A/N: Day 2 of SenHaku Week 2021: Jealousy

Let's start!


Modern AU: Those Rare Times

Kohaku accepts Senku for who he is.

She knows his personality well, and got to know him more the longer they were together. The blonde wasn't a mentalist like Gen. However, the time spent together was enough to figure out the budding scientist's tiny tell of emotions.

And, Kohaku has long accepted his way of expressing love. It was always a small but thoughtful gesture. She wouldn't deny that it would make her heart beat faster than the times during her competitions.

Senku's gestures were never as flashy as the couples she'd see in the ever-bustling Stone Cafe. It wasn't grand and cheesy. She couldn't have ever been happier since they both never liked a fuss.

But, there are times she wanted more.

Kohaku knew it was selfish. She shouldn't ask for more because she really has this great relationship with Senku. They are going strong and, even with the long-distance relationship they sometimes have, everything was perfect.

All it takes was to be observant of her surroundings to make her feel uncomfortable. The couples in the cafe would be snuggling publicly to warm themselves. Joyful laughs and unrestrained giggles blended with the cafe's music. She could even hear the sweet weekend plans from the neighbouring table.

Kohaku sighed as she laid her head on her table. She couldn't even focus on her homework because of the couple a table beside hers. They weren't doing anything wrong. They were only talking over coffee about the promises of amusement parks and aquariums.

With Valentine's Day coming in a few days, she couldn't help but be jealous over the couple's plans.

The details the two has laid out were enough to make her imagine the date. The couple was going to pack a bento for lunch at the amusement park. They were going to share an ice cream for dessert. There was a laser tag game after the rides. Before the night ends, they were planning to try the fish spa at the aquarium. The dinner even sounded so good too!

Kohaku knows she doesn't act like a girl sometimes. But, still! She was one deep inside!

And, she wanted those dates too from time to time!

At this point, she wasn't sure anymore if she was jealous or frustrated. Maybe, it was both. It also could be something else.

The bell rang, signalling a new customer of the cafe. Kohaku snapped out of her reverie and became more aware of her surroundings. She stared at the table filled with pens and notebooks, and a mocha-filled cup.

She never really touched the coffee Senku made, huh?

"Rei, you're late," Senku called out from the counter.

The woman laughed. "Sorry, Senku. I had to drop by the university."

"Did the old man forget something again?"

"Just a few papers as usual. Give me five minutes to switch with you." Rei stated as she disappeared into the staff room.

Kohaku watched the two siblings interact. It wasn't uncommon for the scientist to manage the cafe for Rei every Wednesdays. Today was just for a long time given the woman was out on a date. And like every other Wednesday, she and Senku would soon leave the cafe and walk home.

The blonde realized she was becoming more lost in her thoughts today. The moment she returned to reality, Senku was already looking at her. Flustered, she immediately busied herself with her forgotten homework. She could feel him approaching her table.

As she tried to focus on the complicated question, the seat in front of her became occupied. "Lio-"

"Not a lioness," was Kohaku's automatic reply. "What?"

"Do you want me to reheat your coffee?" Senku asked.

Finally, the blonde looked up from her homework. "Yes, please."

Senku got up and took her cup without a word. She smiled, following him with her eyes.

From her seat, Kohaku noticed the next table couple starting to get up and leave. She watched them step out of the cafe. The couple shared a kiss before the girl's taxi drove away.

The blonde sighed. It must be nice.


"I'm surprised you were able to stand the couple back in the cafe," Senku stated as he walked her home.

Kohaku shrugged and took a sip from her coffee. She was able to drink a considerable amount compared to when she was in the cafe.

The junior scientist wasn't dense. He knew something was up ever since the couple stayed in the cafe. They weren't loud during their stay, but the lovey-dovey atmosphere was apparent as hell. Everyone would be able to notice it a mile away. It wasn't an understatement.

He knew the cause of the lioness' attitude. The next thing he needed to do was to find out-.

And before Senku knew it, he felt a warm hand grasp his. He'd flinch in a normal situation. He could have shaken it off like when somebody tries to hold his hand. But, this was Kohaku who tightened her grip on him.

"What happened, Kohaku?" He decided to ask. He might be a genius scientist, but he wasn't a mind reader.

"It's nothing." The girl averted the doubtful red eyes. She tried to find the right words, but she failed. Honestly, she felt a little bit embarrassed to admit what she wanted.

When he knew she wasn't going to answer yet, the scientist ended up sighing and sticking a finger in his ear. He knew she was stubborn. It was already proven when she and her father had some problems two years ago.

"I don't think it's nothing, lioness." Senku switched back to her nickname. And as if the cup of mocha was liquid courage, Kohaku suddenly decided to down the whole drink. "Kohaku?!"

Ignoring the surprise in his voice, she turned to him and took a deep breath. "I want to go on a date with you on the weekend!"

"Huh?"

"I want to go to the amusement park or the aquarium! If you don't want to, we can try the skating rink or the laser tag arena! I want those kinds of dates too like what those two were planning! I want to be lovey-dovey too even sometimes!"

Silence dominated the two as fast as Kohaku expressed her desires. While the girl was trying to catch her breath, Senku put two and two together. His brain seemed to process things slower for him today. It was uncharacteristic of him, but it does happen.

Finding himself speechless in this situation, the scientist pulled the lioness closer to him for a hug. He'd be able to say something usually. It was rare, but there were times he'd let the illogical part of himself running around.

It took some time, but she did return the hug. When she did, he couldn't help but hold on to her tighter. He smiled. "Were you feeling jealous of those two?"

"Hah! As if!" She denied and her hug on him got tighter.

After a few more minutes, they parted slowly as if not wanting to let go of each other. They would have hugged more if they weren't on a public road. However, their hands did not separate.

They continued holding hands for the rest of the walk with the unease gone from the two of them.


A/N: Lacie here!

Today's chapter was supposed to be a Cafe AU, but it took its own path before I knew it again. I enjoyed writing the chapter for today. It was tough, but I hope you all enjoyed it!

I'll do my best again!