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

Saeko is also very beautiful, and she excels in both academics and physical abilities. She is also highly skilled in various life skills, and her outstanding abilities have led her to a level of near-perfect domestic beauty.

Hypothetically speaking, Eriri thinks that if she were a boy, she would definitely fall in love with Saeko uncontrollably after meeting her.

Even knowing that she was already taken and would eventually marry Qianye, he would still fantasize about having something happen between him and this woman.

He might even stay in a dark room, his face dark with gloom, drawing her sketches to gain psychological satisfaction because of unrequited love.

As for Kasumigaoka Utaha... that fat woman, although I'm very reluctant to admit it, she does have a seductive face like a fox, and I've seen her figure firsthand when we soaked in the hot spring together.

Well, Eriri looked down on it, saying that those extra chunks of meat were just fat and proof of her immoral lifestyle of indulging in food, but in her heart she was so envious that she wanted to cry. Her figure was simply amazing, and she hated herself for not having it.

Compared to them, how competitive can I be with just a cute face?

"Of course, it's not just that. I won't say anything I'm not sure about. In fact, during our daily interactions, I've noticed that Chiya has shown feelings for you that are clearly more than just friendship in many ways. Otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen you from the start," Saeko said confidently.

"Huh?"

Seeing Eriri's confused and bewildered expression once again, Saeko seemed to understand something: "Eri, you don't actually think I'm just taking the girlfriend's side and taking responsibility for my boyfriend's unsatisfied desires, so I just grab whoever is closest and convenient and force them to his side, do you?"

"How...how could that be! I...I would never think that!" Eriri tried her best to deny it, but the panicked expression on her face betrayed her.

Saeko wasn't angry, but she seemed thoughtful: "It seems that we two were never on the same page from the beginning. I have to explain this. It's a very simple reason."

If I had initially thought that neither I nor Shiyu could satisfy Chiya, and that I should just find someone to relieve his excess pressure, then I could have simply picked a girl who liked him at school and pushed her there, instead of going through all this trouble.

Given Qianye's looks and abilities, and his popularity at school, I believe that even if he were just a secret lover, many girls would still flock to him.

To take it even further, using money isn't out of the question; ensuring the other person's health is actually a more convenient approach, isn't it?

"Yes... I'm sorry..." Eriri bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, apologizing for being too lenient with Saeko.

“It’s okay, I don’t really care. On the contrary, I’m glad that we were able to have a frank conversation and that a problem has been exposed. Now we just need to solve it.” Saeko helped her up without any hesitation, her emotions as stable as ever.

Perhaps it was because, ever since they confirmed their relationship, the sweeping movements of the Genchiya sword had thoroughly satisfied and nourished Saeko's scabbard, that she never again had a single sadistic or violent thought.

"Solve...it?"

"Hmm, no need to rush, I'll find a chance to prove it to you later." Saeko gently stroked Eriri's flushed cheek with one hand, meeting her tender, watery eyes: "As for the fact that Minamoto Chiya likes Sawamura Eriri, it's not just about friendship."

…………

Volume 2: Chapter 146: Yukino: We really need to have a serious talk.

Before this trip, Yuan Qianye specifically checked the weather forecast for the destination for the next week, and it was all sunny.

Before setting off, he had a clear plan: sunny weather meant bright sunshine, a wide field of vision, and easy access to various outdoor activities.

Therefore, the mood for traveling will continue to be "sunny," just like the weather forecast.

But once he arrived at his destination and began his visit, he discovered that the reality was quite different.

On a sunny summer day, indoor activities are fine, but if you're outdoors, you'll be subjected to the double whammy of scorching sun and high temperatures.

For the girls traveling with them, the high temperature was certainly a problem, but what they found truly unacceptable was the glaring sunlight and the potential for their skin to darken.

Although some people like healthy tanned skin, this preference is not accepted by Yukino Rikka and the others. The ideal in the hearts of girls is always fair and flawless skin like fresh snow, and everything else is an unacceptable heresy.

When going out for fun, having a good time is important, but it's equally important to protect your skin tone.

They had applied sunscreen when they left home in the morning, as expected. However, after a morning of activities, they felt it was necessary to add some other protective measures, since sunscreen is not foolproof.

So, around 2 p.m., when they left the hotel, the girls bought parasols from a nearby convenience store.

As for Yuan Qianye, he didn't need to. The different genders created different mindsets, making him feel that being tanned was completely indifferent to him.

In the afternoon, following the itinerary she had prepared in advance, Yuan Qianye led them to a nearby national park.

The two-hour experience was unremarkable except for the fact that the park was quite large, had many trees, and had some interesting local specialty shops. It didn't feel as good as Ueno Park or Yoyogi Park in Tokyo.

After all, the latter two are closer to home and more convenient to get to, as they can be reached directly by tram. Moreover, the cherry blossoms there bloom brilliantly in spring, making it a truly dreamlike place.

"...But that's what travel is all about. It can't all be surprises along the way. The best part is going to places you don't know with anticipation, and having to confirm the unknown with your own eyes and heart."

As they left the park, Yuan Qianye noticed that everyone's enthusiasm had waned compared to the morning, and she smiled and comforted them.

He tapped on the photos he had taken along the way on his phone—the girls' profiles as they marveled at the water in the cave, their lazy moments resting under the shade of trees in the park, and their eyes lighting up when they discovered interesting little things.

I am quite satisfied with this.

Regardless of what they said, he thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of being able to temporarily leave behind all the busy rules and regulations of Tokyo and focus solely on the scenery before him, the people around him, and his current mood.

He has indeed worked very hard, so what's wrong with taking a break and enjoying himself?

Upon hearing this, Yukino glanced at him listlessly: "As expected of a great writer, you speak very nicely, but I'm very hot right now, and my clothes are sticking to my body and it's uncomfortable. I just want to know what the schedule is for the rest of the day, and also when it will be over so I can go back to the hotel to shower and change into some dry clothes."

Yuan Qianye watched her holding an umbrella in one hand and fanning her neck with a small fan she had just bought in the other, and sighed, "Ah, girls are really like that. The hotter it gets, the less they can wear cool clothes freely. They are born with an extra constraint compared to us men."

Yukino narrowed her eyes, her expression feigning disdain: "Chiyo, you really are becoming more and more childish as you grow up. Is it that you can't find satisfaction and peace for your heart, which is especially restless in the summer, unless you subtly harass the pretty girls around you with these kinds of words?"

Her words carried a provocative tone, as if to say, "If you're so capable, then admit it."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Qianye was not annoyed at all. Instead, he stopped and looked at her seriously, nodding: "Yes."

"...!"

Yukino was momentarily stunned, somewhat overwhelmed, and completely unprepared for his direct, even "shameless," admission!

But she quickly realized what was happening and turned to Saeko to complain: "See, Saeko-senpai? That's just how this man is. He has a lot of hormones that he can't release, so he'll try it out whenever he gets the chance. I think you need to re-evaluate your relationship with him."

She tried to bring Saeko into a united front to condemn someone's misconduct.

Saeko merely tilted her head slightly, glanced at Chiyo, and then at Yukino, whose ears were flushed despite her forced composure. The gentle smile on her lips deepened, and she responded with a low, pleasant chuckle, indicating that she didn't mind.

Rikka and Eriri, who were preoccupied with their own thoughts, couldn't help but chuckle at this moment.

Anyone could see that this was just a casual joke between the two of them, and no one took it seriously.

However, due to the hot weather, unlike the superhuman physiques of Chiya Minamoto and Saeko, Eriri Yukino Rikka had been sweating profusely from her forehead ever since she left the hotel in the afternoon.

There happened to be a seaside restaurant on the beach, so Yuan Qianye ordered a shaved ice for each of them. They ate there before continuing their journey.

"Seriously, what activities are coming up next?" Yukino, who was following behind Minamoto Chiyo, couldn't help but ask again.

Indeed, for this frail girl who rarely goes out, the day's itinerary, even with a short rest at noon, far exceeded the amount of activity she could normally handle, and her battery was already starting to dip low.

"You'll see in a bit. I promise this will be more fun than before, and it won't make you walk around the park like it did before."

"Don't worry, Yukino." Rikka, with a mouthful of sea salt and mint popsicle soup, moved it nimbly to the other cheek with her little tongue, and interjected with slightly mumbled but cheerful words: "If you really can't walk anymore, my brother will carry you back."

Rikka's eccentric remarks left Yukino speechless, saying, "Rikka, please don't make such hypothetical statements that are impossible and baseless."

"Why is it impossible? Ah, right." Rikka seemed to suddenly realize something key. She clenched her right fist and gently tapped it against her left palm. She suddenly realized and said, "Yukino, you're wearing a skirt today. It's not very convenient to carry you on your back. There's a risk of you showing too much skin. It would be more appropriate to hold you instead."

Xueno: "..."

Is this some kind of technical issue?! You've completely missed the point! The core issue is that there's absolutely no need for, and will never be, any physical contact!

Yuki no longer wanted to talk to Rikka.

She felt that there was an insurmountable chasm between her and Rikka, a sadly thick barrier separating them. A deep sense of powerlessness welled up in her heart, and she decided to give up communicating with Rikka on a level of common sense.

Yukino turned her head to look at Saeko, who had been inexplicably happy the whole way: "Saeko-senpai, aren't you going to say anything to this idiot little sister?"

"I have no objection. After all, in terms of closeness, Yukino, you are the one among us who has the longest and deepest relationship with Chiya."

Yukino was utterly exasperated: "How come even Saeko-senpai is causing trouble with Rikka?"

“I object,” Yuan Qianye finally spoke up: “No matter what, we can’t force someone to do something they don’t want to do against their will.”

This made Yukino breathe a sigh of relief.

At least he still has some basic conscience...

But then Chiyo Minamoto said, "Even if it's Yukino, in her current state of being all sweaty and sticky, I don't think I could overcome the psychological barrier to carry or hug her naturally. But at least some physical contact, like carrying her on my shoulder, shouldn't be a problem."

"...!"

Yukino stared coldly at Chiya, who was leading the way, and her cold aura suddenly spread, which for an instant brought an inexplicable sense of coolness to Eriri Rikka beside her.

Then, without saying a word, she kicked a small clump of sand forward, but it was easily dodged by Yuan Qianye behind her, who seemed to have eyes. A smug laugh followed, saying, "I saw through it all along."

"As expected of the longest-standing childhood friend, their relationship remains as good as ever." Saeko teased her again.

Yukino's previously gathered momentum instantly dissipated. She sighed, her shoulders slumped slightly, and she seemed to resign herself to her fate, no longer trying to argue.

Now that she's exhausted most of her energy and feeling quite listless, she really doesn't have the strength to put up any more resistance.

Fortunately, the last activity this afternoon was indeed not as strenuous as the previous ones, as Yuan Qianye had said, and did not require continuous walking.

He led them to the dock and onto a medium-sized sightseeing boat with a colorful roof.

The engine emitted a deep roar, and the boat smoothly sailed away from the shore, heading towards a nearshore area not far from the coastline.

Upon arrival at the designated location, the ship shut off its engine and, gently rocked by the waves, came to a stop on the azure sea.

Large numbers of seagulls circle around this area, and bread and birdseed are sold separately on the boat, allowing you to feed the seagulls up close.

The call of seagulls is somewhat peculiar. When heard from a distance, if you relax and listen carefully, it sounds somewhat like the call of a cat. This is why in some parts of Japan, seagulls are traditionally called "sea cats".

The famous anime "Umineko When They Cry" might initially seem confusing – what exactly is a sea cat? However, once you understand the creature it refers to, it becomes much clearer.

"...I don't need you to tell me this kind of science, I already know it."

Yukino felt really helpless about Minamoto Chiya always sticking around her.

Once aboard the ship, feeling somewhat tired, she told the others not to worry about her and to go feed the seagulls while she rested for a short while.

Unexpectedly, Qianye only went out for a short while before returning immediately and staying by her side.

Yukino didn't dare to think too much about it, but she felt extremely awkward and uncomfortable.

This feeling had been frequent ever since she learned that Chiya had officially started dating Saeko and Kasumigaoka Utaha, and it was especially strong at this moment.

It's inappropriate for someone who already has a girlfriend to still want to be with you from time to time.

Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't care about her, but she didn't want to let down Saeko, who was now very close to her and had taken care of her many times in the past.

That would make her feel like she had betrayed her friends.

Driven by an absolute sense of justice, she would not allow such a thing to happen.

"I just saw you were bored and thought I'd talk to you about something interesting."

"I didn't find it interesting, but now that we've finished talking, you should go. Go and feed the seagulls with them. Don't you really like birds? You even have one at home."

"How can these stupid birds compare to the Black Wings?" Yuan Qianye's words were full of disdain for the wild seagulls and pride in his own crows.

He had just stepped out with the others without warning, and he almost, just a hair's breadth away, had bird droppings falling from the sky and covering his head!