Chapter Text
“Hey, you guys know the science club's president? What was his name again? Kensu?” Kohaku randomly blurted at their lunch table while chewing, arms on the table, back slouched, no manners in sight(which wasn't uncommon for her).
Next to her was Ryusui on her right and Chrome on her left. Across from them was Gen and Ukyo, who had both just sat down after getting lunch. “Not even close. His name is Ishigami Senku.” Chrome corrected her. He was also in the science club so of course he knew the president. He never shuts up about the guy. “What about him?”
“Do you know if he's straight or queer?” That made Ryusui and Ukyo pause their own conversation, and Gen clenched his fists under the table. He hadn't come out to any of his friends yet, knowing how detrimental rumors can be to his reputation if word got out that he was gay. He knows they'd support him, but he still doesn't feel close enough to tell them.
He had transferred out of his private school to this public highschool, Hirosue High, wanting to experience a proper freshmen year like a real teenager. All his friends made sure to make him feel at home since the entrance exams, but he still feels there's secrets that must be kept. To be fair, he's never felt close enough to anyone to tell them his sexuality. Not since...
“Ha! What, do you have a crush on him?” Ryusui joked, laughing at the thought of Kohaku trying to win someone's affection. She looked like she was about to go full gorilla on him.
“Never! Someone mentioned he made a love potion..? Anyways, don't change the subject! Chrome, answer me!” Love potion..? Gen hasn't interacted with the guy, but based on what Chrome says about him, he's not the type to waste his time on things like that. Probably a fake potion. Chrome puts down his utensils and scratches his head, unsure.
“I honestly thought he was asexual. He's never shown interest in anyone, let alone romance in general.” Chrome chewed as he thought about it. It left the only other person who knew Senku personally to add an opinion; Ryusui. “I bet he likes men and is in the closet! And I'll put real money on this!” Ryusui took out a wad of bills, throwing it in the very middle of the table.
Chrome's jaw dropped at the amount, as usual when seeing Ryusui's money, before he composed himself with a smirk. “I'm sorry, but I think I know my own president better. I'm betting asexual!” Chrome throws down the biggest bill he had; ¥5000. Gen's surprised Chrome even has that much on him at all since he's always begging for money for the vending machine. Kohaku snickers at all the betting. “Oh yeah? Then I'm betting he's straight!” She stands with one leg on the lunch table, throwing her entire coin purse into the pile.
Gen and Ukyo watched the whole thing, sighing to each other at the group's shenanigans. Bet's weren't unfamiliar to them, Ryusui always being the one to start betting with triple what anyone else would bet. And of course, he's also never lost a bet, only making himself richer. Gen wonders why Chrome and Kohaku even try to challenge the nepo baby after 20 losses. “Now, we just need to put this bet into action!” Chrome excitedly searched the lunchroom for his club president.
Ukyo politely raised his hand with a wobbly smile and knitted brows, likely concerned that this could get out of hand. “Not to burst anyone's bubble, but who is going to romantically pursue Ishigami for this bet to be won..?” Ofcourse. If those three wanted to prove their bets right, they'd need someone to scout as a possible love interest. They couldn't trust Senku's word if they asked; he'll likely dodge the question. Ryusui laughs and snaps, pointing in the air. “Obviously that'll be…” his hand lowered to point at someone.
“Gen!”
…Huh?
“...Me?” Gen pointed at himself. Correct, he was the only logical option. Ryusui is taken by some anonymous lover, Chrome is straight and has a huge crush on Ruri, Kohaku's sister, Ukyo also has a secret lover, and Kohaku would probably be the last person to offer the position to. “I suppose I'm the only one good enough for the ob-jay?” Gen pouts, crossing his arms, merely pretending to be annoyed so he can turn this situation to his favor. He had a feeling he'd be picked.
Chrome pleads, “Please, Gen! We'll do anything!” Bingo. He's got them hook, line, and sinker.
“Fine. I suppose I'll do it… IF the inner-way of the bet gives me half for my effort.” Gen wasn't about to throw away his dignity for nothing, he needed cold, hard cash for his cold, hard heart. He's always the dealbreaker for bets like these, so his chaotic friends are lucky he's only asking for repayment now. He also needs the money to mend the possible broken heart of Ishigami. Or maybe if Ishigamj proves to be loveable enough, he'll need it to mend his own heart. This is only for the bet after all, he doesn't plan to date the science nerd even if Ishigami did end up liking him.
“Then it's decided! Gen will seduce Senku for our bet! Haha!” At the perfect time, the bell rings, signalling the end of lunch as the group disperses. Ryusui and Ukyo went to their class together, where Chrome followed behind. Kohaku found her sister to walk with even though Ruri was two grades ahead, simply just for the familiarity and the fact their classes weren't far apart. Gen was the only one of his friend group to have a class alone, and it just so happened to be with his supposed victim.
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Gen immediately scanned the room for Ishigami, knowing he was always one of the first few to class. Lo and behold, he was sitting in the front to the left next to the window where his assigned seat was. Gen unfortunately sat two rows behind him, not close enough to talk to him during class, but he could try to talk to him before class starts. “Ishigami-chan!” Gen waved from the entrance and walked over to his desk, grinning like a cheshire cat. He should've asked Chrome more about the science club president before approaching him, he doesn't know enough to seduce him. Oh well, here it goes!
“What's up, Asagiri?” Ishigami didn't lift his eyes from taking out his supplies from his red school bag as Gen spoke. He didn't sound annoyed or friendly, or even interested. Just… responding to his name. Gen could only think of one option that'll allow him to talk to Ishigami again. “Say, do you have an extra encil-pay for little ol’ me to borrow?” Gen blinked his pretty eyes at the nerd, silently pleading.
The great romance of borrowing. Of course, Gen didn't really need a pencil. His purple pencil case was safely tucked away in his bag. This simply gave him a chance to return the pencil and maybe pitch another conversation. “Please? I don't want Mr. Ibara to scold me! It'll be our little secret!” Ishigami sighed before rummaging through his bag and then handing Gen a mechanical space themed pencil with a twistable eraser at the end. How fancy.
Gen thanked him with a perky smile, skipping happily to his desk. He noticed there were bite marks on the pencil, despite it not being wood. How cute. Phase one was completed, now it's onto phase two: first name basis.
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It was the next day after Gen had his first interaction with his victim. Gen was supposed to return the pencil after class to pitch another conversation, but he had totally forgotten because he was busy daydreaming the whole class. He finally realized when he and Ukyo were walking home and Ukyo, being the good friend he is, asked how the whole seducing-the-science-clubs-president went. Gen paused and almost facepalmed at his own stupidity once he remembered.
Tomorrow, I'll return it. Gen reassures himself.
Which led to Gen now sitting with his friends on the stairway early morning before classes started when he suddenly sprang up because he spotted Ishigamj. He ran over as he could hear his friends silently cheering him on. Gen returned the pencil as if it was still the same day he borrowed it, smiling as politely as he could.
“Thanks again for that pencil yesterday, Ishigami-chan! I feel a little closer with you now that we had that exchange~” He leans onto Senku's shoulder, grinning to himself at what he's about to ask. “Speaking of feeling closer, I think Ishigami-chan is too ormal-fay… how about Sen… ah, how about Senku-chan!? And you can call me Gen!”
“Sure, Gen it is. Now, I'd like to get to my club's lab so I can work on my new project…” Senku started to walk away, to his club's lab. Dangit, he couldn't let this chance get away! Gen grabbed onto Ishigami's wrist before he could stop himself, surprising the both of them.
“Oh! A project? How about I come and help? It's something sciencey, right?” That made Ishigami pause and turn his head, looking confused. “You want to help me..? You don't even know what I'm working on.” He crossed his arms. Oh no. Did Ishigami notice how desperate Gen was by his nervous tone? It only took about 3 seconds before he dropped the suspicious act with an almost evil, devilish grin. “Who am I to deny free labor? Come on!” Ishigami grabbed Gen by the arm and dragged him to the science club's personal lab room.
What had Gen gotten himself into..?