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

Eriri suddenly remembered something, and her tone became expectant as she brought up the plan to go to the aquarium that Minamoto Chiyo had mentioned earlier that day.

"An aquarium..." Yukino murmured softly, her mind naturally conjuring up images of adorable penguins, gracefully swimming jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish...

It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted.

However, her gaze naturally turned to the desk, where the computer screen displayed the document editing interface.

Her goal was to finish polishing the novel manuscript that Qianye had given her before setting off on her summer trip, so that she could completely relax and have no worries during the trip.

After a brief hesitation, reason prevailed.

"I'll pass, you guys have fun."

"I see..."

Eriri was a little disappointed, but she had a general idea of ​​Yukino's schedule for the next few days, so she didn't try to persuade her further.

After a brief chat about everyday things, Eriri reminded Yukino to balance work and rest, then they said goodnight to each other and hung up the phone.

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.

"What are you doing?" Rikka asked casually as she returned to her room after taking a shower.

"I was just about to text Saeko-nee to ask if she wanted to come along since we're going to the aquarium later." Eriri waved her phone.

"No need to ask~" Rikka plopped down next to her, her tone light and cheerful: "I asked Saeko-nee before I took a shower, and she said she's in charge of the kendo club's training camp during summer vacation, her schedule is pretty full, and she won't have any free time. Let's have fun~"

By the way, Shiyu is too. She said she wants to write as much as possible before the trip to save up some drafts, otherwise she'll face a dreaded deadline when she gets back, which will be incredibly stressful. So she told us to go have fun and not worry about her.

"Does that mean that in the end, it will just be the two of us taking Chiyo along with Chiya?"

"Yes, that's how it is for now."

Eriri nodded thoughtfully, seemingly lost in thought.

Rikka glanced at her, her gaze inadvertently shifting downwards to Eriri's fair and slender ankles and insteps.

The skin there was smooth and delicate, with a healthy glow under the light, showing no signs of redness or abnormality.

However, just to be on the safe side, she still asked with concern, "Your foot... is it really okay? Does it feel stinging or burning anywhere?"

"It's really okay now!"

Eriri lifted one foot and deliberately moved her ankle to show her.

"Look, you're super agile. You, Qianye, and Shihua were all too nervous. You only got a tiny bit splashed, and you immediately rinsed it with cold water. How could anything have happened?"

"We're afraid you'll push yourself too hard. Your aunt and uncle have entrusted you to our care, so of course we can't let something happen to you on your second day at our house."

As Rikka said this, her eyes darted around, a sly glint in them.

"But on the other hand, it can't be denied that my brother reacted quickly and handled the situation very well. Otherwise, your instep might have really been burned red or even blistered."

"Hmm...that's true." Eriri responded softly, her gaze drifting somewhat to the back of her smooth feet, her tone carrying a hint of awkwardness, and...something else.

"Hey~" Rikka nudged Eriri's shoulder: "How are you feeling?"

"...What do you mean, how?" Eriri's heart skipped a beat, but she pretended not to understand.

"Stop playing dumb. It was like when my brother suddenly picked me up. What did you feel at that moment?"

"What feelings could I possibly have..." Eriri stammered, "...To be honest, things happened so suddenly that I was completely caught off guard and my mind went blank."

Rikka nudged her again: "Only two hours have passed, the memories should still be there, right? Try to recall them a little and share with me how you felt back then~"

Eriri blushed as she was pressed for answers, and pushed her away, saying, "Rikka, you're so weird, really weird! You're a high school student, but you're more gossipy than an old lady!"

By the way, isn't the air conditioner at Qianye's house a bit inefficient at cooling? I've only been here for less than two days, and I've already been feeling feverish!

"I was just a little curious. In a situation like a hero saving a damsel in distress, a normal girl would probably experience some uncontrollable emotions, like her heart racing, feeling that the other person is super gentle and reliable, or feeling a little shy... You probably did too, right?"

"I didn't..." Eriri denied instinctively, but her gaze wandered and her voice was weak, offering no convincing evidence!

"You're lying! Don't you feel any gratitude at all? If you really say that... then I'll go tell my brother right now!"

"Wait, wait—! Of course I'm grateful!" Eriri grabbed Rikka, who was about to leave, and pulled her back, her face flushed red. "Don't talk nonsense! I, I'm very grateful to him!"

"That's more like it." Rikka smiled triumphantly, settling into a more comfortable position. "So, besides gratitude, is there anything else you feel for my brother?"

"Rikka, what... what exactly do you want to do?!" Eriri was dizzy from all the confusion, feeling both embarrassed and anxious.

"Hehe, I just felt that we couldn't let Eriri waste this hard-won opportunity."

"Wha...what opportunity?"

Rikka didn't want to explain; she knew Eriri's personality—she was completely like a snail.

They would retreat at the slightest sign of trouble.

If some things were pointed out directly, it would be truly the end, and I doubt I could get her to fully cooperate.

Therefore, maintaining a vague and ambiguous feeling, offering subtle hints and guidance, and stopping there, is perfectly sufficient.

Rikka said sincerely, "Anyway, you have to believe that I'm on your side and doing this for your own good, that's enough!" Toka-nee, wearing rubber gloves, finished cleaning up, and I didn't even have a chance to help clean up or salvage the situation... Then, because the main dish was gone, Toka-nee, who had been busy all day, had to cook something else for dinner... I'm so useless! I can't help at all, and I only cause trouble, like a nuisance..."

Don't think like that.

Yukino gently interrupted her friend's self-deprecation.

Although the facts are very close, it's best not to think that way.

"These are just a series of unfortunate accidents. No one was injured as a result. It's just a trivial matter in life. Chiya, Rikka, and Toka are all reasonable people. They won't blame you for these things, and they certainly won't think you're a burden."

"Um……"

"It's pointless for you to be so self-critical and fixated on this. It will only make things worse. Instead of doing that, you should think about what you can do to make up for it and express your apology in other ways. At least in my opinion, that's a better choice."

Yukino's words of encouragement were very effective.

That's how it is between friends.

When you have worries or troubles, you need someone you can confide in without reservation.

Many things, once spoken out and heard, can be greatly relieved by someone listening, understanding, and offering rational advice.

"Well, that's all we can do." Eriri's voice regained some vitality, though it still carried a trace of lingering frustration, but it was much better than before.

It had to be her best friend, her Yuki A-no.

"Yes, keep a good mindset. This is only your second day staying at Qianye's house. There will be plenty of time and opportunities for you to make up for or showcase your other strengths."

"Thank you, Yukino."

"You are welcome."

"By the way, Yukino, are you coming later?"

Eriri suddenly remembered something, and her tone became expectant as she brought up the plan to go to the aquarium that Minamoto Chiyo had mentioned earlier that day.

"An aquarium..." Yukino murmured softly, her mind naturally conjuring up images of adorable penguins, gracefully swimming jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish...

It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted.

However, her gaze naturally turned to the desk, where the computer screen displayed the document editing interface.

Her goal was to finish polishing the novel manuscript that Qianye had given her before setting off on her summer trip, so that she could completely relax and have no worries during the trip.

After a brief hesitation, reason prevailed.

"I'll pass, you guys have fun."

"I see..."

Eriri was a little disappointed, but she had a general idea of ​​Yukino's schedule for the next few days, so she didn't try to persuade her further.

After a brief chat about everyday things, Eriri reminded Yukino to balance work and rest, then they said goodnight to each other and hung up the phone.

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.

"What are you doing?" Rikka asked casually as she returned to her room after taking a shower.

"I was just about to text Saeko-nee to ask if she wanted to come along since we're going to the aquarium later." Eriri waved her phone.

"No need to ask~" Rikka plopped down next to her, her tone light and cheerful: "I asked Saeko-nee before I took a shower, and she said she's in charge of the kendo club's training camp during summer vacation, her schedule is pretty full, and she won't have any free time. Let's have fun~"

By the way, Shiyu is too. She said she wants to write as much as possible before the trip to save up some drafts, otherwise she'll face a dreaded deadline when she gets back, which will be incredibly stressful. So she told us to go have fun and not worry about her.

"Does that mean that in the end, it will just be the two of us taking Chiyo along with Chiya?"

"Yes, that's how it is for now."

Eriri nodded thoughtfully, seemingly lost in thought.

Rikka glanced at her, her gaze inadvertently shifting downwards to Eriri's fair and slender ankles and insteps.

The skin there was smooth and delicate, with a healthy glow under the light, showing no signs of redness or abnormality.

However, just to be on the safe side, she still asked with concern, "Your foot... is it really okay? Does it feel stinging or burning anywhere?"

"It's really okay now!"

Eriri lifted one foot and deliberately moved her ankle to show her.

"Look, you're super agile. You, Qianye, and Shihua were all too nervous. You only got a tiny bit splashed, and you immediately rinsed it with cold water. How could anything have happened?"

"We're afraid you'll push yourself too hard. Your aunt and uncle have entrusted you to our care, so of course we can't let something happen to you on your second day at our house."

As Rikka said this, her eyes darted around, a sly glint in them.

"But on the other hand, it can't be denied that my brother reacted quickly and handled the situation very well. Otherwise, your instep might have really been burned red or even blistered."

"Hmm...that's true." Eriri responded softly, her gaze drifting somewhat to the back of her smooth feet, her tone carrying a hint of awkwardness, and...something else.

"Hey~" Rikka nudged Eriri's shoulder: "How are you feeling?"

"...What do you mean, how?" Eriri's heart skipped a beat, but she pretended not to understand.

"Stop playing dumb. It was like when my brother suddenly picked me up. What did you feel at that moment?"

"What feelings could I possibly have..." Eriri stammered, "...To be honest, things happened so suddenly that I was completely caught off guard and my mind went blank."

Rikka nudged her again: "Only two hours have passed, the memories should still be there, right? Try to recall them a little and share with me how you felt back then~"

Eriri blushed as she was pressed for answers, and pushed her away, saying, "Rikka, you're so weird, really weird! You're a high school student, but you're more gossipy than an old lady!"

By the way, isn't the air conditioner at Qianye's house a bit inefficient at cooling? I've only been here for less than two days, and I've already been feeling feverish!

"I was just a little curious. In a situation like a hero saving a damsel in distress, a normal girl would probably experience some uncontrollable emotions, like her heart racing, feeling that the other person is super gentle and reliable, or feeling a little shy... You probably did too, right?"