My old man's wedding, well it was simple, elegant. Kuku nothing like him at all. I doubt even a millimetre of what was planned was inspired by him. I also hate to admit it, Ria in a bridesmaid dress kind of got me excited. I can see why her mother imagined her as a bride so often and all the "bridal training" as it was called, certainly showed on the day. I snapped out my thoughts, a car horn beeping loudly. I could hear Ria grunt as she pulled her suitcase to the front door. She ran over to the couch, leaving her bag at the door and leant over the back to face me. "Well, I'm off to the airport," She smiled. "Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?"

"Kukuku," I laughed. "Its not like i haven't been left alone before. Enjoy your trip. I can already guess you've got a copy of the photos from the wedding for you grandmother. Enjoy showing them off."

"D-don't work too hard," Ria stammered, her cheeks a tint of pink. "Your dad and Lillian will be back on Sunday anyway so just behave yourself."

With that, she left. My old man and Lillian were already on their honeymoon and now with Ria leaving, I'll be one my own for the next seven days. I brought out my phone, looking at the calendar. Seven days on my own, two months until we start our senior year, which means two months until we have to start preparations for our college entrance exams. College? Where do I go? I've been all over the world but can I see myself living there long term? And who would I be with? Logic dictates, I would probably be on my own. Ria has her own dreams she would want to achieve, Taiju is likely to not go to college and there is a bet going on as to whether Yuzuriha will be attending a fashion based school. 

Alone. 

Is that where I'm heading? I shake my head, deciding that no is not the time to worry and to use this time to focus on my experiments. I went down to my lab, clicking on the computer, ready to record my findings and log my actions. Ria won't be here to do it today, not unlike before. Which seems like a millennia ago now. That familiar pang hit my chest. Ria gone from my side. Ah, shut up Senku! A ping from my notifications alerted me of an email. I hummed, taking my seat and opened the email. My eyes widened, seeing the title. JAXA RECRUITMENT. 

They are recruiting again already? It hasn't been a decade yet and already looking for new candidates. I looked at the applications dates, seeing that I could apply, in fact Ria could too. The words of my younger self rang through my head; 'I'm going to space.' 

Kukuku, this is exciting. Now, I'll need to find ways to stand out. I turned to my table, smirking. Right, which experiment do we start with? 

--

For the past several days, (actually how many days has it been?), I've been hitting ignore on my exhaust button. It's been none stop experiments and reporting. Essentially, I am doing the job of two people. Scratch that, I AM doing the work of two people. Ria as an observational scientist usually does this for me, correcting me and making suggestions as we carry along but without her here, things are taking longer. 

I tried to hold in a cough as I carried full beakers to my desk. I quickly placed them down and coughed into my elbow. I thought I could feel my brain moving around in my head and i felt my balance give away a bit. 

My breathing became shallow as I grabbed onto my chair, trying desperately to hold myself up. Okay, I need a break. I have to admit it. I turned, grabbing the bannister, using it to pull myself up the stairs. I reached the entrance way, finding that i had to continue holding myself up. I sudden rush of warmth toom over me, my vision going blurry. Ah crap. I coughed, my body going limp, hitting the oak flooring with a large thud. 

Guess this is why I don't like being alone any more. There isn't anyone telling me to slow down. An image of Ria came to my mind, particularly or her scolding me to take it easy. There isn't anyone to bring me drinks and a snack. This time, the image of Lillian, smiling holding a tray of tea and sweets came to mind. Then the image of my old man came to my head. Guess, I care about him a bit more then I realised. 

Oh, I can hear keys in the door. Must be Sunday, meaning I've spent six days straight in my lab. The door opened, a small breeze hitting my face, giving me a tingle sensation. I heard audible gasps; "Senku!" I felt my eyes begin to drop, sleep finally taking over, leaving my unable to recognise the figures in front of me. 

Guess I'll have to apologise when I wake up.