Dive into a chaotic yet heartwarming tale at Kenshuusha Labra, a pharmaceutical lab renowned for its mysterious compounds. When an experiment goes awry, Labra Tory must team up with her aloof junior assistant to clean up before their intimidating boss returns—all while grappling with a secret crush. Will they save the lab… and what happens when hidden feelings surface?
The Lab: A Hub of Secrets and Slips
Kenshuusha Labra isn’t your average research facility. Nestled in a quiet industrial zone, it’s celebrated for developing groundbreaking, almost otherworldly compounds—from healing serums to experimental mood enhancers.
1. Mystery in the Mixtures: The lab’s success hinges on its proprietary formulas, guarded like state secrets. Employees whisper about a “Project Elixir” said to have unusual side effects, though no one dares ask too many questions.
2. Labra’s Role: A mid-level researcher with a knack for troubleshooting, Labra thrives on the lab’s fast pace. She knows every beaker, every protocol… except how to admit her growing feelings for her new assistant.
3. The Director’s Shadow: The lab’s fearsome boss, Director Kuroda, is a stickler for order. Her sudden absence (a rare “conference” trip) leaves the team adrift—but also gives Labra a chance to hide her latest blunder.
Cleanup Chaos: Partners in (Reluctant) Progress
When Labra’s experiment explodes (literally), leaving glass shards, spilled reagents, and a suspiciously glowing residue, she knows she needs help. Enter Kenji, her quiet, efficient junior assistant—who’s great at his job but terrible at small talk.
1. Clash of Styles: Labra is all hands-on urgency; Kenji methodically catalogs damage. Their bickering (“Move the flask that way!” “No, the other way!”) masks a strange chemistry. He notices her fumbling with a broken pipette; she catches him lingering near her desk.
2. Unlikely Teamwork: As they scrub, sort, and salvage, they uncover clues about the accident’s cause. Was it truly an error? Or did someone tamper with Labra’s notes? Their investigation adds tension to the cleanup.
3. Close Calls and Closer Moments: When a stray spark nearly ignites a shelf, Kenji grabs Labra’s arm to pull her back. The contact lingers—a heartbeat too long. Both freeze, then mumble excuses. The air between them crackles.
Feelings Unfold: Secrets in the Lab Coat Pockets
Labra’s crush isn’t new. She’s admired Kenji since he joined six months ago—his calm focus, the way he laughs at her terrible jokes (when no one’s listening). But she’s buried it, fearing rejection… or worse, losing a colleague she’s come to trust.
1. Hidden Clues: She notices small things: Kenji refilling her coffee mug without being asked, pausing to fix a loose wire on her microscope. Is it kindness… or something more?
2. Vulnerability in the Moment: Late into the night, exhausted, Labra admits, “I messed up the experiment on purpose.” Kenji raises an eyebrow. “Why?” She hesitates. “Because… I wanted an excuse to stay late. To work with you.” His silence speaks volumes.
3. The Risk of Honesty: With the director’s return looming, Labra faces a choice: confess now, risking everything… or wait, hoping Kenji feels the same. Their cleanup isn’t just about fixing the lab—it’s about mending their hearts.
