"Shouldn't we drink milk while it's still warm?"
Long after Zeke left, Wendy gently placed a cup of milk in Seele's hands with a soft smile on her small face and whispered softly.
Snapping out of her daze, Seele turned towards Wendy, mirroring her warm, comforting grin.
"Thank you, Wendy."
"You're welcome. Back when I was hobbling around with my injured leg, you took care of me every day. The kindness you showed then is something I'll repay for a lifetime."
"Oh, stop exaggerating..."
They exchanged smiles, then sipped their milk together.
Following another brief silence, Seele took a deep breath and spoke with a bright smile:
"Big Bro Zeke is right, actually. Our world faces imminent threats, and everyone is working tirelessly... We shouldn't burden them further with our worries. Don't you agree, Wendy?"
Seele gazed warmly at Wendy, displaying an unexpected resilience despite being seen as fragile, like a delicate flower needing constant care. Meanwhile, it's worth mentioning that the other Seele was currently raging and venting fury within the consciousness world—yet, Seele simply chose to ignore her.
For a moment, Wendy was speechless. Then with a sigh, she gently tapped Seele's forehead.
"You, dear, are just too kind and understanding. It's okay to be a bit more assertive sometimes, especially for someone as adorable as you, Seele. People should cherish and protect you."
"But Wendy has never been selfish either. Whether it's during daily battles, when getting injured, or even when Big Bro Zeke cut your hair, I've never seen you complain. Wendy is always so strong yet treats everyone around her with such warmth. I truly hope one day I can become like you!"
"Isn't this sudden praise a bit unusual?" Wendy blushed slightly before playfully nudged Seele's shoulder with hers, a hint of amusement in her smile.
The two shared another warm smile.
Then, Wendy stood up, reached out, and affectionately stroked Seele's hair, saying:
"Seele is right. As time passes, Honkai's devastation grows stronger and spreads further, something we Herrschers can perceive most clearly. Given this situation, indeed, we don't have the luxury to be reckless... Let's make a pact: We won't cause unnecessary worry or distract Zeke. Instead, let's continue striving for this world while carefully considering our feelings. Once Seele reaches a decision—whether it's giving things another try or deciding to give up and teach that blockhead a lesson—I'll fully support you."
"Wendy..." Seele looked up at Wendy's warm smile, her eyes welling with emotion as she sniffled.
Though they shared similar sentiments, Wendy's strength and gentleness made Seele both envious and comforted, feeling exceptionally reassured.
So, Seele extended her delicate pinkie finger.
"Yes! It's a deal then, just like Wendy said. No matter what choice you ultimately make, I'll always support you too. Pinky promise!"
"Deal, pinky promise!"
"Pinky swear, one hundred years no take-backs!" x 2
Their crisp, melodious laughter echoed under the moonlight, seemingly sweeping away all previous sorrow and melancholy.
Hand in hand, Seele and Wendy returned to their bedrooms.
In the Inner City, the girls' rooms were situated close together, making it convenient for them to interact and spend time with each other.
Seele's room was not far from Wendy's. After bidding farewell, Seele entered her space but suddenly froze in surprise.
The bright lights illuminated her cute, predominantly pink-and-white bedroom. On the soft, pristine bed sat a small girl dressed in light yellow bunny pajamas, swinging her delicate white feet rhythmically while hugging a half-sized Homu plushie.
Upon seeing Seele enter, Bronya tilted her head, showcasing the bouncy curls framing her face. With clear gray eyes, she flashed a gentle smile at Seele.
"Good evening, Seele," Bronya greeted softly, her tone devoid of inflection yet carrying unmistakable warmth.
Taken aback, Seele bashfully clasped her hands together.
"Big Sister Bronya, what brings you here... Are you worried about me? I'm sorry; I've caused Big Sister Bronya more concern again."
Bronya tightened her grip on the Homu plushie without explaining herself further. Instead, she simply said:
"Let's sleep together tonight, Seele."
"I... It's really nothing serious, Big Sister Bronya. You don't need...need to specifically come over just to stay with me."
"Bronya brought pillows."
Seeing Seele's bashfulness, Bronya picked up one of the white pillows nearby, patted it gently, and maintained her charming smile.
After a moment, Seele finally mustered a delicate grin and nodded.
"Let's sleep together then, Big Sister Bronya. I'll go take a shower and change first."
Seele entered the bathroom, freshened up, and reappeared in the bedroom, slightly damp but clean and adorable.
Bronya got off the bed to dry Seele's hair as usual.
Seated before the dressing mirror, Seele obediently let Bronya blow-dry her hair while observing through the reflection Bronya's focused, patient, and meticulous expression.
After some time, just as her hair was nearly dry, Seele bit her lip and said hesitantly, "Big Sister Bronya, did...did Seele put you in a difficult situation? I'm sorry; I didn't know that Big Sister Bronya and Big Bro Zeke were already... Seele, Seele doesn't want to cause any trouble for you. So please, don't be mad at me?"
There was a hint of trepidation in Seele's voice.
While she had harbored a secret crush on Zeke for quite some time, she also held Bronya in incredibly high regard. Upon learning the truth, aside from feeling heartbroken, she feared it might strain her relationship with Bronya.
Bronya's presence here provided immense comfort to Seele.
Bronya gently lifted a strand of Seele's hair, held it close to her nose, and inhaled its shampoo fragrance with a smile.
"You silly girl! Seele is pure, kind-hearted, and gentle—a vulnerable child. It's only natural for girls like you to seek strong support. Initially, at the orphanage, I was your pillar. When Zeke appeared, he became your new anchor... Zeke truly is remarkable; being with him feels incredibly secure, and his attention and care can be captivating. It's perfectly normal for you to fall for him, Seele. Bronya noticed this long ago."
"Big Sister Bronya noticed...long ago?"
"Yes, quite early on. Bronya isn't upset; rather, she thinks it might be for the best. Trusting anyone else with Seele would worry me, but Zeke is the ideal choice. This way, we can stay together forever without ever having to part. Of course, under one condition: Seele must be certain about her feelings. If that's the case, Bronya could try offering some assistance."
"Huh?!?"
Seele's eyes widened slightly as she turned to gaze at Bronya, utterly astonished.
Tonight had been filled with too many emotional ups and downs for Seele, leaving her mind somewhat frazzled.
She wondered if she misheard—was my big sister encouraging me to pursue her husband? What kind of plot twist is this?
Bronya smiled gently and took Seele's hand.
"It's late. Let's get some rest; we need to wake up early tomorrow and maintain good sleep habits—for growing taller!"
The last part was emphasized with particular sincerity by Bronya.
As Bronya tucked Seele into bed, covering her with blankets, Seele felt the warmth from her sister. Gradually, drowsiness overtook her, and she drifted off to sleep.