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

"I'll prove to you how important you are to Qianye, far beyond just friendship. I'll throw it into the sea later, and you'll cooperate by looking a little sad. It would be even better if you could look teary-eyed. Just show Qianye that's the side of you that's coming."

Hearing Saeko say that, Eriri, who was about to hand the watch to Saeko, suddenly pulled it back and held it tightly in her palm against her chest!

Saeko looked at her, puzzled: "What's wrong, Eriri?"

Eriri immediately retorted, "What do you mean? This is definitely not going to work, Saeko-nee!"

"Oh?" Saeko's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile to Eriri's reaction.

"Without even thinking about it, if that kind of situation really happened, Qianye would definitely jump in without saying a word! But this isn't a swimming pool; the ocean environment is so complicated. What if something happens to him here!"

"I don't think Qianye would do something so reckless as to disregard his own safety. Perhaps he has other solutions, like asking the crew for help or something."

"That won't do either. It would be a waste of time and energy for him to go to great lengths to find other people to help me. He's already very busy and tired. He finally got to go on vacation and relax this time. How can I let him go to such great lengths for such a trivial matter of mine!"

Eriri finished speaking excitedly, only to find that Saeko's smile was gradually deepening.

"Eri is such a kind and good girl, no wonder Chiya likes you so much."

After being told that by Saeko, Eriri belatedly realized something.

Saeko then spoke up, specifically addressing Eriri: "But Eriri, you seem to know quite well just how much Chiya is capable of for you."

Eriri shyly turned her head to the side: "I... I don't really know... it's just that we grew up together, so I know him very well..."

Ah, here we go again. This situation where, when it comes to crucial moments, one subconsciously avoids and denies their own feelings.

Is this what they call tsundere (a person who is arrogant and aloof)?

While cute, this personality trait isn't exactly a good thing when it comes to romantic relationships.

"Since Eriri is worried that it would be too troublesome and might put Chiya in danger, let's settle for the next best option."

"Settling for second best? What are you planning to do now, Saeko-nee?"

"I already said I need to prove something to you, so just do as I say."

"Can I refuse now? Actually, I feel that some things don't need to be proven..."

Eriri felt a little regretful because she didn't really want to trouble Chiyo, especially since she had caused him trouble because of her.

"Dame~"

But it was no use. Eriri was eventually persuaded by Saeko, who said that she had some other follow-up plans. In the end, Eriri obediently cooperated and put the watch back on.

Before officially launching the plan, Saeko reiterated that Eriri's wristwatch was of no importance to her, then grabbed her wrist and forcefully slammed the watch face against the railing.

The next moment, Saeko instantly got into character and apologized to her very solemnly.

As expected, the soft apology attracted Rikka, and also drew Chiya and Yukino, who were originally in the cabin.

"The ship was rocking a bit just now, and I lost my balance. I accidentally bumped into Eriri's hand, which hit the railing and broke her watch."

Saeko grasped Eriri's hand and showed everyone the broken watch on her wrist, explaining as she did so.

"Oh, I see. It's alright, Eriri. We can just buy another one later," Rikka comforted her.

"Okay, after you get off the ship, you guys go back to the hotel to take a bath and rest. I'll go buy it for you." Gen Chiya said to Eriri in the same way.

Feeling guilty as Eriri was gazed at so gently by the person she liked, she nodded.

…………

Volume 2: Chapter 148: The Child Has Finally Grown Up (5k)

As dusk fell, the sightseeing boats returned to shore with the tourists.

After disembarking, Yuan Qianye took the initiative to say goodbye to the others and split up with them.

He told them to go back to the hotel and rest first, and not to wait for him for dinner. He then decided to do as he had promised Eriri, and try his luck at the stalls they had visited the night before last, to see if he could find Eriri a watch just like the one she had accidentally broken.

Eriri felt a warmth in her heart, but hesitated to speak. She wanted to say that it wasn't necessary to go to so much trouble, that Chiya had also had a long day and should come back with them to rest, and that her situation didn't matter, as it wasn't anything important to begin with.

But Saeko silently held her hand, never giving her a chance to speak.

In the end, all she could do was thank them and silently watch as Yuan Qianye, who had temporarily said goodbye to them, walked in another direction.

Eriri went back with everyone else first.

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.

By the time they returned to their hotel, it was already dark, and warm yellow wall lamps illuminated the corridor.

Saeko was not lying when she told her that she had extra arrangements.

Last night was just a prelude; tonight she plans to start the main event.

When they returned to the room, Shiyu was already awake and had gotten out of bed.

She was lounging lazily on a recliner in the room, wrapped in a light-colored bathrobe, her slightly damp long hair draped over her shoulders, holding what appeared to be a local tourist guidebook provided by the hotel. However, her gaze was somewhat unfocused as she stared at the pages, not turning a single one for a long time.

Hearing everyone return, Shiyu slowly turned her head, forcing a somewhat forced smile.

But her smile looked particularly weak and powerless, and the pale blue shadows under her eyes were still visible under the light. Her peach blossom eyes, which were usually full of charm and vitality, now looked somewhat listless and tired.

When everyone greeted her, her voice was light and airy, with obvious hoarseness and fatigue. She looked like she had just recovered from a serious illness, and even the way she raised her hand showed a lazy and listless feeling.

As for why this was the case... Saeko and Eriri, who had been silently watching from the sidelines the whole night, naturally knew perfectly well.

After being relentlessly trained by someone for several hours, not only was my physical strength and energy severely depleted, but my body also lost so much water that I needed to replenish it frequently.

This morning, an awkward situation arose at Qianye's place where hotel staff had to help change the sheets and duvet covers that were soaked with sweat and other liquids...

Therefore, it is perfectly normal for her to have become like this, as if her soul has been hollowed out and she is too lazy to even move a finger.

Yukino noticed Utaha's unusually tired appearance, and a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes.

This doesn't seem like something that can be explained by a common cold, dizziness, or lack of sleep.

However, given the less-than-friendly, even somewhat antagonistic, relationship between her and Kasumigaoka Utaha, she naturally wouldn't go out of her way to make a fool of herself. That wouldn't suit her personality, and it would most likely earn her a barbed response.

Therefore, she only glanced at it briefly before looking away and starting to organize her small bag.

Only Rikka was unaware of the situation and quite frank. She squatted down next to Shiyu and asked her with concern, "Shiyu-nee, you really should come to the hospital with us. You don't seem to have a cold or fever. Could it be that you're not used to the local environment? We finally get to come out, and you're making us very worried. Don't try to tough it out by not saying anything just because you don't want to bother us."

Shi Yu was both gratified and touched. She hadn't spoiled her sister-in-law for nothing. Although she was sometimes a bit eccentric, her sincere feelings were genuine.

No matter how moved she was, Shiyu couldn't bring herself to say that she had ended up in this state because of your inhuman brother.

"I'm just a bit sensitive to sleeping in unfamiliar beds, so I tossed and turned and didn't sleep well last night, so don't worry."

Her explanation was clearly flawed. Why did she seem to sleep well on the first night here, but suddenly become unable to sleep at all and feel extremely exhausted on the second night due to her unfamiliarity with the bed?

Logically, it doesn't make sense; there are obvious contradictions.

However, this is perfectly fine for fooling the simple Rikka.

"So what are you going to do tonight?"

"I guess... I should be getting used to it by now. Tonight... I should be able to get a normal rest." Shiyu said this with a hint of guilt.

"So, Shiyu-nee, you should be able to join us tomorrow, right?"

"Hmm, probably." Not wanting Rikka to continue worrying and being disappointed, Utaha gave a vague but optimistic reply.

This answer reassured Rikka somewhat.

"Rikka, let's go!"

Eriri's voice came from inside the house.

Shi Yu smiled and said, "Alright, you guys go take a bath, I'll stay here by myself for a while longer."

Aren't you coming along?

"I just went for a soak, so I'm not going again."

"Oh, okay, let's have dinner together when we get back."

"Ah."

After smiling and watching Rikka leave, Saeko leisurely walked out from the inner room.

She changed into a bathrobe and carried a small basket containing towels and toiletries.

She didn't leave immediately, but stopped next to Shiyu's recliner.

Shi Yu raised her still somewhat sleepy eyes, glanced at her, and said nothing.

Saeko leaned down slightly, carefully examined Shiyu's face, then smiled teasingly and said softly, "It seems that last night's battle... went quite well."

Shi Yu blushed slightly: "He's never been like this before. He's never known what restraint is. He's a complete barbarian..."

She spoke the last three words through gritted teeth, but given her current weak state, they carried little intimidating power.

Saeko shook her head: "You can't blame it all on Chiya. If I were a boy, I probably wouldn't be able to control myself if I met Shiyu either."

Shi Yu's face flushed even more, and she sighed helplessly, resting her head on her hand: "Please spare me... I find it difficult to even move now."

Saeko chuckled softly, ceasing her teasing, and instead asked in a more natural tone, "So, what about tonight? Continue like last night?"

She asked directly, her eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.

"I'm already like this, how can I continue? I don't care what he does... I slept until the afternoon, and now my whole body is sore and weak, like it's been taken apart and put back together. I'm going to rest tonight no matter what. As for Saeko... if you need anything, don't worry about me, just do as you please."

"Understood. See you later then. I'm going to take a bath with them."

"Okay, bye-bye, see you later."

Before leaving, Saeko gave Shiho a more careful look.

She got the answer she wanted, and what she witnessed was within her expectations, even ideal.

Since Shiyu has clearly stated her absence and withdrawal for tonight, and judging from her condition, she is indeed unable to fight, it is foreseeable that the energetic Chiya will also have no problem if given the right stimulation and opportunity... In this way, the next question, or rather the key, is only one.

Although she couldn't completely predict her final response, Saeko felt that as long as she acted a little more assertive and proactive, and provided appropriate guidance and a half-hearted approach, there shouldn't be any problems.

After all, that's just his personality—extremely blunt, and easily embarrassed and withdrawn.

Without someone, or without sufficient external force to push her forward, she would probably remain hesitant and indecisive, never taking that decisive step forward.

Despite having the unparalleled advantage of being childhood friends, possessing the longest-lasting bond and the deepest understanding, Saeko felt she had almost found the real reason why she was overtaken by newcomers and even left far behind at one point.

It's not that I don't like it enough, nor that I don't have the opportunity.

It is precisely because we like it too much, care too much, and cherish it too much that we become hesitant and afraid to change the status quo, afraid to lose it, and afraid to face the possible unsatisfactory outcome.

Therefore, they chose the safest and most ineffective method—waiting and hiding.