The evening was quiet in Saitama’s apartment—almost too quiet. The low hum of the city filtered through the window, broken only by the soft clink of dishes as Genos finished cleaning

Genos stood still for a moment after, hands at his sides, posture rigid—like he was preparing for battle rather than… this

“Saitama-sensei,” he began, voice steady but quieter than usual

Saitama, sprawled lazily in front of the TV, didn’t look away “Yeah?”

There was a brief pause—just enough to be noticeable

“I have come to a conclusion,” Genos said “Through observation and analysis of my own internal processes… my priorities have shifted.”

Saitama blinked “Huh?”

Genos stepped closer “You are no longer simply my mentor. My thoughts return to you with unusual frequency. Your presence stabilizes me. Your absence… does not.”

Saitama finally glanced over, eyebrow raised

“…Okay?”

Genos hesitated—just barely

“I believe this aligns with what humans define as… romantic attachment.”

Silence

The TV droned on

Saitama stared at him for a second, then scratched his cheek “Oh.”

Another pause

“…So what now?”

Genos straightened, resolve snapping back into place “If it is acceptable, I would like to attempt a human courtship behavior.”

“…You mean a date?”

“Yes.”

Saitama thought about it for exactly two seconds

“Will there be food?”

“Yes.”

“…Alright, sure.”

Genos nodded once, like a mission had been approved “I will prepare accordingly.”

Saitama turned back to the TV “Don’t make it weird.”

“…Understood.”

But despite his words, Genos lingered just a moment longer—systems unusually active, something almost warm flickering beneath metal and code and Saitama just went back to watching the TV, like nothing had happened