The Science of Connection (Senku Ishigami x Reader)

You tap your pencil against the open notebook, staring at the half-formed ideas of your final college science project. Animal science is your passion, but putting it into an experimental framework that your professor wouldn't pick apart felt like climbing Mount Fuji without a map.

"Why not ask Ishigami for help?" a classmate at the next table muttered, smirking.

Your head whipped towards them. "Do you mean Senku Ishigami?"

They nod, leaning closer. "People say that he's a genius. Pretty much the go-to for anything science-related. But..." They hesitated, lowering their voice. "Don't get your hopes up. The guy's practically unapproachable. Doesn't talk to anyone unless it's his high school buddies or about science. Even then, he's got this way of making you feel, I dunno, dumb."

You roll your eyes. "Well, lucky for me, I don't mind being challenged. Besides, how unapproachable can a person be?"

The classmate gives you a skeptical look. "Suit yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Determined, you packed up your notebooks and headed towards the science lab where Senku supposedly spent most of his time.

~~~~~~~

The lab was eerily quiet, save for the faint clinking of glassware. As you step inside, your (e/c) eyes are immediately drawn to him - the notorious Senku Ishigami. His presence was magnetic, even in the dim light of the room.

Dressed in a slightly rumpled white lab coat, he looked like he belonged to another world entirely. His spiky green hair defied gravity, as if each strand was as stubborn as its owner. His sharp features were framed by a few stray wisps of hair that didn't conform to the chaos atop his head. The faint shadow of dark circles under his striking red eyes hinted at countless sleepless nights, but they didn't dull his intensity. If anything, they added to the air of brilliance and determination that seemed to radiate from him.

Senku's hands were steady and precise as he adjusted a beaker on the table in front of him, the muscles in his forearms faintly visible where his sleeves were rolled up. His movements were practiced and confident, as if the lab was an extension of himself. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as if he was perpetually amused by the world-or perhaps by some internal joke, only he was in on.

Even as he worked, there was an undeniable charisma to him, a presence that made the room feel smaller, more charged. He didn't notice you at first-or at least, he didn't let on that he did. It wasn't until you awkwardly cleared your throat that his eyes flicked up, pinning you in place with a sharp, analytical gaze.

"Uh, Senku?" you ventured.

"Y/N," he said, his eyes still on the flask, voice casual but sharp.

Your heart skipped a beat. How did he know your name? You froze, blinking. You racked your brain, trying to recall when you'd ever met him before-nothing came to mind. You'd never spoken to him outside of class, and you certainly hadn't done anything to catch his attention. But the way he said your name with such certainty... it almost felt like he was expecting you.

You took a step forward, trying to mask your surprise. "How do you-"

His calm response only deepened your confusion, but you couldn't help the curiosity stirring inside you. Was he really keeping tabs on you, or was he just that observant? You tried to shake the thought from your head and focused on the task at hand.

You hesitated, staring at Senku as he continued fiddling with his lab equipment, seemingly uninterested in the conversation. You took a deep breath, trying to keep your focus.

"I need help with the behavioral study on red pandas," you said, voice steady. "You're the best person I can think of who could help with this."

Senku leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he watched you closely. "Alright, I'll help you with your red panda study," he said, his voice smooth but with a hint of challenge. "But there's a condition."