- I'm not crying. It's only the rain.
+ But Okarin, the rain already stopped.

I honestly don't understand why people act like Okabe and Kurisu is the best ship, because if you really think about it, Mayuri makes way more sense for him in my opinion. She's been there for him literally from the start, through every weird delusion he's had, every experiment, every breakdown, and she still never left his side. For a bit, she was actually the only lab member with Okabe, showing that she was truly the only person who stuck with him when there was literally nobody else around him who tolerated him and his "mad scientist" persona. That's how much she truly believed in him, even when his "mad scientist" act was just some goofy roleplay nobody else cared about, and some even found it to be annoying at times. I sure did. And let's not forget the whole reason when Okabe even adapts this "mad scientist" person in the first place is because Mayuri liked it - possibly some sort of act to help cope with her past trauma. Okabe literally built that side of himself around making her happy and more comfortable, performing all of those over the top lines, stupid gestures, fake phone calls, and of course his alter ego "Hououin Kyouma" just for her. She gave him a reason to be larger than life, in a world filled with uncertainty and some chaos, she gave him a purpose. On top of that, when Okabe was sick, so sick that he might've died, the only one truly there for him was - you guessed it, Mayuri. She prayed for him and kept him company in those dark times. Mayuri has been there through heartbreak, failure, and even moments when Okabe himself didn't even believe he could keep up - but she did. That's devotion. Love without conditions. And it's not like her feelings are a mystery either - she's had romantic feelings for Okabe for years, quietly, consistently and selflessly, without even trying to push him or manipulate him into noticing. That kind of quiet and patient loyalty deserves a lot more recognition than she ever gets for it. Honestly, if you think about it, the absolute least Okabe could do is actually be with her, after everything she's done for him. She has basically been the backbone of his emotional stability from the very beginning. And not's like it would be a bad thing for Okabe or something. I mean, let's be real - she's absolutely adorable, and Okabe definitely is sexually attracted to her at least to some extent. I mean, why the hell would he constantly make remarks in his head about her larger than average breast size for her size and age? Unless it's some kind of fan service or something, that's a consistent acknowledgement that her appeal does get to him. And also, Mayuri's personality - probably the best part about her - is so sweet, kind, and calming, and that's exactly what Okabe needs. He doesn't need more stress and arguments he gets when around Kurisu. Mayuri actually balances him out, keeps him grounded, and allows him to be vulnerable without any kind of judgement, which is something that Kurisu's logic and sharp attitude can't offer in the same way. She doesn't just respond to him, she does more than that - she understands him, even when he doesn't understand himself. She also knows when he needs space, comfort, or just a little less stress. That's not really something everybody has, it's innate, emotional intelligence (which is quite literally ACKNOWLEDGED THAT MAYURI HAS A GOOD TELL FOR) and it's exactly what Okabe needs, as it complements him perfectly. Sure, Kurisu, might be super smart and all that, but that doesn't automatically make her the best partner for Okabe. Mayuri doesn't need to be some crazy smart scientist because she more than makes up for it in many other departments. She understands Okabe on a more human level, something that Kurisu's big brain can't really replicate. She doesn't do this for approval or ego, she does it because she loves Okabe and truly cares for him. But of course, all the Kurisu stans and gooners will say "b-but she's smart, and witty, and she's the best girl! She's super hot with her tights and shorts and her chestnut hair." As if Okabe needs some other genius in his life more than someone who actually grounds him emotionally. Mayuri is very clearly the best girl by the way, she like literally is the definition of a "best girl." She's been there during the lab experiments, the time machine chaos, the countless worldline tragedies, and she never abandons him either. In every timeline, in every iteration of events, she remains the constant that Okabe can truly rely on. Like, come on, the entire premise of Steins;Gate is built around saving Mayuri. Everything after like chapter 6 happens because Okabe REFUSES to accept her death. She literally is the main reason this story exists in the first place. Every risk, heartbreak, and struggle is centered around her staying alive and her well-being. So you're telling me, he goes through all of that - rewriting worldline after worldline, putting himself through all of that torture just to save her and keep her alive - just to basically friendzone her in the end? Like seriously? Even in the true ending, before Okabe realizes that he can actually save both Mayuri and Kurisu, he actually chooses Mayuri over Kurisu. That right there proves where his heart TRULY lies when the chips are down and when push comes to shove. Mayuri is the only one he can't bear to lose. There is no ending where he chooses Kurisu over Mayuri. He was ready to live a life without Kurisu. Mayuri is the only one he can't bear to lose, the only one he prioritizes above all else, even when it mean sacrificing his "true love." Like that doesn't even make any sense. Yeah sure, Kurisu might be a whirlwind romance, but Mayuri is in my opinion the biggest reason why Steins;Gate is Steins;Gate. She is the beating heart of the story. That not only makes her the most important character in the story besides Okabe himself, but also makes her the only one who should rightfully end up with him. Any argument otherwise ignores everything she's done, everything she is, and that undeniable connection she has with Okabe - which is the foundation of the entire series. Anyone who doesn't see it clearly (which apparently is most of the fanbase) just doesn't see the big picture. If Okabe rejects Mayuri, then he deadass deserves to be alone. I still like the true ending out of all the endings in the game, because of it's last chapter and how it ties a lot of loose ends at the start, and how it's the canon ending, but if we're not counting it, then Stardust Sky is the peak "bad" ending. Sure I'll be clowned on for having this take, but I'll proudly stand on it. Mayuri and Okabe will always be the best ship, yeah I said it. I'm not even talking about anything from 0 or MDE either, just this game.

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