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The bar was nearly empty, with only a few crew members nursing their last drinks. Gen sat at the bar, sipping the signature cocktail François had specially crafted for him. The two chatted casually about the day's events, laughter weaving through their conversation.
Then François’s eyes flicked up, catching sight of Senku approaching. His hands were clasped nervously behind his back. François smiled knowingly and glanced toward the far side of the room, where Ukyo, Chrome, Kohaku, Taiju, Yuzuriha, and Ryusui lingered in the shadows, barely visible but clearly watching the scene unfold.
Gen’s ears caught Senku’s hesitant footsteps, and he turned with a teasing grin.
“Well, hello, my dear Senku. What does our brilliant scientist need from me tonight?”
Senku’s face flushed a deep crimson. He fidgeted with something hidden behind his back, struggling to find the words.
“Um... i-it’s our s-second a-anniversary, so... d-do y-you w-want to g-go s-star-gazing w-with me t-tonight?” he finally blurted out, holding out a delicate flower, eyes fixed firmly on the floor.
Gen blinked, surprised to see Senku so flustered—the usually confident scientist reduced to a shy mess. Softening, Gen rose from his seat and stepped closer, taking the flower gently from Senku’s trembling hands. He brought it to his nose, inhaling the sweet scent, then let his fingers trail lightly along Senku’s cheek.
“Bold move, Senku,” Gen murmured with a smile. Then, leaning down, he swept the flower beneath Senku’s chin, lifting his gaze.
“I’ll be waiting.”
With that, Gen turned and disappeared into the dimly lit corner, leaving Senku standing frozen in a mix of relief and anticipation.
-^-^-
The blanket beneath them was soft, slightly rough from the woven fibers but comforting all the same. Around them, the faint rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze mixed with the distant crash of waves against the cliffs. Above, the stars sparkled so clearly, they looked almost close enough to touch—a shimmering sea of light spread across the sky like spilled diamonds.
Senku’s heart pounded, louder than the ocean below. His hand trembled slightly in Gen’s as he tried to steady his nerves, to find the words that had escaped him earlier.
He swallowed hard and finally whispered,
“You know, I always thought science could explain everything. The why and how of the universe. But...” His voice softened, eyes fixed on the constellation of Orion, “...there are things even science can’t predict. Like what I’m feeling right now.”
Gen’s gaze softened, warm and steady, holding Senku’s completely.
“Maybe some things are meant to be mysteries. The ones that make us human.”
Senku turned his head, their faces close in the faint moonlight. He could see the gentle curve of Gen’s smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he looked at him. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.
“I’ve always admired your mind,” Gen said, voice low, “but it’s the person behind it that’s impossible to forget.”
A smile tugged at Senku’s lips, and he reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from Gen’s forehead.
“I guess I was just waiting for someone to see that.”
Their hands tightened around each other’s, warmth spreading through Senku like wildfire. The silence between them was no longer empty but full—full of promises, of understanding, of something quietly profound.
Then, as if pulled by an invisible thread, their faces drew closer. Their lips met in a kiss that was gentle and searching, a tender exploration rather than a rush. Time seemed to slow, the stars above twinkling in approval as if blessing this moment.
When they finally parted, Senku rested his forehead against Gen’s, breath mingling in the cool air.
“Thank you for being here,” Senku murmured.
Gen chuckled softly,
“Where else would I be?”
Senku lay back on the blanket, feeling the rough weave pressing softly against his skin, the night air cool on his face. Gen’s fingers were warm and steady in his own, and every subtle touch sent sparks through him.
How did I get here? Senku thought, eyes tracing the constellations above. I spent years chasing knowledge, chasing answers, always thinking I could control everything. But this... this feeling, it’s something I never expected.
He turned his head slightly to look at Gen. The gentle rise and fall of his chest, the way his hair caught the moonlight, the calmness in his eyes that always seemed to see right through Senku’s defenses—it made his chest tighten.
I don’t want to lose this. Not ever.
Gen’s thoughts were equally swirling, but quieter. Senku’s always been the unshakable one, the mastermind. Yet here he is, vulnerable, almost nervous. This isn’t the usual Senku, and it’s beautiful.
Gen squeezed Senku’s hand gently, as if anchoring both of them in this moment. He could feel the unspoken words hanging between them—words that meant more than any discovery or breakthrough.
Senku’s heart hammered louder now. He had rehearsed this moment countless times, but now that it was here, the words felt impossibly real.
“Gen,” Senku whispered, voice low and steady despite the storm inside him, “there’s something I need to ask you.”
Gen’s brow lifted slightly in surprise but his eyes stayed locked on Senku’s.
Senku reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, carefully wrapped box. His fingers trembled slightly as he opened it to reveal a simple yet elegant ring—a band made from a rare mineral Senku had synthesized, glimmering softly under the starlight.
“I know this is sudden,” Senku said, cheeks flushing deep red. “But you’ve been my constant, my partner in everything. I can’t imagine a future without you by my side.”
He took a deep breath, heart pounding so fiercely it felt like it might burst.
“Gen, will you marry me?”
Unseen by the two, the crew stood at a distance, frozen in shocked silence. Chrome’s mouth hung slightly open. Kohaku’s eyes were wide, sparkling with surprise. Ryusui’s usual confident smirk faltered as he glanced around at the others.
Taiju whispered,
“Did Senku just… propose?”
Yuzuriha nodded, her hand covering her mouth, tears glimmering.
“I never thought I’d see this day.”
Ukyo glanced at François, whose jaw was slack in disbelief.
“It’s... really happening.”
-^-
Back beneath the stars, Gen’s breath caught. Slowly, a radiant smile spread across his face. His eyes shone brighter than any constellation above.
“Yes,” he said softly, voice thick with emotion. “Yes, Senku. I will.”
Senku’s relief and joy exploded in his chest. The night seemed to hold its breath, and then exhale in perfect harmony with their hearts.
They leaned into each other once more, the world around them fading away—just two souls, bound by love and the infinite possibilities ahead.
-^-
From the shadows, Taiju’s emotions finally broke free. His usual cheerful demeanor gave way to a raw, heartfelt cry.
“Senku! Gen! You guys—this is amazing!” he exclaimed loudly, tears streaming down his face. Without hesitation, he charged forward and wrapped both of them in a huge, bear-like hug.
Senku and Gen stumbled, caught completely off guard by the sudden affection but quickly melted into the warmth of Taiju’s embrace.
“Taiju—hey, hey, calm down!” Kohaku laughed nervously, stepping forward as she tried to pry him loose.
“Let him have his moment,” Gen said, smiling fondly despite the awkwardness.
But Taiju’s tears kept flowing, his voice thick with emotion.
“I’m just so happy, okay? You guys deserve this. I never thought I’d see you both this happy.”
Chrome and Yuzuriha joined in, gently pulling at Taiju’s shoulders, trying to get him to loosen his grip without hurting him.
“Taiju, you’re squeezing too hard!” Chrome warned, grinning.
“Yeah, don’t crush the geniuses!” Kohaku teased as she tugged at Taiju’s other arm.
After a few moments of playful struggle, Taiju finally let go, wiping his cheeks with the back of his hand.
“Sorry, sorry... I just... this means everything.”
Senku laughed softly, brushing a hand through Taiju’s hair.
“We know, buddy. Thanks for being so supportive.”
Gen nodded, wrapping an arm around Taiju’s shoulders.
“Couldn’t ask for a better crew.”
The group shared a warm, joyful silence for a moment, the weight of the proposal settling around them like a gentle glow.
Then Ryusui broke the quiet with his usual smirk,
“Well, looks like the captain’s got some new business to attend to, huh?”
Everyone laughed, the tension finally breaking as they all settled into the happiness of the moment—ready to face whatever came next, together.