The Science of Connection (Senku Ishigami x Reader)

Chapter 13- Space Noodles and Stories

"Red pandas?" Chrome asked, blinking.

You rubbed your arm, flustered. "I... I liked studying animal behavior. I wanted to compare instinct-driven responses to learned behaviors."

Senku smirked, leaning forward to rest his chin in his hand. "And while she was busy obsessing over red pandas, she was also helping me."

Your stomach dropped. Oh no.

Gen's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh? Helping you with what, Senku-chan?"

"My research on human relationships," Senku said, as casual as ever.

Silence fell over the group like a weighted blanket.

Ginro snorted. "You? Studying people?"

Unfazed, Senku continued. "Specifically, I was examining emotional responses in relationships—love, attraction, trust. How emotions influence logical thinking.

You buried your face in your hands. "Senku, please."

"Ohhh, now this is juicy," Gen cooed, practically vibrating with delight. "And how, pray tell, did (Y/N) assist with that?"

"She reviewed my methodology, helped with data collection, and—"

"That's ENOUGH storytelling for tonight!" you interjected, frantically waving your hands. "We have a war to plan, yeah?"

"Oh-ho!" Gen exclaimed, pointing dramatically. "Deflection—classic tactic.

You groaned, sinking lower. "I can't believe this."

Senku leaned back, triumphant, a smirk curling on his lips. "You're the one who brought it up, (Y/N)."

You groaned.

The fire crackled, sending occasional sparks into the cold night air, and the conversation had long drifted back to strategy. Despite the serious tone of the group's planning, Senku's gaze lingered on you. His sharp eyes betrayed an almost childlike amusement, paired with the unrelenting curiosity of a scientist who had stumbled upon an unexpected variable. The moment he mentioned his past study, your reaction had been immediate—averted eyes, stiff posture, face warming up like an exothermic reaction.

Senku smirked, resting his chin in his hand like a predator sizing up its prey. "You're oddly quiet, (Y/N). That's not like you."

Clearing your throat, you offered a casual shrug. "Nope. Just... letting everyone talk.

"Oh? That's strange. You're never quiet when it comes to science." His crimson eyes gleamed under the flickering firelight as he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to keep the moment private—but not unnoticed. "Unless, of course... the topic itself is the problem."

Your fingers twitched around your chopsticks, the motion betraying your otherwise calm demeanor. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Senku chuckled, the sound rich and full of mischief. "Really now?" He straightened, tapping a finger against his temple with that infuriatingly smug grin. "Let's examine the data, shall we?"

Chrome blinked in confusion, looking between the two of you. "Huh?"

"Observation one," Senku began, slipping into his trademark lecture tone. "The moment I brought up my research, (Y/N)'s posture became rigid, and her gaze shifted downward—an immediate avoidance response."

Your breath hitched. "Senku—"

"Observation two," he continued, ignoring your warning entirely, "her face exhibited a notable increase in coloration. This is indicative of either embarrassment or an emotional reaction triggered by the subject matter."