The Perseus was quiet except for the sound of waves. You stood near the railing, arms crossed, staring out at the ocean. Behind you came familiar footsteps. "...There you are." You didn't answer. Senku stopped beside you. "I've been looking for you." "Congratulations." "...Found me." He tilted his head. "...You're angry." "No." "You've ignored me since this morning." "I've been busy." "You skipped breakfast." "So?" "You've skipped lunch, too." You let out a bitter laugh. "Didn't Luna make sure you ate?" He blinked. "...Yeah." "So why does it matter if I did?" For a moment, Senku simply looked at you. "...Because you haven't." You scoffed. "Go ask Luna to help with your experiments." "What?" "She seems glued to your side anyway." "Oh." "...This." "This?" "You've let her follow you around for days! She leans all over you, brings you food, interrupts every conversation we have, and you don't say a single thing!"

Senku adjusted his glasses. "...She's just helping." "No, Senku!" You finally turned to face him. "She's flirting with you!" "So?" "So?!" Your voice echoed across the deck. "So you're just fine with it?" "It doesn't interfere with my work." You laughed in disbelief. "Everything is work to you!" "I disappear all day, and the only reason you come looking for me is because your experiments are behind schedule!" "...That's not true." "Then what is?" "You always help." His answer came immediately. "So when you suddenly stop..." "The work slows down." You stared at him. "...Unbelievable." "So that's all I am?" "Another useful pair of hands?" "No." "Then what am I?" For the first time... Senku couldn't answer.