“You’ll need an assistant when you go up there right,” Ria’s smile was bright as she teased me about it. I just stared at her. No way? I only ever said that to one person and he was a boy. Logic says that with how much I've talked about going to space, she would assume I would need my assistant with me. Coincidence. That’s all this is. “You okay Senku?”

“i-I'M FINE,” I stuttered and yelled. What’s wrong with me?

“Look,” Yuzuriha exclaimed pointing upwards and we saw it. The ship was re-entering the atmosphere. My old man was finally coming back. “It’s awesome isn’t it Senku?”

I nodded. Yeah, it is. I have to admit I’m also pretty jealous right now. He made it up there before me. I have to try one up him now. I wonder how though. My gaze looked back to Ria who was looking through the telescope. I can surprise him with my lab assistant, I guess.

My eyes widened. Did I seriously think that?

The next morning, my energy wasn’t there. I feel like a dead battery in need of charging. Why am I so tired? Because my mind didn’t want to rest and decided to replay the thoughts from last night. The words Ria spoke and the thoughts about bragging about her. What is wrong with me? This isn’t what a scientist thinks of! I groaned, running a hand through my hair. Life is more complicated that science sometimes.

This morning, we agreed to eat breakfast in the café nearby as a club bonding activity. This was the teacher's idea, not mine. Seeing as Taiju wasn’t in the tent when I woke up so I assumed he was already in the café. I stretched up, trying to loosen my stiff body only to jump, hearing one of the nearby tents zip open. I looked over and saw Ria, still clearly half asleep and her hair sticking up. “Yuzu?” She mumbled looking around.

I laughed. “Not quite,” I continued to laugh as she stumbled out of the tent rubbing her eyes. “You look rough.”

“Thanks,” She mumbled sarcastically rubbing her eyes.  “Where is everyone?”

“Breakfast,” Her eyes lit up Guess she’s hungry.

“Ria, Senku,” We looked around Yuzuriha and Taiju waving us over. I smiled. I’m over thinking things. Perhaps it’s not Ria I want to brag about but the great group of friends I’ve made.

“You look happy,” Ria grumbled. “What are you planning?”

I laughed and started to head in the direction of Taiju and Yuzuriha. “I’m not planning anything,” I stated. “Just had a realisation is all.”

I heard Ria sigh and she ran up beside me. “Okay,” She said. “But if we end up in some weird experiment, I’m going to make you buy me snacks for a month.”

I laughed. I know that’s not a fair deal but also, she would be a part of them anyway. I know this She, the big oaf and Yuzuriha, helped me however they could and I really appreciate it. Not that I'd tell them out loud. “I don’t see how that’s a fair trade,” I smirked. “Snacks in exchnage for for participation.”

“I wouldn’t say no to free snacks,” Ria laughed.

I know. You big dummy.