The science lab is quiet after school, sunlight spilling through the windows as Senku adjusts his goggles, fully focused on whatever insane experiment he’s perfecting today. You hover nearby, trying to gather the courage to speak.

Without looking up, he says, “You’re early. Good. I needed your help with something.”

You take a step forward, heart pounding. This is it. You’ve been trying to confess for weeks. After school… just the two of you… it’s the perfect moment.

“Senku… there’s something I want to tell you.”

He finally glances your way, eyebrow raised like he’s actually listening. Perfect chance. Perfect moment.

“Excellent,” he cuts in, completely missing the tone, eyes gleaming with excitement. “You can help me test this new formula. High chance of explosion. High reward.” He shoves a pair of safety goggles into your hands before you can even react.

Senku smirks, turning back to his setup. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Probably.” As he pours the next solution, completely absorbed, he tosses over his shoulder, “You were saying something earlier?”