Constant Variable (Senku x Reader)

16.2: A Hundred Nights And A Thousand Skies

A long silence settled over the room after Ruri had finished her story as everyone stared at the two of you, unsure of what to say. You, on the other hand, glanced over at Senku whose red eyes were lowered to the ground – his lips curled into a small frown.

You knew that although Byakuya wasn't always around in Senku's life because of his career, both father and son had a close relationship. After all, it was because of Byakuya that Senku came to love science and despite the latter never saying much on this issue, you knew that deep down in his heart, this gift meant a lot to the scientist who wouldn't be here today if it was not for his father.

Moving closer to the green-haired teen, you nudged your shoulder gently against his and he blinked his eyes before lifting his head to meet your gaze. His lips curled into a weak smile when he saw the concern expressed in your (e/c) eyes, answering your silent question with a small shrug.

(E/C) eyes softened with understanding, and you slipped your hand into his, intertwining both your fingers before giving a tight squeeze and leaning your weight against the side of his body.

The conflict swirling in those ruby red eased up a little at your quiet attempt of comforting him and he shifted a little before returning your gesture with a press of his shoulder against yours.

Just like that, the two of you stood together – one as the support while the other sought strength – before facing the small crowd of audience head-on, ready to answer any questions that they might have.

Another heartbeat of silence passed before Suika was the first to break the bubble, her face expressing her confusion as she said, "It's such a weird story that I have no idea what it means."

"Yeah, all of humanity turned to stone thousands of years ago. You know those stone statues we see all over the place?" Chrome asked and started to explain to those who still didn't get the story, "Those are all humans. Six people, including Senku's dad, survived because they were above the sky. Everyone in Ishigami Village is a descendant of theirs, thousands of years later."

Hearing that the whole village was descendants of Senku's father and the rest of the crew, Kohaku's face was red with horror as she exclaimed, "Does that mean we're all related to Senku?"

The scientist let out a light chuckle, finding it amusing that this was the blonde's main concern from all of these as he responded, "Byakuya and I aren't blood relatives. So only legally."

Giggling, you added, "Besides, you're all hundreds of generations apart. You can't call one another relatives."

"Hey!" Suddenly, the conversation was interrupted by a loud voice coming from outside and everyone's heads turned towards the sound where one of the villagers was calling for the group to join them in their celebration below, "What are you doing up there? This is your day! It's a celebration! We have a new village chief!"

Ruri's lips curled into a small smile as she turned to both you and Senku, saying, "Shall we all go to the feat together?"

With that, all of you joined the village in their feasting. The air was filled with laughter and cheers as everyone ate, drank, and danced away to their merriment while a large bonfire in the middle chased the coldness of the night away; large smiles painting the adults' cheeks as they basked in the warm afterglow of the wine while children ran in between groups with their delighted laughter tinkling like small, silvery bells.

You were seated next to Senku, your body pressed up against his side as he wrapped an arm loosely around your waist while sipping on his liquor. Resting your head against his shoulder, you watched your surrounding with a quiet, content smile; (e/c) eyes half-lidded with drowsiness from a full belly and the warmth of the bonfire.