“I can’t help but hope I didn’t embarrass myself in front of the JAXA board,” Ria sighed, holding onto my arm as we made our way from the craft club classroom. Ria was finally free of the short-dressed Alice costume I made. I will admit, I did make the skirt a little too short, but she was really cute. “So, did the scout from Tokyo fashion school like your designs?”

I blushed. I was approached by a scout for Tokyo fashion school a few weeks ago and today they analysed all my work, I hadn’t told Taiju that if I accepted it would mean moving to Tokyo. He’s such a dummy and was excited when I mentioned a scout, he didn’t put two and two together. “They seemed to like my work,” I stated. “But I'm not sure if Tokyo would be the best option for me.”

“Eh,” Ria gasped. “If you get a place in Tokyo, it would be a great opportunity. It’s illogical to not take advantage of something that could propel your career.”

I giggled, she really does sound like Senku sometimes. “Okay, if they make me an offer then lets make a deal,” Ria’s attention went on me. “If they make me an offer, I'll take it on the condition I get to design your wedding dress.”

“W-wed,” Ria stopped in her tracks, dropping my arm and face fully red. “Who would I even be marrying?”

I couldn’t help but laugh more and poke her forehead. “Why, Senku of course,” She let out a squeal and looked like she was about to faint from the blood rushing to her head. “When are you just going to admit that you love him. Everyone, but Senku and Taiju, can totally see it.”

Flustered, Ria tried desperately to form an answer. “But what if he gets accepted to JAXA?” She started to answer, her voice sounding sad. “He’ll be in America in the final stages of training and then might meet a nice girl, maybe a medical student or even someone head strong. Someone like that, suits Senku more than I do.” She gave a sad smile; she arms falling to her sides.  “All I ever want is to be by the side of the man who saved my life. I know I'm being selfish but that’s all I could ever hope for now.”

I smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Senku may not be the type to fall in love,” I stated. “But if he did and it wasn’t with you, I’d say he’d definitely be one of the dumbest scientists you would ever know.”

Ria giggled at my oxymoron. “You know, if think if it’s not a chemical, Senku wouldn’t even show the slightest feeling.” She jumped to my side, clinging into my arm. I think this might be why you are my best friend.”


“Yuzu!” my heart fluttered hearing Taiju calling for me.

“I'll leave you guys to enjoy the bonfire dance,” with that  said, Ria waved as she ran off.

Like an excitable child Taiju grabbed my hand and we took part in the bonfire dance. Compared to last year’s attempt, we were both much more calmer which made our movements smoother. This year, as seniors our dance was, dare I say, flawless.

The dance ended and Taiju seemed distracted. “Where’s Senku and Ria?” He questioned. “I was hoping we would all watch the fireworks together for our senior year.”

I smiled, placing my hand in his cheek. My eyes looked up, taking  notice of the school roof. “let me check somewhere out,” I assured leaving him saddened.

I made my way up to the roof, as I made my way up the stair case, I could hear the voices of the people I was looking for. “I don’t have a millimetre of doubt that we both impressed the judging panel.,” I could hear Senku's reassuring voice. “Though when you fell over, but first, that may have deduced a point or two.”

“Geez, thanks for the reassurance,” Ria thanked in a sarcastic manner. “But I'm glad if I had that opportunity with anyone, I had it with you.”

“The mad scientist and his assistants t, the two youngest recruits in JAXA history,” Senku proclaimed.

I stayed behind the door, watching and listening as they continued to banter.  Ria's next action shock me, she leant up on her tip toes, giving Senku a kiss on the cheek. Senku looked to Ria in confusion as Ria kept her calm stature. “Just a little thank you,” She laughed. ⁸

“Ah, this is where they were,” I squeled as Taiju jumped past me, bursting three the fdoor. He dragged me along side him and got Ria and Senku to hold their hands out in front of them.

He got us in a circle, entwining his pinkie with my Thumb and then got me to do the same with Senku who then repeated the action with Ria who completed the connection with Taiju. Senku smiled, clocking onto what was happening, Ria and I taking until the  fireworks took off.

I see, Taiju wanted to make sure we all held hands. Knowing that no matter what, we would all remain friends after we start our new journeys. “Not a bad idea,” Senku praised. You big Oaf.”