Chapter Text
“Is that clear?”
All of them nodded, except Gen.
They were assigned to create another invention that requires electricity. Most of the villagers are busy with their own task. So, he and the other four which are Chelsea, Nikki, Yuzuriha, and Ukyo are entrusted to follow Senku’s order.
They were going to create headphones, specially made for the spacemen and space operators. The earpiece won’t be enough to exchange information when the moon mission starts. They couldn’t also use megaphones since it would be risky as there's a probability Whyman would interrupt the communication.
It’s been months ago since the other science kingdom members migrated back to Japan to train the three chosen spacemen. And this day, they will fetch up with some of Xeno’s people to receive another piece that will complete the rocket ship.
“Another errible-tay labor,” Gen complained.
“What did you say, mentalist?” Senku scoffed.
“Nothing, Senku-chan,” he flinched.
“Good.”
Gen remained his eyes at the blueprints to scan them repeatedly. He couldn’t even understand the difference nor the purpose of the materials for the invention.
He has no choice since the five of them were the only person available on this day. The other four are already halfway, taking the job as it is not a big deal. But not the same goes for him who was clearly struggling.
Gen was too focused that he hasn't seen how Senku stared at him worriedly before leaving the hut. He is too busy understanding the project. He felt forced to accomplish this new project.
He actually sneaks out at his hut to procrastinate, and to avoid Senku. Unfortunately, his schemes won’t work for the green-haired scientist. For he is the only person who could see through his tricks, at any level.
He's been with him for years and has become accustomed to his crazy science adventures. But there’s the smallest fact that Senku’s ideas still shock him. Thus, this project broke his guard down.
"Why would let me do hard labor when you were just meeting your girlfriend?" He mused.
"You really want to torture me, huh?"
There's a portion on his mind that won't let him relax. He's a professional mentalist, he admits it. Yet, he doesn't associate to much with people.
Until now.
However, it was not as the same as him in the pre-petrification era. This whole petrification era is a whole different story.
Particularly today.
Hearing the news that Xeno's team will arrive reminded him of his fear. Gen had forgotten how broken-hearted he was since he was having too much fun being with Senku most of the time.
"Well, I couldn't stop him after all. Even I'm not the one he's in a relationship with, these past few years, Senku is with me most of the time."
“Ohh.”
Out of nowhere, a bubble thought popped out of his reverie.
He had been overtaken by an overwhelming sense of guilt. Gen suddenly felt ashamed for spending most of the time with Senku rather than swapping places with Luna. If he may recall, he is also the reason why Luna stops insisting to join their group.
Now, he wanted to hurt himself for being selfish, and for intruding on their relationship.
Why it has to be now?
Admittedly, he did it because of jealousy. Yet, he was unconcerned of their emotions. He was just thinking about himself.
"Gen!"
He raised an eyebrow while turning his head to Yuzuriha. The panic in their eyes is evident. But as soon as he realizes why they were alarmed, it was too late.
It looks like he messed up with the wiring and mistook the cables which caused an explosion. Fortunately, there's no toxic chemicals in the room. If there's any, it would lead them to death.
"Waaah~"
Gen yelped as he saw the damage he had caused. He gets rid of the few objects that covered his legs. Senku would probably scold him later. They were expected to accomplish the project within this day. Gen was just hoping it did not got their attenti--
"Gen!"
He grimaced as soon as he heard the familiar voice from the distance. But then, he avoided his gaze even before they met. He felt awkward after recalling his sudden reflection. As he looked down, a hand with bandaged arm was at the top of his fist.
"Do you want me to carry you, mentalist?"
This phrase made his world stops. He gets butterflies in his stomach when he heard Senku's gentle, worried-sounding voice. Why would that be his first statement in this situation? Gen wants to assume, but he doesn't want to misunderstand Senku.
“I’m fine, Senku-chan.”
“What part of that is fine, mentalist? Come with me right now. I’ll treat your injuries."
"So, he was talking about my injuries, huh?"
Gen wanted to accept Senku's offer after assuming that Xeno's people hasn't arrived yet. Maybe he could be selfish for a few minutes, then completely give Luna the opportunity to be with Senku before his takeoff.
It was his plan, not until he recognizes in his peripheral vision the pink-haired woman who was standing meters away from them. Thus, he did his best to refuse Senku's insistence. He was grateful when Sai just came in to help him. All he has to do is to push Senku away and shift his attention to Sai.
However, he was too unfortunate. He complained only for Senku to cut him off. He didn’t miss how Senku shoved Sai's hand away from him as he was about to grab it.
Whatever he says is completely useless. Even his facial signals won’t work on him.
"I'm treating your injuries. Come with me, baka mentalist."
"Ba?" His lips are parted as he stares at Senku. Since when does he call him "baka"?
Gen was about to defend himself when Luna pops out in his mind. He was an expert mentalist, but after seeing through her expression, it was dark. It looks like she's gonna cry any second.
“I’m sorry, Luna,” he thought.
"Doi-hi~"
He couldn’t win against Senku’s argument. That's why, he gave up pleading and let him treat his injuries.
Gen is absolutely sure Senku would leave him afterwards. But he was mistaken. Only the two of them are inside the room.
Ukyo didn't get severely hurt, nor did Nikki. The same goes for Yuzuriha and Chelsea because they were immediately cured. But it was Gen who received the most wounds. Besides, he was the one who was closest to the cause of the explosion.
“Senku-chan. If you’re mad about the headphones, I’m truly sorry,” Gen said.
“What are you talking about, mentalist? I’m not mad.”
“Then, why are you still here? Aren't you supposed to be accompanying our guest? I’m fine on my own.”
"But I can't leave you mentalist," Senku stated, putting his pinky at his ear. "Besides, I have to take care of you."
He could hear his heartbeat. As a matter of fact, he appreciates it.
This side of Senku is very unusual which makes Gen fall for him even more. He wanted to tease him and open the topic about being a tsundere.
Yet, the timing isn't right.
He feels like this is cheating! This is unfair for Luna. The pink-haired woman patiently waited for years to be with Senku. And today, he is completely done being self-centered.
“But Senku-chan, I'm fine,” Gen sighed while glaring at him intently. But the scientist sitting beside him is bad at interpreting facial expressions.
How come that the most intelligent scientist is this extremely dense?
“Don’t you want me to be here, mentalist?”
Those words are meant as sarcasm. He just couldn't react to it. For Gen, it is true. His unusual silence made Senku's smirks shortly disappear.
"So, you don't really want me to be here?" Senku grumbled.
“N-no. It's not like that,” Gen stuttered.
“Then, why?”
“Luna-chan…”
“Luna what?”
Gen was bothered if he should continue or let Senku dies in curiosity. Lying is his expertise. But this isn't right anymore. There was a part of him wanting him to stay, then there’s a side which he doesn’t. So, after he saw Senku’s pouting face, he continued.
“She waited for years to meet you again. And...”
“And?”
“You’re here with me when you're supposed to be with her.”
The silence lasted long, enough to create an awkward atmosphere between them. Gen gnawed his lower lip, covering his face with his hair. He was so embarrassed that he would feel his cheeks burning.
"So, you want me to be with her?" Senku breaks the silence. His voice is monotone, but Gen could sense annoyance.
"Yeah."
The sound of a moving chair startled him. He averted his gaze at his side, for the thought that Senku already walked away.
But he was stiffened when he saw his face inches apart. Senku's face is expressionless, but beyond that is a clear disappointment. Despite it, Senku managed to tuck his hair behind his ear before leaving him alone.
"If that's what you want."
The loud slam of the door is his signal to breathe out intensely. He wiped the sweat on his forehead, then he wrapped himself under the blanket. The tears from his eyes escaped as he silently sobbed so no one could notice.
"I'm really an idiot. How ruel-cay~"