped we’d end up together, no matter where we were.”

Genya’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, a warm blush creeping up his neck. “Yeah. Me too.”

The conversation ebbed into comfortable silence before Muichiro suddenly leaned over, catching Genya off guard. Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss that deepened as they leaned closer. Muichiro’s hand rested on Genya’s cheek, while Genya’s fingers found their way to Muichiro’s waist.

Emboldened, Muichiro tried to climb over the center console, aiming to straddle Genya’s lap. But Genya’s hands shot out, stopping him mid-motion.

“Muichiro,” he rasped, their breaths mingling, “we’re in the parking lot of an elementary school.”

Realization dawned on Muichiro’s face, and he burst into laughter, collapsing back into his seat. Genya joined in, his deep chuckles mixing with Muichiro’s lighter giggles.

“Probably not the best idea,” Muichiro admitted, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye.

“Yeah, definitely not,” Genya agreed, shaking his head with a grin.

As they drove off, their laughter subsided, replaced by a quiet, shared contentment. The journey back home was filled with warm conversation, reflecting on how far they’d come and the life they were building together.