Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Senku didn’t need much to live well.

Just a house with a big basement for a personal lab, a good school for his son, and his job at NASA.

Two out of the three were already settled. His son was about to start at a great school on Monday, and there were only a few items left before he could finish his personal lab.

But one thing was missing—the most important one: his job at NASA. Don’t get it wrong, he had a solid sixteen years within the institution, working alongside his close team of friends.

But last month, a fateful personal accident at work left a letter of leave on Senku’s desk, along with advice from his mentor. The letter stated he would be away for eighteen months, to avoid future problems and ensure his mental health. Xeno’s advice, however, was more direct—almost like a suggestion, or perhaps a command.

“Take this time to think. I don’t want my best student lost in the abyss.”

“NASA won’t pay my bills during this so-called vacation, Xeno. I have a child to raise.”

“Then do something simpler, colleague. I know of a job that will keep you busy and still pay for dinner.”

And so, there he was, signing the last paper of his contract at Nanami middle School.

Senku wasn’t exactly a teacher, but the idea of teaching chemistry to preteens felt mildly exciting—in a good way. As he took off his reading glasses, needed now thanks to his slightly advanced age, he noticed movement in the office. He already knew who it was, but waited for the other to make the first move.

“Dad?”

“Hello, Newton.”

The first thing his crimson eyes caught was the white hair with black tips—it reminded him a lot of Byakuya’s. Senku thought his father must have felt the same way when he adopted him. Small hands tried in vain to reach the office desk, and then those blue eyes—so deep they could easily be mistaken for black—pleaded with his father. Senku understood immediately: the boy wanted to climb onto his lap.

“What are you doing?”

“Just signing some papers. I’m heading to bed now.”

“You’re lying!”

That pouty face carried worry too. Newton was only six years old, but he cared deeply about his father’s health. Senku was always fascinated by his son’s ability to understand other people’s feelings at such a young age. He knew there was a reason for it, but he didn’t like to talk about it.

“I swear I’m not. I’m going straight to bed—just three liters of caffeine first.”

“DAD!”

Senku let out a muffled laugh. He really was turning into his own father.

“Since you’re not going to sleep, can you put on some Gen Asagiri show?”

That name. That name irritated him deeply. Newton had only recently become truly aware of the world, but ever since he was two years old, the boy had been fascinated whenever that magician appeared on TV. Asagiri was his very first idol, and Senku was deeply jealous of this idolization.

“Tomorrow you have class, Newton! You can’t stay up late.”

“But Senku.”

The father’s proper name was a trap mechanism taken straight out of Asagiri’s mentalism books, which had been Newton’s fourth birthday gift and the very object that made him learn how to read.

“To bed.”

The disappointment on young Ishigami’s face was clear. On a normal day, Senku would have lost the mind game to na eight-year-old, but a new phase in their lives was about to begin. Not that Senku cared about any sentimental nonsense, but he had a good feeling about the times ahead.

 

Gen Asagiri didn’t need much to live well.

Just a cold Coca-Cola, a good school for his daughter, and his magic/mentalism shows.

He already had two out of the three things on his personal list: his daughter would be starting at Nanami Secondary School on Monday, and his fridge was well stocked with soda.

But there was still na uncertainty in his lifestyle—his celebrity career. Since the age of sixteen, Gen had lived a hectic life as a magician who captivated everyone with his words and gestures.

In the last quarter, however, a heated argument had cost Asagiri much of his credibility in the media, as well as the trust of his agent of fourteen years.

“Want some advice? You know you’re in your last years of success.”

“Delicate as always, Vincent.”

“I’m serious. Take some time away from the spotlight. By then the climate will cool, and I’ll find a way to get you back in the media with notoriety.”

Gen made a mental note. Eighteen months should be enough for the public to forget his reckless fight with that so-called famous celebrity.

He also decided to pull his philosophy degree out of the drawer and distract himself with na activity unusual for his daily routine.

Imagine walking into class and finding a global celebrity at the teacher’s desk teaching philosophy—that’s what the students at Nanami Primary School could expect.

While lost in thought, he heard the click of the TV remote, and his eyes adjusted to the new brightness—or rather, the lack of it. Someone had turned off the television.

In the dim light, it was still possible to see the brown eyes shining almost like rubies, dimmed only by the annoyed face. The snow-white pigtails and the two green front strands swayed toward him as the girl grabbed his arm without delicacy.

“It’s time for bed, Dad.”

“Hoshi? What time is it?”

“Bedtime. Come on, you start work tomorrow, and I have school.”

“Just five more minutes, sweetheart. The program was almost over.”

“You weren’t even watching, Dad. And by the way, watching TV before bed will ruin your sleep quality and suppress your melatonin production.”

Like a walking scientific dictionary, Hoshi listed with precision the harms of late-night television. Gen was far too tired to understand any of it, but he listened attentively anyway—he loved seeing his daughter’s passion for knowledge.

“And why are you still awake?”

“I was doing something productive, Dad. I finished reading and analyzing Dr. Ishigami’s latest paper.”

Senku Ishigami wasn’t a typical idol for a twelve-year-old girl, but he was Hoshi’s. Not that Gen hated the scientist, but his daughter seemed to admire the man she had never even met more than her own father. That made the mentalist feel a twinge of jealousy.

“I forgot you were obsessed with your boyfriend’s new paper.”

“DAD!”

Her blushing face matched her reddish-brown eyes perfectly. The older man couldn’t resist teasing his little girl, but perhaps the tired smile under his eyes wasn’t just amusement—maybe it also hinted at hope for new opportunities.

 

The classroom was full when he arrived. Curious eyes, hormones raging from having to wake up so early.

His own tired eyes were indifferent—he had already faced tables full of genocidal politicians and psychopathic elites. He could handle this.

“Good morning, class. I am Dr. Senku Ishigami, and I will be teaching you chemistry.”

A squeal echoed from the back of the room, sounding like excitement. He knew of his “fame” in the academic world, but surely no child here would know him.

He picked up the student list. It was a relatively large class, with very common names. Ryusui had tried to keep the school as open as possible.

But one name in particular caught the older man’s attention in na indescribable way. His eyes widened, his mouth fell open in surprise. His lips trembled as he tried to pronounce it.

“H-Hoshi Asagiri?”

“Here!”

A hand shot up from the middle of the room. When he saw where it came from, he was startled. The girl was nothing like what Senku would imagine Gen Asagiri’s daughter to be—brown eyes, green front strands (almost too similar to his own), and a smile stretching from ear to ear.

He concluded: it could be another Asagiri family. There was no way someone as arrogant and self-absorbed as Gen Asagiri could have raised a daughter with such a different identity. The celebrity would never have enough empathy for that.

Not far away, in another room of Nanami School—the section for younger students—was Gen Asagiri.

He was smiling broadly as students filed in. Some looked at him strangely, others were impressed when they realized who he was.

But one student in particular caught Gen’s attention—the last one to enter the room. He wore childish clothes that Gen considered tasteful (he’d kill for Hoshi to wear something like that at her age). His hair was white, which was oddly normal, but the tips were black.

He walked with immense confidence. Gen noticed dominant traits in his posture and deduced he would be the “queen bee.” Without hesitation, the boy approached Gen’s desk and stared straight at him.

“Good morning, Professor Asagiri!”

“Uh? Good morning?”

“I’m a big fan of your work. I’ve read all your books and watched your shows. I believe the art of mentalism is the greatest invention of psychoanalysis and social control.”

This year is going to be interesting.

“Thank you very much. It’s good to see such a young and intelligent fan. What’s your name, kid?”

“Of course, I almost forgot. My name is Newton Ishigami, but my nickname is Ton.”

The school bell rang. Newton sat down, leaving Gen with nothing but a look of simple astonishment.

Could he be a relative of Senku Ishigami? A distant relative? Very distant?

One spark of connection later, Gen realized that no one but Senku Ishigami would name his child Newton in the middle of Japan.

While writing on the board, he thought a little more: a son of Ishigami, with public knowledge and social-psychological studies? The man with two-toned hair concluded the doctor was simply na absent father. So his child had leaned on another older figure to fill the paternal void.

 

Senku was exhausted. He had gone through four classrooms: two extremely noisy, and the other two where the students simply weren’t paying attention.

He’d get back at Xeno later for such a terrible recommendation.

But what gave him a small glimmer of hope was the supposed daughter of Asagiri—she was the only one who answered his questions and wrote down everything he asked. There was no way she could be Gen Asagiri’s daughter.

He finally reached the teachers’ lounge, which was shared with the primary school staff. He dropped his materials on the sofa, which seemed almost like na island because of its size.

Looking around, he realized his old friend hadn’t skimped on comfort for his employees. But then again, Ryusui never skimped on anything. The lounge was basically a large leisure and rest area—he could swear he saw a bed in the corner, but he was too tired to notice more.

The director, who had spoken with him earlier about the position, opened the door. The other teachers didn’t seem to care much about his presence. Senku figured the director must spend a lot of time there.

“I’d like to speak with the new teacher.”

“Yes?”

The other voice that carried across the room came from the opposite side. Senku rubbed his eyes quickly, trying to see the figure—only to be met with Gen Asagiri’s perplexed face staring back at him, completely frozen.

That sight shook away his exhaustion. This was unexpected.

Chapter Text

The ticking of the clock in the principal’s office beat heavily in the ears of the teachers. The atmosphere was apathetic; they only knew each other on the most superficial level, as characters, not as real people.

They avoided any kind of eye contact while the principal adjusted something on the shelf behind his desk. They sat side by side, but it was almost as if both of them were facing the other way.

The principal finally sat down at his desk and looked at them with a warm smile. They both turned to face him and forced a polite smile, trying to avoid the discomfort each one brought to the other.

“I’d like to officially welcome you both to the Nanami Institute. I couldn’t be here for your first classes, and I apologize for that.”

“No problem, Principal. The veteran teachers welcomed me in the best way.”

A muffled sigh, almost imperceptible, escaped Senku’s lips—just enough for Gen’s sharp ears to catch. He thought it was a petty gesture, but he expected nothing less from someone like Senku.

“We have a tradition here: every new teacher is always integrated through a school project. Since this time we have both of you, I decided to combine the useful with the pleasant.”

“What do you mean?”

They spoke at the same time, immediately surprising themselves. The principal chuckled at their synchronized reaction.

“We hold a competition at the beginning of the year, between one primary class and one secondary class against another pair. So, I thought I’d assign you two to coordinate a pair of classes together.”

It had to be cruel fate working against Gen. And monotonous bad luck working against Senku.

“What do you think?”

“I’d love that, Principal!”

“I don’t see any problem with it either.”

“Excellent! The competition will take place Friday morning. On the day, you’ll find out which classes you’ll be assigned to.”

They left as quickly as they had entered, saying their goodbyes on the way out. They couldn’t avoid walking side by side down the hallway without speaking, but eventually, communication became necessary to prevent future awkwardness.

“Nice to meet you, I’m—”

“Dr. Senku Ishigami! A pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Gen Asagiri.”

“You know me?”

“How could I not? Your research is famous. And besides, your last little ‘accident’ became quite popular online. I imagine that must be the reason for your career change.”

Gen’s sharp words hit Senku like a knife, striking a wound that hadn’t yet healed. Those half-closed black eyes, the innocent smile masking something cruel—it made Ishigami’s blood run faster, especially in his face.

He had to respond in kind to this arrogant trickster.

“I hadn’t realized my personal matters were so entertaining—quite different from yours, of course. I heard your fans were deeply worried about your disappearance after that spat with a certain celebrity. I’m glad to see you’re well and productive, Professor Asagiri.”

Their smiles were empty, but sparks and insults were flying silently between their eyes. Both were at the breaking point of their patience; it wouldn’t take much for either to leap at the other’s throat and start a full-on fight.

What saved them was the sound of the alarm bell, children flooding the halls, blissfully unaware of the tension. The teachers had to return to their classrooms.

“I must go to class now, Mr. Ishigami. I hope to see you again before Friday.”

It was a bluff. Gen wanted to see the onion-haired man as little as possible.

“See you later, Mr. Asagiri. Until Friday.”

Unlike Gen, Senku didn’t hide his emotions so well. Just enough to avoid being charged with a hate crime. He simply didn’t care about making it clear that he had no interest in talking to the older man. That kind of bluntness made Gen’s nerves burn.

They left the hallway, but not without exchanging one last look that said everything. They were furious at each other.

 

Gen was exhausted. That short conversation with the scientist had drained every bit of energy he had left.

He was nearly asleep over the pan while finishing dinner. The only thing keeping him awake was the sound of the evening news that Hoshi watched as if it were a teen drama.

The doorbell rang, catching his attention. He wasn’t expecting visitors that night, but he knew his friends well enough to guess who it was.

“I’ll get it, Dad.”

Gen watched his daughter open the door, revealing two very familiar figures. The first had well-kept blond hair, calm eyes, and na elegant smile. The other had short white hair, shopping bags Gen assumed were full of gifts for Hoshi, and na older, tired expression.

“Auntie Ruri! Uncle Ukyo!”

“Hello, sweet Hoshi!”

“I’ve missed you two so much!”

Gen turned off the stove and headed straight into his friends’ arms. He desperately needed their comfort.

“I didn’t know your boyfriends let you out at night.”

“Very funny, Gen. But you know I’m married.”

“And I’m still seeing someone.”

“Yeah, yeah. Never gonna tell me who the lucky guy is?”

“Don’t you remember, Gen? He’s too important for me to reveal just yet.”

“You two are unbearable.”

The men laughed their way into the living room while Ruri was clearly irritated—but in her usual calm, poised way. Hoshi tried not to laugh at how her honorary aunt could stay classy and still want to strangle her friends.

“How was your first day, Hoshi?”

“You won’t believe it! I had the best luck ever in academics!”

“Well, at least someone’s happy with today.”

Ukyo knew when his best friend was in a bad mood, and this time it was at worrying levels.

“My chemistry teacher is none other than Dr. Senku Ishigami himself!”

Hours passed with Hoshi still gushing about her idol teaching her class. Gen’s mood only worsened. Eventually, it was Hoshi’s bedtime. She always stuck to her schedule—eleven minutes later, she was in REM sleep.

“So Ishigami really got under your skin, huh?”

They were out on Gen’s spacious balcony. He lit a cigarette—not addicted, but it helped him relax after a stressful day.

“What did he do to get you so riled up, Gen?”

“It’s not about what he did. It’s about who he is.”

“You two already met?”

“Apparently, the school forced me to coordinate the competition with him.” His friends watched as his countless masks shattered while he spoke of Senku. “He’s exactly what I imagined: cold, arrogant, with that blank expression while listening to the principal. I really wanted to kill him right then.”

Ruri and Ukyo exchanged a knowing look. Years of friendship told them what Gen was really feeling.

“Gen, promise you won’t get mad about what I’m about to say, okay?” Ukyo’s calm eyes met Gen’s confused ones. He nodded reluctantly. “But maybe… you just want to sleep with him.”

“WHAT???”

 

The cheap alcohol Chrome had bought was already halfway gone on the coffee table. Newton had been a handful to put to bed, chattering endlessly about his beloved Professor Gen Asagiri and how he had dominated the classroom on his first day.

“What’s your deal with Gen Asagiri?”

“What do you mean, Chrome?”

“Don’t play dumb, Senku. We all saw your face whenever Newton mentioned his name.” Ryusui, who refused to drink anything under a thousand dollars, gave him that smug smile. “You’ve never acted like this before. What’s up?”

“I spoke with him today. He teaches primary school, but we’ll be working together Friday.” That wasn’t what Chrome and Ryusui wanted, and Senku felt pressured to admit the truth. “Fine. The guy’s a fraud. Fake down to the last hair on his head. For example, he always puts on that fake smile, pretending to care about what people are saying. And he even tried to fake being friendly with me!”

“Relax, man. I’ve never heard you talk this much about one person. Usually, you just don’t care.”

“Yeah, I know, but that guy makes me want to talk bad about him for hours.”

“I don’t know if you noticed, Chrome, but I think there’s another reason for all this irritation.”

“What do you mean?”

“Senku, my friend, how long has it been since you went out with someone?”

“RYUSUI!”

“I’m saying this for your own good. Maybe this hatred is just misplaced desire. You can’t deny the magician’s got some fine curves.”

“That’s it! Get out of my house. I won’t sit here listening to this nonsense about me.”

Senku wasn’t strong—not even close. But somehow, he found the strength to drag the two men to his door while they protested the whole way.

“Come on, Senku, I didn’t even mention that thing about you wanting Gen Asagiri—”

“Yeah, we won’t bring it up again. Even though it’s true.”

That was enough for Ishigami to slam the door in their faces. He didn’t need to hear another word of their nonsense. After all, he didn’t feel any of that.

There was no way Senku Ishigami and Gen Asagiri could ever be attracted to each other. How could they be? They were complete opposites.

Yet, one random afternoon during recess at Nanami Institute, two children of similar ages met for the first time. And their friendship couldn’t have been more perfect.

Chapter Text

“Hi.”

“Hello. What’s your name, kiddo?”

“Newton.”

“What are you doing alone? Don’t you have any friends?”

“I only talk to people in my class.”

“They’re not your friends?”

“The people in my class aren’t my friends. They’re more like employees — but don’t let them know that.”

The ironic tone in Newton’s voice made Hoshi laugh genuinely. Soon, she sat beside him in the corner of the schoolyard.

“Are you doing a tarot reading? My dad can do that too.”

“Want me to read yours?”

“I don’t really believe in those things — they’re not very logical — but you can do it.”

“My dad doesn’t believe in tarot either. He says the same thing.”

And just like that, they spent the whole break talking. They had almost nothing in common, yet the connection between them was instant. They didn’t even notice time passing, but eventually, they had to go back to class.

“I’ve got biology next. See you tomorrow.”

“But I don’t even know your name, stranger.”

“I’m Hoshi. Nice to meet you.”

Hoshi waved one last time before entering the classroom. That day, a new friendship was born.

Newton had finally found a friend who matched his level — and Hoshi had finally found someone who wanted to listen to her.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯

It was Friday, and the long-dreaded day had arrived.

Senku had practically been dragged straight into the schoolyard. It was almost impossible to get Newton out of the car. The younger, more energetic teachers were buzzing with excitement.

The courtyard itself was decorated for the day’s activities. Senku noticed the principal walking toward him with open arms and a goofy smile.

“Good morning, Professor Ishigami! Come with me, I’ll show you your team.”

They walked in silence until they reached a crowd of thirteen- and eight-year-olds chatting together. Looking closer, Senku saw Newton among them, talking to the girl from his very first class — whose name he couldn’t quite remember.

But he noticed something else: Newton seemed to talk to her sincerely, not with that distant politeness he used for strangers. When had Newton gotten so close to a secondary student?

And then, another sight caught Senku’s eye — the figure standing in front of him, dressed in loose (yet oddly fitted) lavender clothes. The two-toned hair that fell softly across his face was another striking feature.

Senku was shocked by his own thoughts. Since when did he notice things like that about Asagiri? It had to be because of that ridiculous conversation with his friends.

Gen wasn’t doing much better. Senku’s messy hair somehow suited him, and those tired red eyes drew attention. He was going to strangle Ukyo later for making him think such things.

The tense atmosphere broke when Newton tugged on Senku’s pants to get his attention — behind him stood the girl from earlier.

“Dad! Are you the one in charge of my team?”

The girl’s face lit up the moment she heard the word dad.

“He’s your dad!?”

“Yeah, I guess I didn’t mention my last name.”

Her eyes widened as she turned to the older man.

“Dr. Ishigami, I’m a huge fan of your work! After your last paper on stellar collisions, I got so curious about what your next study would be! But look at that — now you’re teaching me basic chemistry!”

So, she was a fan — a potential young scientist. Senku actually felt honored. After Suika’s internship at the lab — and after Xeno had stolen his last pupil — Senku hadn’t had anyone new to mentor in the world of science. And Newton definitely didn’t count.

“What’s your name, girl?”

“Her name is—”

“Hoshi Asagiri, sir! It’s an honor!”

“Wait— Asagiri!?”

Before Hoshi could respond, Gen rushed toward the little group, his face full of worry.

“Hoshi, are you okay? You looked so excited I thought you were having another asthma attack.”

“Dad! I’m talking to Dr. Ishigami!”

“Wait — dad? You’re Professor Asagiri’s daughter?”

“Yeah?”

The kids were completely confused — but for the adults, everything suddenly made sense. Their suspicions had been confirmed.

Hoshi was Gen Asagiri’s daughter.
And Newton was Senku Ishigami’s son.

“Professor Ishigami, I didn’t know you were a father.”

“You don’t exactly look like a father figure either, Professor Asagiri.”

“Dad! Don’t be rude to Professor Asagiri!”

“It’s fine, Newton. I find it impressive how Professor Ishigami wears his superficiality so openly.”

“Dad! I know what you’re about to do!”

Both “responsible” adults were now being scolded by their own kids. It was humiliating — they knew they were wrong but couldn’t resist taking jabs at each other.

“Teachers, let’s begin the games!”

The principal’s voice echoed through the main courtyard of Nanami Institute.

The games went well. They were simple team activities meant to strengthen the school community. Gen and Senku were responsible enough to lead the groups — but childish enough to keep sniping at each other whenever they could.

Hoshi and Newton, exhausted, decided something had to be done. They slipped away from the crowd during a break, out of sight from their fathers.

“Newton, I have to be honest. If we’re going to be friends, we can’t let our dads keep acting like this.”

“I agree. It would be terrible for our future friendship — and Professor Asagiri’s reputation could be harmed by malicious gossip.”

“And what about Dr. Ishigami’s career? He’s already away from NASA; I don’t want him ending up in some mediocre space center.”

They both laughed — it was strange hearing someone speak about their parent so admiringly. But it was something they’d get used to.

“So what do we do to make them stop fighting?”

“We can use a persuasion technique from Professor Asagiri’s third book!”

“My dad has more than one book?”

“Is that a serious question? I have a collection of fifteen of Gen Asagiri’s main works.”

“Wow.”

A little distance away, Gen and Senku were helping a girl from Newton’s class tie her shoes. Senku made a quick, practical knot while Gen observed like a surgeon performing a delicate operation.

“Professor Ishigami, no offense, but that knot looks awful. It should look like a bow.”

“I understand your concern, but this knot is more practical, Professor Asagiri — it won’t come undone like that artificial one.”

A vein popped on Gen’s forehead, and Senku felt victorious.

“I’m guessing you’re not the one who chooses your son’s clothes.”

“What’s your problem with me?” Senku suddenly stood up, eyes burning with fury — all his social filters gone.

“I could ask you the same thing, Professor Ishigami.” Gen crossed his arms, pretending to stay calm — which he clearly wasn’t.

“Stop acting dumb. I didn’t start this stupid rivalry.”

“Neither did I. You got offended by an innocent comment.”

“I swear, Asagiri, if we weren’t in public right now—”

A mocking laugh slipped from Gen’s neutral face.

“What would you do, Professor? No offense, but your physical conditioning isn’t exactly impressive.”

Senku was one syllable away from punching Gen in the face — or dissolving his tongue in sulfuric acid — when a shout interrupted them.

“Professor Asagiri! Hoshi’s choking!”

Gen didn’t process the words right away, too blinded by anger. But within seconds, his body moved before his brain — he sprinted toward the sound.

He couldn’t let Hoshi get hurt. Not again.

He reached a secluded part of the courtyard — probably designed for preteens to confess to each other (Ryusui’s idea, no doubt).

Hoshi was on the grass, hands at her neck, choking desperately. Gen froze. He tried to move, but his body wouldn’t obey.

Then someone brushed past him, a hand hitting his shoulder. He blinked hard — his vision blurred — but he managed to see Senku in front of him, performing a perfect RCP maneuver that cleared Hoshi’s airway in seconds. Slowly, Gen’s mind came back.

“Thank you, Professor Ishigami!” Hoshi threw her arms around the older man’s neck. Senku froze — the last time he’d hugged a child was when he first met Newton.

“No problem, Asagiri. Just… try chewing properly next time.”

Gen was finally lucid again. Tears slid down his face as he rushed forward, hugging his daughter tightly — terrified she might vanish if he loosened his grip even slightly.

Minutes flew by, and they all had to return to the main courtyard to continue the event.

“Dad, you can let go now.”

“Of course. Sorry, my little star.”

The affectionate nickname made Hoshi’s cheeks flush. Newton soon joined in, hugging his older friend tightly.

The scene was almost theatrical — Newton’s tears sparkled like crystals, his face full of anguish. The adults quietly stepped back, giving them space.

“I really mean it, Professor Senku. Thank you.”

“I get it, Asagiri. If it were my son, I’d have frozen too.”

“I’m serious, Ishigami. Hoshi’s all I have — and you saved her. That means a lot.”

“I don’t like bragging, but and?”

Gen’s next words came reluctantly, dragged out by guilt and genuine respect.

“And… I owe you an apology. For starting all this childish nonsense.”

Senku’s eyes gleamed in victory, almost like Gen had handed him a golden trophy.

“Don’t get too smug, Ishigami. You’re just as guilty as I am.”

They both turned at the same time.

The sight was beautiful — Hoshi was gently wiping Newton’s tears as he pouted and looked down. The adults realized how quickly their kids had formed a real friendship.

Senku knew Newton struggled to make friends among the “annoying” American kids.
Gen knew Hoshi always pushed people away because they moved too often.

They both needed this friendship.

“I agree to a truce — for the kids’ sake.”

“Once a week, at your place and mine. They can stay the night if you’re okay with that.”

“Seems fair.”

They shook hands and smiled faintly. Gen noticed how big Senku’s crimson eyes looked when he smiled — and Senku noticed that Gen’s smile, for once, was genuine. It was the first real smile he’d ever seen from the mentalist.

“Don’t take too long, kids. Professor Asagiri and I are heading back.”

“Got it, Dad!”

Within seconds, the adults left the secluded spot — and the kids’ gentle faces turned into mischievous grins. Their plan had worked.

“Honestly, Newton, faking a choking fit was genius!”

“I know, though you almost actually choked.”

“It was a disaster! I thought my dad was going to have a panic attack — he’s kind of traumatized by people dying.”

“In that case, this was almost a crime against human ethics. You and I definitely aren’t going to heaven.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. I’ll be a woman of science and you’ll be a man of mysticism — God’s bound to abandon us sooner or later.”

Hoshi and Newton had achieved their goal — at the small cost of almost killing a thirty-year-old man and forcing a truce between two men who, until that moment, absolutely hated each other.

What could possibly go wrong?

Chapter Text

The Ishigami living room had been especially lively that afternoon. Or rather, lately in general.

Newton was reading na extensive psychoanalysis book while writing notes in a notebook beside him, judging the philosophers’ word choices in the book. At his side, Hoshi scribbled away at na activity involving the Debye–Hückel constant as a mental challenge.

Senku watched from the kitchen counter, completely stunned by the scene. Neither of them spoke much to each other; from time to time a single word slipped out into the silence to signal that the children were still alive.

Was this how kids had fun nowadays? At least Senku used to leave the house to test his projects outdoors.

“Doctor Ishigami, I have a question!”

Hoshi walked toward the counter, struggling a little to see her sheet of scribbles after placing it down. She showed Senku the result she had reached and her entire process. Senku was quite impressed — it was a very difficult formula, one he hadn’t gotten his hands on until age fifteen.

“There are a few basic errors, but you’re evolving really quickly, Hoshi. I might give you some astrophysics calculations soon.”

“Stop giving Hoshi extra homework, Dad.”

“I WOULD BE HONORED, DOCTOR ISHIGAMI!!!”

Hoshi let out a very high-pitched scream of joy that made Newton sigh loudly, annoyed by the situation.

“You’re such a kiss-up.”

“And you don’t know how to appreciate the brilliant father you have.”

The kids who had been at war just seconds earlier didn’t even resemble the ones who had been talking about a TV cartoon minutes ago, which Senku found curious.

Strangely, they behaved like siblings.

Then the doorbell rang, and judging by the time, they already knew who it was.

“It must be your father, Hoshi.”

While Senku headed toward the door, Newton’s eyes snapped directly to it, waiting to spot the person behind it.

“Good afternoon, Professor Senku.”

“Good afternoon, Professor Gen.”

It had already been some time since both adults had promised to set aside their dislike for each other for the children’s sake, and strangely, it was working.

Besides seeing each other every weekday, they now exchanged small talks whenever their children wanted to play together—and maybe that had made things a little less unbearable.

“Professor Asagiri! I loved your book recommendation. If that book came from your personal library, I’d love to see the rest!”

“I can’t believe you dared to call me a kiss-up after saying that!”

“It’s different.”

“It’s only different because it’s with the precious protégé of the greatest mentalist alive!”

Once again the children were shouting at each other like a couple on the verge of divorce. It was hard to believe they were friends who had only known each other for a few weeks.

“Do you think they share any genes?”

The completely ironic, baseless comment made Gen let out a small spontaneous laugh — something Senku found extremely strange coming from a man his age.

“They’re really close. Anyway, she can’t come this weekend.”

“We also have plans this weekend.”

Soon the professors began some meaningless conversation about school-related topics. To them it was just trivial talk, but the children analyzed the situation intensely.

“You’re seeing what I’m seeing, right, Hoshi?”

“Our dads don’t hate each other anymore?”

“No! Something else. They’re acting different with each other.”

“I think you’re imagining things, dude.”

“I’m not so sure. Tell me if your dad shows any changes in routine.”

“As if I cared about my dad’s routine.”

“Let’s go, Hoshi!”

Hoshi finished packing her things and rushed to the door, waving goodbye to Newton.

“So, see you Monday, Dr. Ishigami.”

“Of course, mentalist.”

The door closed. Senku turned to his side, eyes strangely glimmering as he looked at his son.

“Did you finish your homework?”

Newton felt a bit disturbed. Those glowing red eyes — he had only seen that once in his life.

When his father had been dating her.

Could it really be possible? He knew his father well enough to believe it was impossible. But… did he really know him?

“Newton, if you didn’t do your science assignment, I’m calling Ryusui right now and telling him we’re not going to his pool party.”

“I DID DO IT! I’m just a little distracted.”

“All right. Do you want to watch one of Asagiri’s shows?”

“No need, I think I’ll go pack my things.”

Senku shrugged. He knew his son could handle his stuff alone, so he entered his lab to work on some school paperwork.

Newton was horrified. That man wasn’t his father.

Senku Ishigami was a skeptic who hated the cheap shows of the scammer Gen Asagiri; the real man wouldn’t be chatting casually with someone who mirrored everything he wasn’t.

And this led to only one conclusion: his father had feelings for Gen Asagiri.

He wasn’t in love — not yet. It was far too early for that word. But something was being born from that forced coexistence.

At that moment, Newton opened a wide grin from ear to ear. It was na extremely sinister smile, one a child his age shouldn’t be capable of making. A faint, precise laugh followed.

He could get a lot out of this situation.

 

......................

 

Hoshi was old enough to earn the right to sit in the passenger seat now, which left room to put the groceries in the back — and that was why Gen believed he was feeling happy.

Or at least, he thought that was the reason.

“Are you excited for the party at Uncle Ukyo’s house?”

Hoshi, lost in thought, jumped at the question.

“I guess so. I just don’t really like spending a whole afternoon at a pool.”

“Don’t be like that, Hoshi. Ukyo said his husband invited some of his friends too, and one of them has a son!”

Gen saw his daughter’s gaze drift back out the window, though that didn’t stop him from continuing.

“Maybe you’ll even make another friend there.”

Gen’s struggle to be heard was pointless — she was far more interested in the city’s hostile architecture than in him. How could he read everyone’s minds except his own daughter’s?

Maybe he should follow Ukyo’s advice and find someone to spend a night with. Not Senku, of course. But it wouldn’t hurt to go out after all that time focused on work and raising his child.

 

......................

 

The Sunday sun warmed the roof of the red car Senku had received from Byakuya.

He didn’t want to be there. He had a week free of school paperwork and wanted to work on his projects in his lab. Instead, he was being forced to risk heatstroke one day before Monday and waste social energy in pointless conversations.

But he needed to do it for Newton — and, in a way, for Ryusui, who had found him temporary work.

It didn’t take long for the large gates of one of Ryusui’s personal mansions to open. Senku parked in a space in front of the mansion and counted the cars.

Ryusui’s car, his husband’s, Chrome’s, Kohaku’s, and two others and a motorcycle he didn’t recognize.

Even if his group outweighed the strangers, it would still be exhausting.

“Good afternoon, Master Senku. Master Ryusui is waiting for you in the leisure area outside.”

“Afternoon, François. Please tell me there’s na outlet out there.”

“You’re not working today!”

Senku would have rolled his eyes if he weren’t blinded by the harsh sunlight. The back wall was made of glass, flooding the last room before the pool with light.

He really hated Ryusui’s sense of architecture.

But the exaggerated brightness allowed him to catch a glimpse of the scene outside.

Alongside his own friends hanging by the pool were Ukyo’s friends. Ruri was Kohaku’s sister, and he knew her somewhat — if losing their first kiss counted as “somewhat.” And there was a lively blonde clinging to a man Senku recognized as a famous fighter, though he obviously didn’t remember his name.

If they stayed in their corner, Senku could handle it.

Like a child spotting a classmate outside of school, Ryusui jumped up and ran to Senku.

“I’m so glad you could come to our social gathering! I see you brought Newton — wonderful!”

“All right, Ryusui, you don’t need to shout into my ear. Where can we change clothes?”

“There’s a washroom to the right; Ukyo’s friends are changing too, okay?”

“Sure, whatever. Let’s go, Newton.”

The little washroom Ryusui had mentioned was practically a shopping mall bathroom with multiple fancy stalls.

Before entering one, he saw a stall open and assumed it was one of Ukyo’s friends. He didn’t care to know who — he didn’t want to talk to strangers.

Gen was already dressed in a small, red swim brief — relatively tiny and provocative to the right people — paired with a sheer purple cover-up that didn’t actually hide anything, plus extravagant dark sunglasses.

Hoshi wore her hair in two braids and had a floppy beach hat, a white tank top covered in star patterns, and dark green swim shorts: stylish and clearly annoyed.

“Ukyo! You two are so exaggerated — what a giant bathroom, my friend!”

“I guess living so long with a greedy man makes you numb to 24-stall bathrooms.”

“You two are unbearable.”

“You know you love us, platinum boy.”

“Dad, can I go sit at the table now?”

“If that’s what you want, little star.”

Like a rocket, Hoshi went to sit beneath a hidden umbrella table. The yard resembled a resort.

Before Gen could do anything else, he heard footsteps from inside the bathroom — someone he hadn’t seen enter earlier. So he simply assumed it was one of Ryusui’s friends.

He turned his head just slightly — enough to see who it was — and his half-lidded eyes shot open as his pupils widened.

He saw Senku wearing a casual shirt and simple black swim shorts — nearly na antithesis to Gen’s outfit — and beside him, Newton, wearing shorts with star prints.

The two teachers stared at each other, and time around them stopped. How was it possible they had ended up in the same place, with the same people, on the same day? They couldn’t speak — either from embarrassment or confusion.

“Professor Asagiri?”

“Professor Ishigami?”

Newton heard a familiar voice and let go of Senku’s hand. He saw Hoshi sitting in the corner and ran toward her, waving high, leaving the two adults frozen.

A strong slap landed on Senku’s shoulder, dragging him out of the trance.

“Senku, my friend! I see you know one of my beloved husband’s friends, don’t you, Professor Asagiri?”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Nanami. Doctor Ishigami and I know each other well enough — after all, our children became friends.”

Ukyo rose from the pool’s edge and placed both hands delicately on his friend’s shoulders.

“Believe it — one day Ruri and I went to Gen’s house and he spent a long time talking about Senku.”

Blue eyes glared at Ukyo with extreme hatred as Gen’s pale face turned quickly red. Ukyo remained serene, but wore a mischievous smile.

“Of course I talked about you, Doctor Ishigami. Hoshi was so happy to be your student that I had to share her thoughts with my friends.”

Gen’s smooth lie was enough to distract Senku from the main content of Ukyo’s statement — even if only for a moment.

“Right… Newton, you’ll stay with Hoshi?”

Newton raised a thumbs-up.

“Then I’ll sit over there. Bye, Asagiri.”

As Senku walked toward his friends, he felt a little disappointment — but… why? That was the question spinning in his mind.

There had to be a logical explanation — he simply couldn’t find it.

Meanwhile, farther into the large yard, the two children sat at a table.

“You saw it this time, didn’t you? There’s definitely something going on between them.”

“Okay, that was strange. What do you think it is?”

“I doubt it, but I think they’re attracted to each other.”

“Like, love?”

“No — definitely not yet. It’s something simpler. For now.”

“For now?”

“I propose a mission.”

Newton grinned wickedly; Hoshi liked what such a smile could bring.

“What exactly?”

“Imagine a hypothetical world where we carry this mission out perfectly. Have you imagined Senku Ishigami as your stepdad?”

“No, but I’m starting to picture it. And you? Have you imagined the opposite?”

“Not even in my worst nightmares. But I’m starting to visualize it.”

They shook hands — like millionaire businessmen sealing a deal.