In crossover anime, who isn't a childhood friend?

The most important reason.

As time went by, I witnessed Qianye grow into the outstanding person he is today.

Watching his graceful and skillful figure on the kendo field, and his elegant and charming posture while playing the piano.

His family's living conditions have become increasingly affluent as a result of his active participation. They bought a new house outright without any mortgage pressure, which is very reassuring.

In Shihua's eyes, it was no longer possible to simply regard him as a sworn brother with no blood relation.

She became increasingly aware of his charm and attraction as a woman, which constantly stirred her heart.

The physical contact that used to seem intimate has gradually taken on more complex meanings in her heart, and she no longer feels completely innocent.

But if that were all, it would be fine. The problem is that those unrealistic fantasies that used to only occasionally flash through her mind are now starting to infiltrate her dreams.

In their dream, they were inseparable, embracing each other intimately, whispering each other's names in each other's ears. Overwhelmed by their emotions, they even clumsily prepared to cross that line...

Although she always manages to pull herself back from the brink at crucial moments and wake up from her dream.

I could sense that in reality, it wasn't just my cheeks that were burning hot all over, and that I clearly needed to change my clothes.

Yet it constantly reminded her that her body was indeed aroused by this, because of this "forbidden" feeling...

But that's wrong!

No matter how you look at it, that's wrong!

"That's good." Yuan Qianye seemed relieved and leaned back on the sofa. "What I'm about to say is embarrassing, so you don't have to look at me, Toka."

Normally, such a request might make Shihua seem concerned, or even tease her.

But given the delicate atmosphere today, she didn't say much, but immediately did as he did, turning her gaze to the television just like him.

Qianye was silent for a moment, and then his voice rang in my ears.

“Since I was old enough to understand things, I have lived with my dad and me, relying on each other for survival. He works in a bar to earn money to support the family, while I take care of myself and study hard. In this kind of life, I can occasionally hear other people say things like, ‘This family’s child is so pitiful. The father is so busy, and there is no mother by his side. He is alone all day long.’”

But I never felt anything was wrong, and I was never moved by the cold and desolate house I saw when I got home, because I have friends, I live a worry-free life, and I have a warm place to stand in this big city. I am grateful for this life.

Learning has given me knowledge, and it also reminds me, when I'm alone and feeling lost late at night, that loneliness isn't all bad; it can also give me more time and energy to focus on self-improvement...

Hearing his words, Shihua felt a touch of tenderness in her heart for some reason.

Compared to himself, her situation was much better. Although her mother was also very busy with work, at least she had a regular work schedule and would come home every night. Not to mention, there was also Rikka, and the three of them could eat together around the dining table every day.

As for Qianye, due to the nature of her father's work, the two of them used to leave and return home at completely different times, and they probably only had more time to spend together on weekends.

Their family ties are exceptionally strong, but their daily routines are like those of "strangers" living under the same roof.

Toka didn't know what kind of feelings Chiyo was having when she said those words. She really wanted to turn her head to see Chiyo's expression, but she held back.

"...I always thought I liked this kind of life, until Dad brought Mom and Rikka...and Toka into my life."

Shika trembled. Her left hand, which was supporting her on the sofa, was gently placed on it. This made her turn her head to look over, and she met Yuan Qianye's clean, clear eyes, which were free of any evil thoughts.

"...It wasn't until then that I realized that the reason I had that mindset before wasn't because I genuinely liked it, but rather it was a way of comforting myself when I had no other choice."

A happier situation came, allowing me to realize what I truly value, my goals, the meaning of life, and the efforts I must make to protect all of this.

Shihua stared at him blankly, and he slowly took her other hand, raising it to intertwine them in front of each other.

Unbeknownst to them, they had grown so close that they could see themselves in each other's eyes.

…………

Volume 1: 115: What a modern-day black slave! (6500 words) (34/51)

Gen Chiya watched Touka Kotori intently.

He explained the reality of the situation, while also incorporating his own genuine feelings, using a double entendre.

Shihua looked into his gentle eyes, opened her mouth slightly, but didn't know what to say.

She felt that the way he was holding her hands was a little inappropriate, but even though he wasn't using much force, she couldn't even muster the strength to gently pull away.

It seemed as if she did not resist their current way of interacting at all. She appeared to be the passive one, but she was also immersed in it and reluctant to let go.

"...Toka, I don't mean anything by saying this. I just want you to know that it was because of you, Rikka, and Mom that I learned about something I had never truly felt before. We care for each other and look after each other. It is also family affection, but it is different."

It gave me a clear goal to strive for, and it also gave me the motivation to give it my all, which was something I had been taking a leisurely and complacent way of life. I really like how fulfilled I feel now. I'm sorry for just burying myself in my work all this time. Actually, I've wanted to say something to you for a long time..."

Yuan Qianye leaned forward, slowly approaching Toka's slightly dilated pupils, their faces drawing ever closer.

"Do not……"

As their foreheads touched, he stopped what he was doing and closed his eyes to hide his overwhelming emotions.

"...Thank you for your continued support. I am very lucky to have you all behind me."

He took a shallow breath and spoke those words in an incredibly gentle tone.

Sensing the other person's resistance, he could only hide his most passionate feelings and choose to replace them in a gentler way.

"!"

Shihua's heart pounded so hard it almost suffocated her. Her ears turned bright red in that instant. She was extremely ashamed of the fleeting thoughts that had crossed her mind just now, and even more grateful that she hadn't completely said "no"!

To cover up her loss of composure, and also because she was deeply moved by Qianye's heartfelt words and felt it necessary to show the demeanor of the eldest sister in the family, she withdrew her hand, knelt up on the sofa, and reached out to hug Qianye in front of her.

She felt somewhat insecure and couldn't even tell how flustered she looked, so she could only rely on the warm atmosphere to make such a move.

Also, since the usually composed and mature Chiya was acting so youthful tonight, and directly expressed such touching feelings, she felt she couldn't remain silent.

After all... the atmosphere has been built up to this point.

It's perfectly normal for sworn siblings to hug each other, isn't it?

That's probably true for Toka, but at this moment, Minamoto Chiyo's neck was stiffened, and the sensitive skin on her face could feel an extremely warm and soft presence.

At that moment, he realized the true value of having large breasts to win people's hearts.

I also learned that Shihua has a habit of not wearing underwear at night.

I'm not sure when I'm sleeping, but in any case, I don't have that habit for a while after taking a shower.

"...Don't, don't say things like that. Mom was able to meet Dad, and Rikka and I were able to meet you...this is our good fortune."

“A win-win situation.” Yuan Qianye slowly raised his head and smiled, leaving Toka’s embrace.

Facial cleanser is good, but using it too often can cause problems.

"Yes, it is indeed a win-win situation." Looking at his smile, Toka's mood seemed to lighten a little.

"Besides that, I also need to apologize to you."

"apologize?"

"Yes, the time when Mom and Dad had their accident, and the time when you wanted to go out to work to help support the family... I always took it upon myself to arrange everything, thinking that was fine, but I ignored your feelings, Shihua, and turned a blind eye to your thoughts and feelings. Now that I think about it, that was wrong. I shouldn't have imposed my own ideas on you. After all, everyone is an independent being. I'm sorry."

"Are you... really alright today?" Shihua seemed a little worried, as he had brought up such a long-ago event.

Qianye was too honest and too gentle today. Although he usually gives people a good impression, he seemed a little too good today, and it even seemed a bit unreal.

Yuan Qianye shrugged: "When you do something wrong, you always need to lower your profile."

"...I don't think you did anything wrong. Do you think our family was able to get through the difficulties back then and become better and better like we are now because of someone else?"

“One thing at a time, there’s another point I need to make clear to you, Shihua.”

"what?"

"Regarding what I've been doing lately, while I did have some thoughts of considering the family, it was mostly for my own satisfaction."

Shihua was completely confused: "What do you mean by that?"

Yuan Qianye said half-jokingly, "Considering what I said earlier, you should understand."

Shihua said with dissatisfaction: "So you've learned to be a riddle teller now, huh?"

Yuan Qianye didn't speak, he just smiled.

Toka looked at him and suddenly said, "Did Haruno say something to you?"

"What's wrong with Yang Nai-jie?" Yuan Qianye still pretended not to know.

"..."

"What did you say to Yang Nai-nee? Tell me too. Is there anything between us that we can't talk about?" Seeing that Shika was still hesitant, he continued to press her.

"It's nothing serious." Toka didn't want to talk about it anymore.

Today, Qianye unusually opened up to her, revealing his truest self without reservation. The amount of information was overwhelming, and she was still a little dizzy, having no energy left to think about anything else.

Yuan Qianye also realized this and decided to call it a day: "It's getting late, let's go back to our rooms and rest."

"We haven't finished eating the fruit yet."

"Rikka should still be awake. I'll take it to her."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"That should be about enough for today..."

Yuan Qianye returned to his room, leaned against the door, and muttered to himself.

He learned about Toka's problems from Yang Nai.

Simply put, just like the situation with the Yukinoshita sisters in the past, where the younger sister looked up to her powerful older sister as a role model, the situation was reversed when they came to the Minamoto family.

The principles are similar and interconnected. The older sister developed similar feelings towards her outstanding younger brother. In the process of trying to catch up with him, help him, and contribute as well, she gradually discovered that she was not up to the task.

The more outstanding her younger brother was, the more it highlighted her "incompetence" as the older sister, making her feel that she couldn't help and was even worthless.

Previously, Yuan Qianye hadn't noticed this, not because he was careless, but because his solitary style of doing things had prevented him from paying attention to Toka's changing thoughts.

But this afternoon, while talking to Yukino about her sister, he suddenly understood everything.

The ancients said that great kindness can be as great enmity. Human hearts are complex, and reality is not as simple as a childish game of "I love you, you love me."

He unilaterally believed that the care, consideration, and thoughtfulness he received were so meticulous and that he thought the arrangements were extremely appropriate and the best choice at the moment.

But from Toka's perspective, it was very heavy. The suffocating feeling of being able to only benefit from others made it hard for her to breathe, especially for those with high moral standards.

Despite her best efforts to do something in return, the vast difference in their current abilities left her with no way to act on her ideas.

Yuan Qianye felt a little regretful. If he had realized this sooner, he would probably have been able to understand Toka better, and their relationship might have been even closer than it is now.