The teacher only said: "You're both smart. Together you can achieve the perfect result." This phrase was the trigger, but gritting teeth, you had to agree.

Neither you nor Senku were happy with this situation. How long ago did it all start? No one could say for sure, but everyone knew that since elementary school, the relationship between you could be described in one word.:

Hate.

The chemistry room was quiet except for the ringing of cones and the bubbling of various chemicals. Senku was writing something on the blackboard, his movements relaxed, but not without a hint of inner tension.

As always, his calculations are clear and error-free.

He glanced over his shoulder at you. The red eyes narrowed.

"Make a chemical reagent compound, hurry up."

That feeling again. Order. It's like being looked down on again.

"What if I say «no»?"

Senku finally turned around. "then we will lose time, and time is an important resource. Don't be stupid."

"Then stop ordering me around." You answered quickly, abruptly.

Senku clenched his teeth in annoyance. "You're acting like a child. Then you can go, I'll handle the work myself."

Challenge. And you definitely weren't going to back down.

"Alright." And with that, you pointedly walked past Senku, bumping him with your shoulder.

In response, he grabbed your wrist, pulling you back. "You're kidding me, right?" His voice became sharper, it seemed like a fight was about to start.

Kohaku suddenly burst into the classroom. She ran up to them, pulling them apart. "You two! Can you ever work together like normal people?" Her tone was a mix of tired and slightly annoyed.

Chrome and Gen appeared in the doorway, looking curiously between you, Senku and Kohaku.