In Theory [Senku x Reader]

"The trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool." — Stephen King

"Let me introduce myself properly." The newcomer's voice carries a certain weight—composed, assured, yet devoid of arrogance. "I'm Shishio Tsukasa, but you can just call me Tsukasa. Though, it seems your friends here already know that."

His gaze flickers towards where you stand, hands clasped behind your back.

The shelter, modest in size, seems almost cramped in contrast to Tsukasa's imposing stature. You shift your weight against the wooden boards, careful with your bandaged leg. He's tall, noticeably so, broad shoulders and defined musculature sculpted from repeated training. You squint slightly, lost in idle thought. He also has quite a face—strong and striking, the kind that belongs to statues of warriors in forgotten history books.

Senku adjusts the strap of his makeshift tool belt around his waist, entirely unfazed. "I suppose surnames don't hold much weight in this world anymore."

Without lingering on formalities, he pivots smoothly. "I'm Senku, the scientific genius responsible for dragging civilization out of the Stone Age."

You scoff from the side, arms crossed. "Modesty has left the chat, I see."

Senku casts you a sideways glance, smirking. "Why bother when it's just the truth?"

You hum in faux contemplation before letting out a fake sigh, "Ah, then, the next coming of Einstein. I shall start leaving all physical labor to you."

Senku exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, because lifting a few twigs is such backbreaking labor. Try not to strain yourself with all that standing around."

Unfazed, he gestures toward Taiju next. "And this big guy here? He's Taiju, the simple one. The muscle behind the operation."

Taiju steps forward eagerly, gripping Tsukasa's hand in a firm shake. "I'm Taiju! The simple one!" he echoes cheerfully.

You stifle a laugh as Tsukasa takes the introduction in stride, his expression unreadable yet perceptive. Then, his gaze shifts back to you, assessing. "And you?"

Pushing yourself off the wall, you dust off your outfit before placing a hand over your chest in mock grandeur, your name falling from your lips as you continue, "And I—"

Before you can finish, Senku interjects, "She's an excessive consumer of my valuable oxygen supply, a chronic overthinker, and, on occasion—knows enough to assist with my experiments and science stuff."

'—?'

You pause for the briefest moment, masking any hesitation behind a feigned yawn. "Good to know I've been reduced to 'science stuff.'"

Senku merely shrugs, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Don't take it personally. That's high praise coming from me."

You open your mouth, ready to fire back a sharp retort—when an unmistakable growl reverberates through the wooden shelter.

Silence.

All eyes shift toward Taiju, who blinks, completely unaware of why.

Tsukasa raised a brow, mild amusement flickering across his face. "What exactly have you all been surviving on?"

You waste no time.

"Unrealistic expectations, toxic waste—"

"Mostly wild greens and mushrooms," Senku interjects smoothly, stretching as he rolls out the tension in his shoulders. His fingers absently rub at the back of his neck.  "And occasionally, if we're lucky, we'll bag a rabbit for protein."