A few days later, you received a call from Chrome's team. Ukyo reported that the entire coastline has changed since 3,700 years ago. Senku came to the conclusion that a new map was in order. And so he decided that the new science project of the Kingdom of Science would be to make a hot air balloon. Gen helped by making everyone gather enough hemp to make cloth. After all, without cloth, there's no hot air balloon, with no hot air balloon, there's no oil, with no oil, all that money Ryusui made (he called it dragos, which you thought was a bit childish) would be totally worthless. In no time they had a mountain of hemp and the crafting team, led by Yuzuriha got to work.

Now of course the idea of making people pay for your little music lessons came to mind, but you never did. First of all because it'd suck to have to pay for something that was previously free. And also because, even in the modern world, you could learn that kind of stuff for free. And it's not like Senku and his stands were doing poorly or anything.
You just kept giving out little lessons whenever you had a break from constructing. And all was going well.
Until, that one dreaded question was asked.

"How do you play it?" one of the kid pointed at the array-mbira you were playing.
"What?" you looked at him.
"How do you play it?" he repeated.
"Oh yeah, it's easy. You just pressed and release the tiles and it makes notes."
"Okay... But how can I play like you play?"
"Uh...huh?"
"How did you learn how to play (Y/n)?" Ruri asked.
"Well...I looked at other people play it, and I did the same."
"How do you do that?!" the kid asked, amazed and impatiently waiting for an answer.
"I just...do it." you mumbled, knowing it wasn't a valid answer.

The boy and your other students were disappointed by the fact that you won't teach them how to play. But bless Ruri for telling them that it wasn't against them, because you were in your head right now and though you were able to finish your lesson, you left with a bitter feeling.
You never learned how to play music in a traditional way. It never occurred to you that other people might need a more detailed explanation in order for you to teach them. But you didn't know how to explained something that came so naturally.

You rubbed your face, groaning.
"Is something wrong?"
You looked up to see Ryusui.
"Yeah..." you sighed and looked back down.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he sat next to you.
"The others want me to teach them how to play music, but I can't."
"Why's that?"

You were about to tell him, but just now do you realized how douchy it'd make you sound.
'Because I'm simply too much of a genius!' That's how it would sound.
"Actually nevermind." you waved your hand and looked away.
He tilted his head.
"I just realized how pretentious it is."
"So?" you looked at him when he said that. "Whatever it is, it's bothering you, and that's bothering me. Sharing the burden of a beautiful woman is an honor."
You smiled and explained your problem.
"It's nothing pretentious at all!" he said. "You do have the ability to quickly understand your art, and not everyone has that ability! It's a problem like any other!"
"...thanks."
"So don't look so sad, okay?" his smile softened. "I'm sure you'll find a way eventually."

He accompanied you back to the storehouse. It was almost done and with your instruments organized, you even started to decorate a bit so the place has more personality, like tracing little drawings on the walls and there was a little shelf with your favorite rocks on it, on another was Lillian's record, carefully placed with the record player.
"My! It looks lovely!" he said when you both walked in.
"It's not done yet, I still have to plug a few holes on the roof." you pointed at the ceiling. "Also Senku will be coming over to install a furnace."

Ryusui, who took the array-mbira for you, placed it down and looked upon all of your instruments. He stayed motionless for a moment, then he suddenly shouted, making you flinch.
"(Y/n)!" he snapped his fingers and looked at you with a big smile, leaning closer to you. "I have made a decision!"
"H-Have you now?" you took a step back, flustered by the suddenly proximity.
"I will arrange a big party!" he opened his arms. "With everyone buried in work, it'll be a great opportunity to come together and have fun!" he pointed at you. "And I commission you to take care of the music!"
"Huh?! I'm not su-."
"Here's your first payment!" he took your hand and placed a stack of dragos on it. "I will give you more after the party of course!"

You looked at the money he gave you with big eyes, then at him, you face lit up.
"Yes Sir! I'll so my best!"
"I expect no less from you!" he snapped his fingers. "I'll leave you to it for now, I'll come back with more details!"
He walked out, you followed him up to the doorway and waved at him.
"Thank you Sir! Goodbye Sir!"
"What's happening?"

You looked over to Senku, who was walking over.
"You okay?"
"No! I'm in trouble!" you exclaimed.

As he was installing your furnace, you explained the situation but you didn't want him to take the time to help you with that when he had so many other things to work on and deal with. Even though he said he was cool with helping out, but you didn't let him!
"You'll be okay then?" he asked once he was done.
"Yes! I'll find a solution!" you gently pushed him outside.
"You're really sure?" he smirked. "Don't you go on your own and end up having a breakdown and crying to me!"
"Wha-That was one time!" you blushed.
"Kukuku!" he walked away and waved his hand.

You huffed, and ran a hand through your hair, sighing.
'Like nothing happened...'
You gave yourself little slaps.
"Come on! Focus!" you sat down at your table, getting ready to brainstorm for hours.

You had two choices here. You could play by yourself, which meant you'd have to order a whole set for a one-man-orchestra, and this party will turn into a circus, it'd never fit the atmosphere you or Ryusui would want anyway. Or, you could find a way to teach how to music. And that, is just so out of your hands.

"Rah~!" you shouted, ruffling your hair in frustration.
"Oh my."
You looked over to see Ryusui standing in the doorway. You blushed slightly in embarrassment and stood up.
"Sir, I'm sorry!"
"Please, just keep calling me Ryusui." he smiled and walked in. "Just because I'm your patron doesn't mean you have to suddenly be formal with me."
"Ah, okay." you scratched your cheek.

You both sat down at the table. He told you about when he'd like to host his party. You explained what you could play with what you had so far, and that if he wanted something else, you could ask the crafting team to make new instruments, but then it'd take more time. Ryusui told you not to worry, that he liked what you initially proposed.

"May I ask," he said. "you must still be bothered by what you told be this morning. Or maybe do you plan to play by yourself?"
"I thought about that, but that idea was thrown out the window." you placed your chin on your palm and rested your elbow on the table. "Now I just have to find a way to teach people how to play..."
A short moment of silence passed.
"How did you learn again?"
"I just copied whatever the musician did."
"Why don't you just do the same for them then?"
"It doesn't work like that! They can't learn how to play just by..." your voice died down as your eyes widen in realization. "They don't have to." you mumbled.

"Mmh?"
"They'll just play a gig, they just have to memorize what to do!" your face lit up. "Ooooh~! That's it!" you stood up. "Thank you Ryu I gotta get to work!" you quickly exclaimed.
You grabbed your array-mbira and rushed out with a newfound determination. Ryusui stared out for a moment before smiling.
"She called me Ryu." he chuckled.

When you proposed your adult students to play for a gig, you didn't expect them to ask for payment. But still you all agreed on a percentage on your payment after the party.
'Man, people never change when it comes to money.' you thought.

"So, how does it work?" Ruri asked.
"Easy, just look how I do it." you played a part on the array-mbira. "And you do the same."
"Uh, really?"
"Yeah really." you handed it to her. "I'll show you again, as much as you like until you memorize it!"

So the array-mbira is played by Ruri, the drumset was for a bald guy who didn't talk much but he seemed nice, his name was Soyuz.
"Oh hey, like the spaceship!" you pointed at him.
He tilted his head, not understanding what you said. You immediately liked this guy.
And the others have the other percusions. You handled the guitar and trumpet, luckily there won't feature each-other at the same time.
"We don't have a bass!" you said at some point. "We can manage without it it's cool! We'll get a bass later!"

It was harder, and it took more time than you expected. But that didn't stop you from working hard on this project. Ryusui would come by to see how you were doing, but at times, he saw how focused you were and didn't want to disturb you in your work, so he just watched from afar.

Meanwhile, with the hot air balloon team. While everybody else was working on making threads, Yuzuriha asked Kaseki and Senku to make her a machine to make cloth with those threads. She worked with it for days to make a bunch of them, even dyed some using flowers. But in the end, she was exhausted and defeated when she realized they were too ventilated and couldn't be used for the balloon. Gen proposed to not let them go to waste and instead sell them for that sweet sweet money. That brought her back to life, and she locked herself in her workplace for days and came back with a variety of clothes and outfits. She also created decorations for Ryusui's party, who also bought a whole new wardrobe. Which ended up with Senku and Gen now having a mountain of cash. And they were delighted, to say the least.

"(Y/n)!" Ryusui walked over to you.
"Yeah?"
"I want you and your team to look the best for the party." he smiled. "Let's go to Yuzuriha's shop, I'll buy whatever outfit you choose!"
You thought for a moment.
'More money for us!'
"Okay, let's go!"

Gen watched you both as you went to the shop. He sighed.
"They're going on a date after all~."
He glanced at Senku to see his reaction.
"Huh? They're just going to buy stuff."
"Senku-chan Senku-chan~." he shook his head. "When a girl and a guy go somewhere to do something together and they were previously set up together, it's a date."
Senku frowned.
"That's...so dumb."
Gen just smiled, but he did notice the lack of jealousy in his behavior.

The place was packed and you took the time to congratulate your friend on her successful business. You knew she was passionate about fashion.

"What would you like (Y/n)-chan?" she asked.
'Oh my god, finally! The time has come for humanity to finally progress!'
"I want a bra!"
"Oh my god yes!" Nikki heard you and exclaimed.
"Why didn't we think of it before!" Minami, the reporter woman, gave herself a little tap on the forehead.
"You're just in time, I just finished a bunch of them." Yuzuriha winked and went to grab them.
"Yes~! Finally!"

"What's a bra?" Kohaku asked.
"It's something that hold your boobs together." you explained. "Right now, our dresses are tight enough to hold them in place but, I don't know about you guys, but I can't breath with this most of the time!"
"Right?!" Nikki said. "It's so hard to run with these!"
Ryusui smiled, happy to see the beautiful women of the modern age coming together with a common goal. But that also made him admire the beautiful women of the stone world for having to put up with this their whole life.

After buying bras (which was the purchase you were most happy about), you tried on different dresses. You liked them all, and Ryusui wasn't much help in picking one.

"You look absolutely stunning!" he'd say everytime.
'At first, I was flustered whenever you'd say that, but saying it all the time, it kinda loses its effect.' you thought.
"But which one is better?!"
"All of them are breath-taking!" he snapped his fingers. "Just take them all!"
"No! That's too much! Need to remind you that you're the one paying!"
"I don't mind at all." he smiled widely. "Anything to make a beautiful woman even more beautiful."

You frowned, your cheeks turning a light shade of pink. He got you in the heart with that one. You recalled the time you met him. He made you confused but now you came to a conclusion: This guy was just annoyingly kind.
"You are not buying all the dresses." you pointed at him.
You trying to be intimidating but just looking cute in that dress, it made him chuckle. He raised his hands.
"Sorry sorry." he smiled. "I got too excited."
You sighed, knowing he wasn't sorry.

In the end, you chose a simple dress, not wanting to go overboard. And you called the other musicians to pick what they wanted to wear.
The following week, you spent more time with Ryusui, updating him on your progress, he was still annoyingly kind, but at least you were staring to get used to it. He also hired Senku to use his architectural skills to design a stage.

This party project actually brought the whole Kingdom of Science together: The crafting team with the decoration and the stage, the entertainment team with the music, the hunting team with the food, and even the science team with the creation of spotlights by making a special case to put the light bulbs in, and the cellphone you converted into a mic (the array-mbira was the one instrument which wouldn't be loud enough for people to hear, even with the place's acoustic, you checked). Also the rich as fuck team with the money, with only one member.

Ryusui may have forgotten to mention that everyone would be coming. Around a hundred people. You felt your heart going crazy. Preparing and tuning the instruments on the stage, you realized your team was shaking nervously. You lightly slapped yourself and called them out.

"Okay guys, this is your first performance so I get why you're all so nervous."
"Do you get anxious too when you go on stage (Y/n)?" Ruri asked.
"Of course." you told a semi-lie.
It was also your very first time performing on a stage in front of so many people. But you were indeed nervous as well.
"But that's okay. You just take a deep breath."
You motioned them to do like you did, and together, you breathed deeply.
"And you have fun. Just like we practiced okay?" you paused, not seeing any reaction. "Come on! Okay?!"
"Okay!" they exclaimed.

"That's what I'm talking about! Are we doing this or what?!"
"Yeah!"
"Are we gonna back down?! The Kingdom of Science never backs down! Can I get a repeat?!"
"The Kingdom of Science never backs down!" they all smiled.
"Woooh! Now get to it!"

You smiled. Giving them a pep talk inspired you too. You went to get some water for the time in between two pieces.
"(Y/n)-chan~!" Gen walked over. "You look as lovely as ever!"
"Hehe, thanks."
"So~? How does it feel to have your own business?"

"What?" you frowned. "I don't-uh..."
"Oh please! You have Ryusui commissioning you, you have employees, you have an office. You even call yourself the head of your department."
You opened your mouth, but quickly closed it, your eyes wide.
"Did I just blow your mind?" he giggled.
"I...I haven't realized it." you stared in the distance for a moment, eventually your face lit up. "I got my own business!"
"You're a business-woman~!"
"Holy shit!" you laughed in disbelief, running a hand through your hair. "Oh my god! Gen!"

You grabbed his shoulder, staring at him with stars in your eyes and letting out a big 'Oooooh~!'. He let out a little 'whoa' at the sudden proximity, but he smiled and patted your hands. After a moment, you let him go.
"Okay, gotta get to business now." you giggled, still not really believing you said those words.
"Good luck~!"
He watched you walk away, a soft smile on his face.
"Not like you'll need any." he whispered.

The stage was supposed to lit up as soon as you give the go and start playing. The people were starting to gather in front of the stage. You were sitting with your crew with your trumpet. Your heart was still beating fast, a mix of anxiousness and excitement. You looked behind you. Ruri's hands were shaking.
"You know," she looked at you. "if you're still nervous, looking at a friend in the crowd should help."
She looked over the audience with her eyes narrowed. She eventually gasped softly and smiled when she saw her sister Kohaku. They waved at each-other. You smiled and turned back. You closed your eyes and slowly breathed, trying to get in your bubble of comfort. A moment later, you gave Ruri the go.

[Sorry - Kyteman, one of her favorites. Go check it out because it is the dopest!]

A single spotlight shone on her as she played. With your eyes remaining closed, you started to play, a soft light lighting the stage. You were solely concentrating on your trumpet. You nodded along with the rising rhythm and tapping your foot. You weren't used to playing trumpet sitting down, and when the drum came in and you started to play faster, you felt obligated to stand up, your musician heart going crazy.

Then, in the short seconds in which you played nothing, right before everything went down, you suddenly felt anxious again. Doubtful questions began to circle around in your head. Then you remembered the advice you gave to Ruri and you opened your eyes ever so slightly. Then they were wide open and those question were swept away. A chill went through your whole being, your hair rising with goosebumps all over your arms. You saw your audience, the entire audience, cheering, raising their hands, clapping their heart out this whole time.

It was the first time you felt it. The thrill of performing.

You closed your eyes again and kept playing just as all the lights went on, mimicking the explosion of sound heard by the entire Kingdom of Science. Your feet moving along the music in some sort of dance.

When the piece was over, you reopened your eyes. You were sweating, out of breath, and with the biggest smile you ever did. Your ears rang with the crowd's cheer, you bowed to them and pointed at the other musicians, who bowed as well, they were smiling too.

After this booming opening, you played some other jams that everyone could dance along to. Your friends from the village really learned about that topic.
At some point, you and your crew needed a break, so you all scattered around to do your own things. On your way to the buffet, people kept congratulating you and praising you. It was getting a bit intoxicating. Except this time, you welcomed them with open arms. You were also happy to see Ruri and the others were getting the same treatment.

Made you think though, you've taken some big steps. Situation and personal wise. A feeling of joy rose in your chest at that thought.

Finally alone, you sighed, fanning yourself with your hand.
"So you did it after all."
You looked to the side, Senku was standing beside you, a glass in his hand. He lightly raised it, smiling.
"Congrats."
You smiled.
"Thank you." you took a glass for yourself.

"I guess I was wrong. You really did it on your own."
"Well, Ryu gave me the idea, I should be thanking him really."
Senku's smile fell as you took a sip of your drink. Ryu...Ryusui? So it was okay for Ryusui to help you but not him? That's pretty hypocritical. Well now that he thought about it, you never said you refused help, you just said you were determined to find a solution to your problem. And just like that, his mildly annoyance was gone.

"(Y/n)!"
Speaking of the devil, here he came, walking on a mission and wearing a fancy suit that just elevated his handsomeness to the max.
"Ah! Ryu! Pay me!" you laughed.
"I have made a decision."
"Huh?" you suddenly became nervous seeing his serious expression. "Really?"

"Ever since I met you, I've seen so many sides of you. The shy and flustered side, the stubborn and stern side, the determined and unshakable side, the frustrated and dedicated side. And right there on that stage, it all exploded with you opening your heart in you performance. I was simply blown away!" he paused, realizing he was starting to go on a monologue. "Don't worry! It's nothing serious..."
'Well, not yet at least.' he thought, remembering the pounding of his heart as he watched you performing.
"...but, I'd like to ask you, directly this time to make sure it's with your consent." he placed a hand on his chest. "Will you go out with me?"

Your face was bright red at this point and your brain crashed a bit. Senku's eyes were wide with shock, along with everyone around. Yuzuriha and Nikki both had their hands on their cheeks, living for this drama.

After a moment that felt like forever, you responded.