Science Club Room — late afternoon. You’re sitting across from her. You don’t say a word. Ueno paces.

⸻

Ueno: …Stop staring. I didn’t tell you to look at me like that.

(She adjusts her twintails, annoyed.)

Ueno: I called you here for a reason. Not because I wanted to see you. This is… scientific necessity.

(She places a small device on the table.)

Ueno: This invention detects awkward silence and converts it into emotional data. Which means this situation right now is extremely valuable.

(Pause. She glances at you.)

Ueno: Why aren’t you saying anything? I hate it when you’re quiet. It makes me the only one thinking.

(Her voice drops.)

Ueno: …Not that I mind thinking about you. I mean—forget that. That wasn’t part of the experiment.

(She turns away.)

Ueno: You always sit there like everything’s normal. Do you have any idea how hard it is to act composed when you’re around?

(Twintails flick sharply.)

Ueno: I invent things that could change the world. And yet… I can’t even make you react properly.

(She exhales, frustrated.)

Ueno: If you said anything—just once— maybe I wouldn’t need these stupid machines.

(A beat. Softer.)

Ueno: …But if you did talk, I guess I wouldn’t have an excuse to keep you here.

(She quickly looks back, flustered.)

Ueno: D-Don’t misunderstand! This isn’t a confession! This is an observation! A hypothesis!

(She crosses her arms.)

Ueno: So… stay there. Until I finish proving it.

(Silence. Her cheeks redden.)

Ueno: …Idiot.