I couldn't help but groan as I tried to adjust my leg into a more comfortable position. As I began my walk to Ria, the hold of my exhaust let loose and I slipped, not noticing the patch of ice on front of me. Now there's a graze on my forehead and I have a sprain on my ankle. In my head there was a number of outcomes to today's reunion:

Outcome 1:

"Oh Senku, I beg you not to leave my side again my mad scientist," Ria cries as she holds me tightly.

Outcome 2:

Ria states as me with a stern look, a handsome gentleman appears behind her, "You're too late, I have found a real man."

Outcome 3:

Ria is the one who falls into the ice not me!

I sighed, leaning back at the irony of me ing the one to fall this time. Though I couldn't help but laugh. Ria finished seeing Taiju and Yuzuriha off, both of them being so kind as to bring me home, Taiju even having to carry me inside. I feel quite dismasculine right now. I felt the sofa move as Ria sat beside me, leaning forward to apply a compress to my ankle. I could hear her laughing to herself as she continued to secure it. "All the times you've done this for me," she started leaning back and looking st me. "Its weird being the one to administer the medicine."

I grazed the tips of my of my fingers along her neck. "Red suits you," I complimented, making her shiver at the touch. "Why the change?"

She started to play with the tips of her hair, still avoiding my gaze. "One of Miss Zoe's expirements burnt my hair so I took the opportunity to do something a bit more daring." She finally got the courage to turn around to face me. "Though, your hair is certainly quite different."

"Ah, I cut it as it got stuck in the helmet," I laughed. "Figured I'd keep it like this to get a reaction." Ria stuck her tongue out as she leant in closer to me. My hand moved from her neck, cupping her cheek. "So, you're waiting for the results of the expirement correct?" She nodded. I would love to keep her on edge but seeing her longing face, even I cant wait any longer. "I don't want you as not assistant anymore." Her eyes widened in shock. "I want you as something more. As my lab partner."

I was amused as she tried to comprehend the words to respond with. Her hands not knowing what to do as they played with the top button of my shirt. "Is this another Senku-ism I should understand?" She finally blurted out. "Does this mean what I think it means?"

"Kukuku, you're going to make me say it aren't you?" She nodded egarly. "I love you, Ria." I pulled her closer, placing my lips into hers, I could feel my face getting wetter, indicating Ria was crying. I pulled away, Ria starting to sniffle and wipe her eyes using her sleeve. "Sorry to make you wait but how do you feel, being my lab partner  now."

The tears didn't stop through Ria's bright smile. "It's more then I could ever ask for," she practically cheered.

"If you want it early, your christmas present is in my coat pocket," I stated and Ria spent no the  running to my coat and pulling out the small box. Her words had yet again escaped her as she passed me the box. She sat beside me and I opened the box, to reveal the two silver rings on the inside. I didn't say anything as I placed the one ring on her left hand and she didn't need to be told as she grabbed the other one, placing it on my hand. "I'm not the sentimental type but I think this was the best way to show you I'm serious about us. Take this ring and wear it knowing you're the first and only person I will say, i have illogical feelings for."

Hold her hand tight to her chest, the tears started to flow more aggressively. "I've loved you all these years," she hiccups, leaning in closed to me. "Will you allow me to continue your scientific journey with you?"

" I wouldn't want anyone else," I answered honestly. "You know, Ishigami Ria has a nice ring to it."

"Yeah," Ria finally calmed down, kissing me again. "I like it too."