The boys caught up to the girl.
Jiho: "Sis, wait up! I was just joking!"
Ariha stopped and turned, eyes narrowed.
Ariha: "Joking? Then what were you talking about?" Her tone was still frosty.
Jiho: "Prince Senko had questions about our time. I explained a few things."
Ariha: "Just... explaining modern stuff?" Her curiosity flickered, thawing her glare.
Jiho: "Yeah. And listen—Senko's struggling too. You're both in over your heads. Don't shut him out. We're the only ones he can rely on."
Ariha: "He can absolutely rely on me!" She squared her shoulders, resolve sparkling in her eyes.
As they walked, Jiho spotted a convenience store.
Jiho: "Hey, wanna grab snacks for tonight?"
Ariha's gaze locked onto the store.
Ariha: "Yes! Be right back!" She dashed off before anyone could blink.
Senko watched her go, then turned to Jiho.
Senko: "How do you understand people's emotions so well?"
The prince had been struck earlier—how effortlessly Jiho dissected his sister's turmoil, then proved his insight by defusing her anger.
Jiho: "How to put this... I read a lot of articles online. The 'internet'—it's a function in phones now. Once connected, you can access knowledge people in your era couldn't dream of. A single device replaces libraries."
Senko: "Your time's technology is... astonishing."
Jiho: "You have no idea. The last decade alone brought more change than the past century. The internet? One person does something, and the whole planet knows in seconds."
Senko: "Then... your knowledge isn't rare here?"
Jiho: "Correct. But here's the irony—using* it to grow is rare. If more people did, wars might end."*
Ariha returned, arms laden with snacks.
Jiho: "Get everything?" He took the bag from her. "Let me help."
Ariha: "I got extra to share with Senko! I'd feel terrible hogging treats. Though... maybe I should've asked his favorites. Went with 'classic flavors' just in case."
Senko: "...'Classic flavors'?"