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

She had already prepared several congratulatory words in her mind, but when she saw him surrounded by the crowd in the center, standing very close to that kendo girl, and smiling so happily.

An inexplicable anger welled up inside her, causing her to leave without even saying goodbye, taking a taxi home.

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.

"I was quite happy for Qianye before, but now, I don't know why, I feel that it would be better if he didn't win the championship."

Rikka and Eriri went to the restroom together. Yukino, who was sitting by the window, was gazing absently at the bright full moon outside when she suddenly heard a melodious and delicate female voice beside her. The voice sounded quite familiar.

Realizing what was happening, I turned my head and saw Kasumigaoka Utaha.

Yukino was somewhat surprised that Yukino would take the initiative to talk to her.

You should know that although the two of them can maintain a basic level of composure in front of others.

Ultimately, however, due to certain unspoken reasons, their relationship cannot be described as good.

So he drank too much?

But is it okay to drink too much juice?

Holding her drink, Kasumigaoka didn't care about Yukino's scrutinizing gaze. She naturally kept a small distance away and sat down not far from Yukino.

"What did you mean by what you just said?" Yukino asked after a moment's hesitation.

"It means exactly what it says."

Kasumigaoka flicked the condensation on his chilled drink with one hand, resting his chin on his other, a look of melancholy in his eyes. He looked across the banquet hall at Minamoto Chiya, who was far away on the other side.

He had already stood up and was showing the camera the wooden sword from Xishan Hall.

Saeko Busujima, standing to the side, did the same, but in a different pose, her wooden sword crossing over the one in Chiya Minamoto's hand.

The boy is handsome, the girl is dashing, and together they complement each other perfectly, a match made in heaven.

The banquet hall was filled with laughter and chatter as people mingled and drank.

The bright stage lights and lively background music allowed most of the people who came here tonight to enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Yes, but only most people, not all.

"He is very capable, and as time goes by, he reveals more of his excellent qualities that people don't know about. He is popular, applauded, and admired, but I don't like it. I wish everything could stay the same as usual, but I know that's not something I can control."

Some things are hard to keep inside, and you always hope to feel better if you can talk them out.

The person Kasumigaoka chose to confide in was Yukino Yukinoshita.

There was no particular reason; I just felt that, from the same perspective, she would probably understand me.

Even if they are enemies in some sense, it doesn't matter. Kasumigaoka never expected any response; she just hoped to release her frustration.

Even if Yukino were to laugh at her at this moment, she would still think it was quite nice.

At least there are other things to distract her, and bickering is much better than her being here alone feeling sad and depressed.

"..."

Yukino listened to Kasumigaoka's words but did not delve into her rather neurotic thoughts.

The other person initiated the conversation with her and didn't say anything impolite, so she naturally wouldn't do anything impolite either.

Yukino simply followed Kasumigaoka's undisguised gaze and looked into the distance.

After a moment, she looked away and said, "So, you just want to chat with me casually and vent your frustrations, or do you want to ask me for help?"

Kasumigaoka was amused by Yukino's words.

Especially after he looked away and noticed her serious gaze, he couldn't help but laugh: "Help? Sorry, I think we're in the exact same situation. You're barely able to take care of yourself, how can you have the energy to help me?"

Yukino narrowed her eyes slightly, revealing a subtle sharpness.

She had initially thought that, at least this time, she would maintain a friendly attitude towards the novelist who seemed to be in low spirits and who was remarkably similar to herself at times in the past.

But the situation changed completely after the novelist's expression, which she perceived as nothing less than sneer.

Yukino no longer intended to follow through on her previous plan; she went all out on being aggressive.

"Firstly, I'm just trying to ascertain your intention to reach out to me. As for whether you really need help, and whether I'm willing to actually help you, that's another matter. I might not agree, and I might not have the time or the mood."

Secondly, you said our situations are exactly the same, haha... I've known someone since kindergarten, and we have a pretty good relationship, to the point where we're practically inseparable.

"..."

Yukino's sudden display of aggressiveness, tinged with a sense of boasting, caused Kasumigaoka to stare at her in silence for a moment. Her sadness dissipated, replaced by a burning fighting spirit.

"What a coincidence, someone I know was also willing to go out of his way to promote my novel to everyone in front of the camera during this extremely important moment of winning the championship."

Yukino replied with ease: "I've known someone for seven years. We know each other inside and out, and we're childhood friends."

"Are they childhood friends, or best buddies?" Kasumigaoka stared disdainfully at Yukino's flat chest.

Yukino's aura suddenly turned cold.

Her only sore spot is her figure.

However, she quickly realized that Kasumigaoka couldn't compete with her in this kind of thing anymore, so she was deliberately provoking her.

Since they really couldn't think of any advantages, they could only use these ambiguous words to deceive themselves and boost their confidence.

Yukino regained her composure, found her strengths, and continued speaking according to her own thoughts: "I have exchanged birthday gifts with someone for six consecutive years. In his room and in my room, there are proofs of our growth together."

Kasumigaoka chuckled: "What else do you have to be proud of besides these occasional situations caused by coincidences in life?"

Yukino said calmly, "Even if it's a coincidence, the childhood experiences and memories I've shared with someone over the years—visiting each other's homes, spending Christmas and New Year's together, watching cherry blossoms, and setting off fireworks—are undeniably precious treasures."

"..."

Kasumigaoka had nothing to say, mainly because, having only entered the fray last year, she was at a complete disadvantage on this topic.

So she finished her drink in one gulp, got up and prepared to leave. Continuing to argue would only put her at a disadvantage, so she admitted defeat this time and planned to get back at him later if she had the chance.

She had just stood up and taken two steps when Yukino suddenly asked from behind, "What are you planning to do?"

Kasumigaoka turned around and looked at her, puzzled.

"It's about what you mentioned at the beginning. You've realized it, and what do you plan to do about it?"

“What can I do? Giving up is out of the question. He’s willing to move quickly, and I certainly can’t let him unilaterally accommodate me and stay in the same place. The only solution is for me to try my best to keep up…”

Kasumigaoka suddenly stopped, then burst into laughter.

"...That's strange. Why would I explain something like this to you in such detail?"

After she finished speaking, she left without looking back.

But thanks to Yukino's banter, Kasumigaoka's mood, which had been as stagnant as a pool of still water, was miraculously revived and became vibrant again.

So-called enemies and competitors are sometimes such a peculiar existence.

You may dislike him, hate him, but it is precisely because of him that you will develop an endless fighting spirit, just to surpass him.

The emotions generated during this period were undoubtedly positive.

What were you guys talking about just now?

Eriri came to Yukino's side. She had just witnessed Kasumigaoka turn around with a smile, say something, and then stride away from the banquet hall entrance.

"It's nothing serious." Yukino shook her head.

We simply had a brief discussion about our life goals, nothing more.

Kasumigaoka Utaha, what a difficult girl...

As the celebration party drew to a close, Yuan Qianye finally had some free time to chat briefly with his friends.

He didn't get home until almost midnight that night.

The newly won championship and the endorsement fee from the signing agency.

Having had my moments of joy, I've let them go for now; I can't be too complacent.

Now that we have money, we'll decide on more things later.

Yuan Qianye hadn't forgotten that he had also been working hard these past few days to prepare for another competition in another field.

Yuan Qianye quickly packed a few clothes; Youzi was still waiting for him in the taxi outside.

In order to be in the best condition for the upcoming piano competition, he has to practice in seclusion at Touma's house for the next two days.

He reassured his family, especially his mother, Runzi, to take care of herself while he was away, and then he left the house.

Looking out the window at the departing taxi, Runzi's mother felt quite worried.

"Honey, with Qianye competing in so many matches back-to-back, won't his body be able to take it?"

"Don't worry, he promised me he wouldn't force himself, and... perhaps Qianye is far more outstanding and stronger than we think."

Touma Yoko was in a good mood tonight and had a few drinks after a long time.

After she recovered, the doctor only advised her to drink less alcohol, not that she couldn't drink at all, so as long as it was in moderation, it wasn't a big problem.

Upon arriving at the Toma family home, Toma Yoko noticed her daughter's slightly disheveled shoes in the entryway, a detail that immediately revealed her daughter's unhappiness.

"She should be in the practice room right now, go and check on her."

With a smile, Touma Yoko handed the small portion of pudding she was carrying to Minamoto Chiyo.

…………

097: Don't be jealous of your mother (8500) (21/46)

Is it really okay to eat something so high in sugar late at night?

Although he roughly understood Yoko's idea, Minamoto Chiya couldn't help but have the same thought when he received the pudding.

"Alright, go on now. I'm feeling a bit dizzy and need to go back to my room to rest. I won't stay with you guys tonight, so don't stay up too late."

Touma Yoko raised her hand and waved. Her cheeks were flushed, and she smelled strongly of alcohol.

However, when mixed with the expensive perfume she was wearing, it wasn't unpleasant to smell.

Gen Chiya nodded and entered the practice room.