Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“No.” Senku interrupted, returning his focus to his ongoing project. “I don’t have time to dig up ancient history.”  

“Come on, Senku!” Chrome protested. “One concert. It’s marine safety and science education, literally your two favorite things mix up!” He isn’t sure if Senku is into marine safety but he must try everything he has to convince him. 

Chrome had spent the last few days preparing his best persuasive arguments and puppy faces to convince everyone to come back for one last concert. Turns out it would be way harder than he thought. He thought starring up with Senku was the best choice since it would be really difficult to convince him but if he did convince him the rest would be a piece of cake. 

Senku didn’t respond — or he didn’t intend to. His hands moved fast and efficiently on the circuit trying to keep himself busy. Ignoring Chrome was easy — his mind was another story. 

“Senku, you can act all emotionless and careless,” Chrome began, he moved to Senku’s side trying to get his attention one way or another. “But deep down you want to. It’s true we had a bitter separation but things have changed. We have changed. A chance to make things different this time.” 

Without expecting a response,  Chrome began his way out of Senku’s lab. Not trying to insist more — at least for today. Senku stopped working on his mechanism but he didn't look at Chrome directly, preferring not to look at him. 

“Think about it, Senku.” Chrome stopped at the edge of the door looking back inside before leaving Senku in the room alone. 

Without Chrome’s presence, Senku resumed his work. The room turned silent, the kind of silence he’s used to but this time it hit him hard. His mind and thoughts were elsewhere to the point when he was working only to keep his mind busy avoiding the topic.  

“Why am I even considering it?” He stopped working. Turning to look around the room and at his work. This is weird in him, thinking of something that isn’t science. Thinking about the past — when he’s always moving forward. 

His eyes focused on the ceiling like he was looking at the stars he always had admired instead of a white plain ceiling.  

“But we have changed.” Chrome’s words echoed in his mind but especially that part. He found it hard to believed it. 

Senku chuckles bitterly. Everything around him had changed — everything but him. He is still the same science maniac, the one who can’t even move on from his past…  and from a certain mentalist. That made it weirder. He, the man who only has eyes for science and always moving forward, is being torn apart by his past feelings? 

“This is stupid.”  A brief but loud thought. Senku touched his bracelet softly. How can someone like him be like this?  Is it allowed for someone like him to be tortured by emotions?

— 

Some time later, Chrome hoped that his words had at least convinced Senku a little. He plans to try again later this week. 

He took out his phone as he exited the lab — June 14th, current time 8pm. He was running late. He hurried to his car and started to drive.    

He was on his way to convince the next person: Gen. Chrome is very confident, convincing Gen would be a little easier than Senku but he can’t let his guard down. After all, he's dealing with a mentalist. His phone buzzed, a new text. He read it quickly. 

Francois: The show is almost over. I’m waiting at the parking lot.

Chrome would have to thank Francois later. After all, Francois had moved some strings so that he could meet with Gen tonight right after his show was over.  Recently, he was told the well known Asagiri Gen had a busy agenda everyday so this may be his only opportunity to talk to him without interfering with his busy schedule — Chrome won’t let pass this opportunity. Earlier that day, he sent Gen a quick message just to let him know in advance he would arrive.  

As he approached a fancy theater surrounded by light everywhere and people in elegant clothes leaving the theater though those tall doors with golden borders. He parked his car and quickly spotted an elegant figure waiting for him not so far away from the main event. 

As Chrome got out of his car, Francois approached to greet him before walking down an alley toward the backstage door. Even the backstage door was well decorated as the main doors. They walk through the door and they enter a new world. 

Chrome had thought for a long time a theater backstage was very different from a concert backstage —  turns out he was mistaken. It was as chaotic as the average concert backstage. 

Back then, when Stone Age performance was over, the backstage was a total chaos of celebration and organizing everything they had used during their concert. Back then, they would help organize the cables and stuff even though they were exhausted from the concert they gave.

They stopped at a black door that had a white sign pasted with the name Asagiri Gen on it. Francois excused themselves saying they had programmed a serious and important conversation with Gen’s manager. Chrome could only chuckled, wishing that man good luck dealing with Francois. He hopes Gen’s manager doesn’t quit after this.  

Chrome watched how Francois lost themselves through the long well decorated hallways leaving him alone to deal with an infamous mentalist. Nostalgia hit him right before he had the time to even knock the door. 

He had so many fun and serious memories that Gen was included. Although his favorite has to be that time when Gen, along with Senku, swore that their last duo song — N.A.S.A. — wasn’t a love song disguised with scientific lyrics. He laughs at the memory, even after all this time neither the scientist nor the mentalist had revealed a soul, what’s the true meaning of N.A.S.A. 

He could keep on and on remembering every moment they lived during those years. But right now Chrome has work to get done. 

Knock. Knock. Knock. 

He knocked the door three times following a certain rhythm. 

“Come in!” Chrome didn’t wait long for an answer. As a cheerful charismatic voice was heard from inside. 

The inside of the dressing room had nothing special. It had the same stuff any dressing room would have — a small couch, a snack table, courtesy gifts and space for whatever outfit needed it.  

“My, my, hello again, Chrome-chan.” A man with black and white hair turned around to face him instead of the mirror with lightbulbs all around that was behind him. 

“I would say the same. Good to see you again Gen.” The mentalist smiled and made a small gesture asking Chrome to sit on the couch. “Congrats on tonight's show. You were dazzling as always.” Chrome congratulated him.

“That goes to you too. Already one of Japan’s greatest producers.” He responded, laughing a little. Chrome isn’t sure how to introduce the reunion topic. 

"If the greeting is over.” Gen spoke, his tone more serious than before. “ Say, what brought you here tonight, Chrome-chan? I don’t think you came all the way to my dressing room only to say hi.”

Classic Gen. Always discovering someone's true intentions. Something Chrome appreciates. Fortunely this would be easier than he thought. 

With his thoughts organized, he took a deep breath and began to speak. 

“Do you remember the charity gala Stone Age used to present every year?” Chrome began casually, trying his best not to look nervous or desperate. 

“Of course I remember.” His voice was sharp and precise. It felt like Gen was analyzing him in full detail. “The golden years.” 

The Golden Years. The headline that the media used to refer to them during their peak era. In short,  no one expected Stone Age to separate during their prime era. The headlines were the same for months. Only one topic was discussed: their separation. 

“I’ll be direct.” Chrome passed Gen a sign of the Charity Gala event. The same sign he had told Francois. Gen accepted without saying much and gave it a quick look.

“Just say what you practice.” He told himself. Chrome made himself a full script in his mind and  practiced unnumbered times what he would say in order to convince Gen. 

“Gen, it's time to bring back the magic, literally.” What he said hooked Gen immediately, paying close attention to Chrome. “Let’s reunite for a last concert. For the kids, science and old times sake. One night only.” 

The black and white hair man remained quiet. His usual smile faded. Thinking he may reject. Chrome quickly speaks, giving solid arguments. He told every single argument he had been practicing for days, every sentence more structured than the last one.

And Gen … could only laugh. 

The kind of laughter that was sincere, not faked. Although Chrome couldn’t tell which is which.

“Chrome-chan, you do know how to tempt a mentalist.” The man's expression shifted once again. This time to a white expression Chrome couldn’t find a meaning to it. “I say your idea is ambitious but yet possible but…” 

Suddenly, he stopped. 

Chrome noticed a nervous tone toward the last words Gen spoke but he decided not to push him. After all, Gen had never let his walls down to no one or so Chrome though. 

“Nevermind, just answer me a question.” Gen spoke, voice control and calm. Chrome just nodded prepared to answer whatever question Gen had. Although he didn’t expect what he was about to hear. 

“Does this involve Senku?” He asked while playing with his bracelet, not even trying to make eye contact with the person next to him. His tone was serious since he didn’t refer to the scientist as ‘Senku-chan’ but used only  his name instead

“Why am I asking if supposedly I don’t care anymore?” That thought invaded his mind causing him to think making that question was ridiculous when he had proclaimed himself ‘the shallowest man on Earth’ uncountable times. 

Everything he had done was only for his benefit and nothing more, right? 

In the past, he accepted to be part of Stone Age only for the fame it could give him.  He saw the opportunity to make his name known so he took it. The mentalist never minded anything else that didn't benefit him or so he always said. 

“It was nonsense to ask that anyways—”

“Senku is in, I’m sure of it.” Chrome said without hesitating.Without thinking. It wasn’t a supposition or facts but a statement. 

Then silence came in. Although it wasn’t for long. After Gen took some deep breaths, he spoke once again. 

“Then count on me! Let’s make real illusions!” Gen smiled but not his typical fake smile. Although Chrome still doesn’t know the difference. 

“Hell yeah! Then I’ll notify you when we’re having the meeting to organize some logistics.” Chrome said enthusiastically. Turns out, he did a fantastic job convincing Gen but it was hard to believe. 

“I’m looking forward to it!” Gen said while he waved at  Chrome who left his dressing room. 

Right after Chrome left, Gen's expression shifted drastically focusing once again on his wrist — on the green bracelet. 

“I promised I’ll make things right this time.” Gen couldn’t focus on anything else that wasn’t the bracelet on his wrist. His heart was beating faster than usual — the same speed it beat once before. “I’ll apologize properly this time.” 

—

“HA HA! You can count on me!” The sound of fingers snapping was heard. As the greediest man alive accepted his idea without hesitating a second. It was no surprise that Ryusui would be the easiest to persuade, after all he couldn't deny a good offer. 

“Everything went well, Chrome-sama.” Francois said as they entered Ryusui’s trailer. Due to his participation in a new original film. Francois, once again, had moved some strings so Chrome could meet with Ryusui during his break time during filming. The trailer itself wasn’t that fancy but fancy enough for the standards of Ryusui’s desire. 

“Francois, add Stone Age reunion to my schedule.” 

“I already did it, Ryusui-sama” Efficient as always. 

Things turned out better than Chrome thought initially, although he still had to deal with persuading one more person — not counting Senku, he would deal with him later. 

“I better get going!” While he was standing from the couch. Francois stopped right before Chrome could make it to the door. Chrome didn’t take long to realize what was happening instead he turned to face the blonde who was walking towards him.

“The world has been waiting.” Ryusui started, his desire can be seen through his brown eyes. “But tell me…”

Ryusui made a rough pause. It felt like he was thinking about each world wisely, taking more time than he usually does. Instead of talking with his usual ‘I want it’ tone he used a more controlled one. Chrome had a small feeling of knowing what Ryusui was going to ask him but he preferred to not rush him and let him take his time. After all, waiting gave him better results than rushing someone. Some of the manipulation and persuasion lessons he had learned long ago from  a certain mentalist. Guess they were useful after all. 

“Have you asked him?” He finally said. His face wasn’t his confident expression but a more serious one. 

“I knew it.” Chrome thinks briefly. He quickly realized who they were talking about. After all he predicted it was about a certain sonar boy. 

“Not yet.” It would be nonsense to lie about it. Chrome knew really well convincing Ukyo would be even harder than memorizing and reciting every digit of Pi. The few times he hung out with Ukyo. The white hair man had left it extremely clear he didn't have any interest in music anymore or a reason to do it again. 

It would be an extremely hard challenge. 

“How do you plan to convince him?” The blonde asks bitterly.

”I was thinking of convincing him by telling him how the Gala would improve marine safety or something like that.” He answered without hesitating a little. After all that was the only way he saw to effectively convince Ukyo to join for one more performance. That and a lot of luck. 

“Don't worry Chrome. I would be the one to convince him.” Ryusui stated proudly as he snapped his fingers once again. 

Chrome was about to open his mouth to protest but he closed before saying anything. No one is able to change Ryusui's opinion when he has already decided — something Chrome knew well enough. So he didn’t have any other option than to agree. 

“Well then, I’ll leave Ukyo to you!” He said it enthusiastically while smiling. “You can ask Francois for details. Text me after you talk to him!” Just like that Chrome leaves. 

Somehow he managed to keep hidden how worried he was about this. It wasn’t a secret that Ukyo and Ryusui had an unresolved history. There are so many possibilities and variables that can go terribly wrong. 

The worst — and most probable — scenario being that Ukyo rejected coming back. Right now, Chrome plans on returning to his apartment to work on how to convince Ukyo assuming that Ryusui fails. 

Ping. Click. Ping. 

The buzzing from his phone in his pocket took him out of his thoughts. He had a new text. He quickly unlocked his phone, expecting to be a new project offer he may be interested in or something. But instead he froze at seeing who had sent it and was shocked when he read it. 

The message wasn’t from a new project needing his amazing production. 

But it was from Senku.  

Senku: I’m in for one last concert. 

Short. Precise. Direct. Was everything Chrome needed to get excited. “Let’s  go!!” He didn’t care if people were looking at him like a weirdo. 

Stone Age was almost complete. The brain, the face, the wildcard and heart, and the vision were in. 

Only missing the silent heart.

The echo. 

Right now, the only thing he could is wishing Ryusui luck. 

—

The sonar pinged steadily, a soft, repetitive pulse cutting through the quiet of the room. 

Ukyo sat at his console, eyes locked on the screen, headphones snug over his ears. His fingers danced across the controls — focused, practiced, detached. His shift was nearly over, but his mind checked out hours ago. To this point his mind was elsewhere. Even the sea felt quiet tonight. 

Ping. Click. Ping.

He blinked slowly. 

Then, a soft buzz in his pocket. 

He had a feeling of what it could be. So, without changing expression, he slipped one hand into his coat and checked his phone. A new text from a certain navigator, what a surprise. He doubted before opening it but still opened it. He planned to leave it on read anyways. 

Ryusui: Ukyo!! How are you doing? 

Ryusui: I’ll be direct. Chrome says we should get Stone Age back together. Just one night. Charity gig. You in?

Ukyo stared at the message. 

Of course it was Ryusui sending it. He could see the same ego, the same recklessness, the same charm wrapped in a sentence like it was no big deal. Like time hadn’t passed. Like nothing had happened. 

Ukyo locked his phone without replying. 

“I don’t care about music anymore.” He thought. That was what he told himself countless times. What he told others. What he believed — until moments like this.

Maybe Ryusui didn’t change a bit during all this time but he did. He won’t let himself wait again for someone who never made time for him in the first place. 

The buzzing returned. Another message. It wasn’t a secret how insistent Ryusui could be sometimes. 

Ryusui: It was Chrome’s idea. Swear on it. 

Ryusui: Don’t ignore me like you did on your birthday, sonar boy. 

He could have ignored him but instead he scrolled up to that old text. The one from his birthday. The one Ryusui sent after he wished him a happy birthday. 

Ryusui: Dinner’s on me tonight. I promise no press, no pitch, just you and me. Say yes for once. 

As always, Ukyo had left him on read. Now he stared at the message longer than he meant to. 

His shift ended with a final sonar ping. He stood up, hung his headphones neatly, and slipped his jacket on. Outside, the air was crisp. Quiet. Ukyo walked toward the exit, his thoughts still tangled around the text he received, Chrome’s name, the idea of a reunion, and — 

“Yo, sonar boy!” A voice called him from behind. 

Ukyo stopped in his tracks. His hand had barely touched the door handle. “He came here. Of course he did.” He turned to see the last person he wanted to see approached towards him. Ukyo’s face didn’t change, but inside, surprise flickered. 

“Stalking me now?” He asked flatly, his hands still in his pockets. 

“Couldn’t risk you ghosting me again.” Ryusui pushed off the raid with a shrug. “Text is too easy to ignore. This time I needed you to hear me out!”

“And what, you thought showing up here would change my mind?” Ukyo looked at him, eyes sharp. Tired. Guarded. His voice came dead and flat — wasn’t his usual soft tone. 

“No. I thought seeing my face would remind you of everything we used to be.” Ryusui stepped closer but not closer enough to invade Ukyo’s personal space. “Of what we could still be even if it's just for one night.”

Ukyo said nothing. His silence spoke volumes. 

“I know you said you don’t care about music anymore. But I don’t buy it.” Ryusui’s voice softened. “Not from the guy who used to stay hours after rehearsal just to get one harmony perfect.” 

A beat passed. 

“That was a long time ago.” Ukyo looked away, like he was remembering those times. The streetlamps cast long shadows behind them. 

“Yeah. But some things aren’t as far as they feel.” Ryusui nodded. 

The silence between them grew heavy, but it wasn’t empty. It was full of all the things Ukyo hadn’t said, and everything Ryusui hoped he still felt. 

“It’s one night.” Ryusui added gently. “For Chrome. For them. For us, if you’ll let it.” 

“You’re really not going to let this go, huh.” Ukyo exhaled slowly. The cold fogged his breath. 

“Of course not.” Ryusui smiled. 

Ukyo didn’t smile back. But he didn’t walk away, either. 

Silent invade them. It’s in moments like this Ryusui wished he didn’t screw their relationship back then. Even if they never officially became partners. He regrets every time he left Ukyo waiting for him. Every empty promise he had told Ukyo back then.

Ryusui desired everything but he couldn’t have what he desired the most. 

Ukyo leaned against the railing now, mirroring Ryusui’s earlier posture. He didn't look at him when he spoke.

“If I agree… it’s just one performance.” Ukyo started after the silence. His voice was quiet, deliberated. “No tours. No media. No album talk.”

“Got it. Just the charity gig.” Ryusui gave a small nod. He saw that coming so he wasn’t surprised. Ukyo has always been the guy who keeps his private life a secret — along with Senku. 

“And one more thing.” Ukyo turned to him sharply. Eyes sharp as glass. Ryusui raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. 

“If you start acting like you used to.” Ukyo’s tone sharpened, colder now — not angry, just clear. “Chasing every camera, every deal, ignoring everyone around you…” 

He paused, locking eyes with Ryusui for the first time. 

“I’m out, I won't stick around for that again.” 

Ryusui’s grin faded. The air got still. For a moment, it wasn’t just about music but about something deeper, something that had hurt before. 

“I hear you.”  Ryusui spoke quietly. “ You have my word.”

Ukyo nodded once. No smile, no warmth, but no storm either. Just a silent agreement.

”I’ll join the rehearsals.” Ukyo added, softer now while he looked away again. “Don’t make me repeat myself.” 

“I believe you.” Ryusui gave a slight smile, more genuine this time. 

Ukyo turned to leave, but after a few steps, he paused. 

“Also…” He muttered, almost to himself. “Someone has to make sure you all don’t completely butcher the harmonies.” 

“So… is it okay if I tell everyone, besides Chrome, that you’re in?” Ryusui's eyes lit up. He teased him a little. 

“Do whatever you want. Just don’t forget what I said.” Ukyo didn’t look back. 

“I wouldn't dream of it.” Ryusui chuckled under his breath. 

Ukyo walked away without looking back, but Ryusui watched him for a moment longer — thoughtful, maybe even a little nervous. Because this time, in case he messed up, Ukyo would really walk away and never return. 

—

Later that evening. Chrome is seated at his desk, surrounded by scraps of science equipment and open notes about the charity event’s setup. It’s been two days since Ryusui had told him he would convince Ukyo. Since then, Chrome has been very stressed about it. He stares at his phone more often waiting for the text. He even had been brainstorming ideas to convince Ukyo since then.  

Click. Click. 

Suddenly, his phone vibrates. He quickly grabbed it. A text from Ryusui. 

Ryusui: Operation convinced Ukyo was a success. 

“Wait… What?!” Chrome’s eyes widened.  Another text follows.

Ryusui: He's in. You own me dinner. 

Chrome drops back in his chair, letting out a huge sigh of relief. Dinner was the least important thing right now. He really gets excited now that Stone Age is complete. 

He immediately starts typing. 

Chrome: Really!?!

Chrome: I thought I was gonna have to give him a whole science-saves-the-oceans speech  

Chrome: THANK YOU!!!

Ryusui replied by sending a smug emoji and a thumbs-up. Chrome laughs to himself, looking at the list of ‘possible persuasion tactics’ he had jotted down. He crosses them all out in one stroke. Then he grabs his phone again, ready to update Francois. 

Chrome: Ukyo’s in. We’ve got the whole band.

Chrome: So, when can we meet with you? We want to talk about plans. The real ones.

Chrome: Also, I know we never said it out loud, but to me, and probably the others too, you’ve always been our only real manager. Really. 

Chrome let his thoughts take control. 

“We’re really doing this…” Chrome said to himself. His eyes drift to a framed photo near his desk. A photo of Stone Age in their early days, sweaty, and laughing after their first public performance. 

— 

Elsewhere Francois read Chrome’s message again, then began typing, elegant, and precise as ever. 

Francois: Understood. My schedule is cleared for this weekend. 

Francois: Tell them to the cafe Stone Age used to come often Sunday morning. Before opening. I’ll make sure to reserve a private room only for us.

Francois: And Chrome-sama, I believe this is possible. It’s good to know some things and some people still have their spark. 

Francois sets the phone down, already pulling out a leather-bound notebook. The old Stone Age folder — neatly labeled with each member’s name — is placed on the table. 

— 

As told, Chrome quickly made a new group chat and sent what Francois had told him. Everyone read it. 

A mixed reaction came. Some are excited about it. Others are unsure how to act when they see their ex-partner after so long. Others don't want to make the same mistakes they made before. Others expect to have better communication between them. And others hoped for a wonderful reunion. 

But for now they would have to wait until Sunday. The day they would reunite as a band. 

—

The date of the reunion came faster than expected.

Soft golden light filters in through the café windows. The chairs are still flipped on the tables. The smell of freshly ground coffee fills the quiet space. A small ‘Closed’ sign hung at the door, shutting the world out.  

Ryusui, with Francois at his side, was the first to arrive. As promised, they had reserved a private room upstairs, discreet but warm just enough comfort to keep the meeting from feeling too sharp. Francois, as precise as ever, had already ordered everyone’s drinks. They remembered everyone’s usual. 

It didn't take longer until another person arrived. Senku was next, white hair with dark green tips catching the light as he entered. Francois greeted him politely before excusing themselves to fetch the drinks. Ryusui immediately engaged Senku in conversation, the tone polite but not personal. After all, they were the ones who initiated the fight that led Stone Age to separate. They talked about scientific achievements, world headlines, nothing that touched the fault lines beneath.  

At the entrance of the cafe, Chrome walked in, wide-eyed and slightly out of breath. He quickly spotted Francois, ever impeccable, as they arranged mugs and a small tray of pastries. 

“Yo! Francois!” He beamed as he approached the butler. “I’m not too early, am I?” 

“Not at all, Chome-sama. Ryusui-sama and Senku-sama are already here.” They responded with their usual politeness. Chrome eyes lit up as he noticed the mugs, each labeled neatly 

“Wait … you actually remember my old drink order?” Chrome added curiously. As he grabbed the cup labeled with his name. 

“I remembered all of you.” Francois answered simply. 

Chrome followed them upstairs, bursting into the private room with energy only he could carry. He greeted everyone cheerfully and dropped into a seat beside Ryusui, leaving the head chair for none other than for their manager. 

Minutes later, Ukyo arrived. The air shifted. Ryusui’s golden gaze met Ukyo’s calm one, and though nothing was said, the silence stretched heavy between them — not hostile, not yet, but brimming with everything unsaid. Chrome, sensing the tension, immediately began rambling about nothing in particular to keep the room afloat. 

And then, fashionably late as always, a man with black and white hair swept in. 

“Hello, my fellow friends!” Gen  sang out, smiling brightly — his typical fake smile. His mask cracked only for a heartbeat when his eyes locked with Senku’s. The pause was short, but long enough for everyone to notice. 

“Well, hello, Senku-chan.” Gen added smoothly and tried to act casual as if nothing had happened. “You’re still pretending humans are equations.” He used a little icebreaker. 

“And you’re still overcomplicating simple variables.” Senku replied dryly, not looking up from the cup in front of him. There was no outright hostility, but a wall stood firmly between them. Chrome, again, jumped in to change the subject, while Gen slipped into the seat beside Ukyo. A seat away from Senku. 

The table felt crowded with ghosts. Nostalgia and unfinished business pressed in from all sides. 

For the first time in years they are back in the same room.

“Welcome back, everyone!” Francois announced as they entered, seating themselves at the head of the table. “It’s a pleasure to have you all agree to one last performance at this year’s Marine Safety and Scientific Education Charity Gala.” 

The nods around the table were polite but right. Francois, sensing the strain, offered a deliberate icebreaker. 

“To begin properly.” They said, eyes sweeping the room. “I suggest we air any unresolved business and apologize where necessary.”

Silence.

It was Ryusui who broke it.  

“Chrome pulled us there. He should start.” He suggested.

“For once, I agree.” Ukyo said. His voice wasn’t sharp, but it carried a weight that made Ryusui glance away. 

“Well then.” Chrome cleared his throat nervously, then spoke with more earnestness than usual. “Look, I know there’s stuff we never said. Stuff we never fixed. But I’d rather try than regret never trying. Back then… we lacked communication.”

“This time, even if it’s just for one height, I want us to be more open.” He continued. “I cared about Stone Age. About all of you. The way we ended. No goodbyes, no closure. Just silence.  I hated it.”  

His honesty landed heavy. 

“I’ll go next.” Ryusui’s voice, unusually serious, cut the quiet. “ I apologize for always chasing the spotlight… and leaving you all behind. I’ll try not to this time.”

“You didn’t just chase it, Ryusui.” Gen interrupted smoothly. His eyes, sharp now, flicked toward Ukyo. “You drowned in it. You stopped listening. To us. To him.” 

The table stilled. Ryusui’s smirk faltered. 

“Back then, I thought I was doing what was best for Stone Age.” He muttered. 

“No.” Ukyo said flatly. “You were doing what was best for you.” His calm tone made the words cut deeper. 

“I know. I can’t fit it overnight. But if I could change how things ended…. I would.” Ryusui looked down, guilt flickering in his eyes. 

Ukyo hesitated, choosing his words with care. Finally, he admitted quietly.

“I never stop listening to our songs.” The confession dropped like a pulse through the room. “You all probably thought I hated it. But I couldn’t let go. I just didn’t know how to come back.” 

Ryusui’s eyes softened, guilt carving deeper.  

“Maybe none of us did.” Senku muttered suddenly. He leaned forward, voice brisk but edged with regret. “Back then, I acted like a brat. Last minute changes, bad leadership. I’ll own that.” 

He wanted to say something more but preferred to stay quiet. He would say it later. 

Gen adjusted his cape, tone lighter but his eyes betraying nerves. “ I suppose I should apologize too. For dragging us into scandals. I was immature.” He paused. “And reckless.” 

“Especially for one in particular.” He didn’t say it aloud. 

“It was my fault too.” Ryusui added quickly. “Most scandals started with me.” 

The silence that followed felt different now. Not the silence walls, but of doors creaking open. A possibility. A spark. 

“Good. Now that we’re all still here, shall we begin?” Francois nodded.

They look at each other. Old scars are still visible. But old bonds too. 

“We’re actually doing this.” Chrome smiled wide. For the first time. 

“Let’s just try not to kill each other before the first rehearsal.” Gen let out a theatrical sigh. 

“Just don’t make another impossible choreography.” Ukyo added dryly. 

“No promises.” Ryusui smirked. 

And then — they laughed. It wasn’t much, but it was real. The kind of laughter that only happens when something broken starts to mend. 

— 

The mood had softened. Cups sat half-empty now , conversation easier now, more relaxed. Though the air still hummed with vulnerability.

“So, we already discussed all the important details of the performance at the Gala.” Francois cleared their throat gently. “I’ve scheduled a meeting with the organizers to confirm your slot and the time we’ll have.” 

As always, Francois was one step ahead — preparing every detail flawlessly. Everyone followed and understood each point they laid out.  

“So, we’re only missing one thing.” Francois began their final statement. “Your crew.” 

“I think we all want the original crew.” Senku said immediately, confident everyone would agree. His tone was sharp with certainty. 

“I agree. No replacements. No fill-ins.” Gen added firmly, making it clear he supported Senku’s stance. 

”Every single person who was with us before.” Chrome jumped in with excitement. “Techs, audio engineers, lighting, support, everyone!” He made it sound so simple. His optimism made it sound almost naive. 

“That won’t be so simple.” Francois replied thoughtfully. “Some of them have moved on to others jobs, others cities, —”

“If they hear Stone Age is back, they’ll come.” Ryusui declared with confidence, his snap of the fingers like a promise. 

“We’ll call them. Each of them.” Ukyo said, voice sharp and resolute. 

“And if not, we’ll convince them. Emotionally. Strategically.” The mentalist’s smirk was subtle but dangerous, his words carrying that teasing edge that masked determination.

Francois studies them all carefully. For the first time in years, they saw it — the determination, the same fire was back in their eyes, the spark returning. 

“Very well.” They pulled out a tablet, opening a digital folder of the original crew. “I’ll assist in contacting them. But you will do the convincing. One by one.” Their tone left no room for doubt. 

The band exchanged glances. For the first time in years, they all feel aligned. They were on the same page… at least for now. 

“Some of them will be easy to contact… others, less so”  Francois continued, scrolling through the files. “But I believe you still have connections.” 

“Leave Taiju, Yuzuriha and Suika to me.” Senku’s voice was confident, almost defiant. “I’m still close friends with them.” 

“How wonderful, Senku-chan.” Gen teased, a playful smile tugging at his lips. Though his eyes gleamed sharp. “Tsukasa’s mine. He’s my bodyguard, after all. I’ll get him with a little mentalist persuasion.”  He  grinned mischievously. 

“I’ll get Kohaku and Kaseki.” Chrome announced, making no effort to hide his excitement. “I’ll be visiting them with Ruri this week.”

Almost in a whisper, Chrome didn’t  catch that Gen and Ukyo were quietly gossiping, wondering if he had finally confessed to Ruri, his long-time crush. They quickly stopped when Chrome caught them with a suspicious grin. They would resume their gossiping session another time. 

“Nikki’s on me.” Ukyo said without hesitation. Everyone blinked at him, surprised. They’d always assumed Nikki would be the last person he’d talk to. “What? We’re good friends.” 

“Ha ha! Minami’s on me!” Ryusui proclaimed, as confident as ever. Not everyone was convinced, considering his constant scandals and how Minami always had to clean up after him. Their relationship was… complicated. But no one dared to comment.  

Chrome, however, trusted Ryusui enough to believe he could handle convincing Japan’s top reporter. After all, Ryusui managed to convince Ukyo. 

“Excellent.” Francois began packing up. “That leaves Hyoga, Kinro, Ginro, Homura, and a few others. I’ll track their locations and recent activity. You’ll handle the convincing.” 

“Since we’re nearly done…” Chrome stood a little nervous, raising his empty cup. “How about we end this like we used to?”

He didn’t have to wait long. One by one, the others raised their cups. First Ryusui, then Senku, Gen, Ukyo, and finally Francois. 

“Stone Age!” They shouted in unison. The world struck the air like an echo of the past. It felt nostalgic, powerful, and almost fragile. 

“Before we conclude.” Francois said after a pause. “Should I announce the reunion on Stone Age’s official account?” 

“We haven’t posted anything in… what, five years?” Gen muttered bitterly,  unsure if it was a good idea. 

“I think we should.” All eyes turned to Ukyo, surprised he was siding with the media for once. “Let’s see if our fans are still out there.”  

“I love it!” Ryusui agreed while he snapped his fingers with his usual flair. 

“Oh, make it mysterious! Like we’ve got a big announcement but without revealing the reunion just yet!” Chrome jumped in, hands gesturing wildly. “Like a hidden announcement, just a tease! Picture it, my vision?” 

“Only Japan’s greatest producer could come with that.” Senku said dryly, though the hand on Chrome’s shoulder was genuine. 

“Chrome-chan really has  made a name for himself!” Gen teased with an almost soft smile. A genuine one. 

“Very well then.” Francois inclined their head. “I’ll upload it as soon as possible.” 

And with that, the meeting officially ended. 

At least they hadn’t killed each other during their first reunion. 

But beneath the laughter and nostalgia, the air still carried cracks. 

Sooner or later, some would have to confront old wounds and unresolved issues.   

Others would need to apologize or even do more than just a simple apology.

And others… would have to make sure everything stayed together before it all fractured again. 

—

@STONE.AGE.OFFICIAL It’s been ages… but a special announcement is coming soon!! 27/6 — Don’t miss it!!

@Super.onion OMG!! ARE THEY FINALLY BACK??! 

@BandTheory lol it’s just merch. no way they’re reuniting

@Holly_Jolly I’M BEGGING YOU PLEASE COME BACK!!