Houtarou: sitting lazily in the lifeguard chair, barely acknowledging their arrival You actually came...

Eru: approaching with a bright smile, adjusting her swimsuit cover-up Of course we came, Oreki-san! eyes sparkling with curiosity When Satoshi-san mentioned you were working as a lifeguard, I simply had to see it for myself. It's so unlike you to take on a job voluntarily!

Houtarou: monotone response My sister forced me into it. Nothing voluntary about it.

Eru: tilts head slightly, noticing his unusual demeanor Oreki-san... you seem different today. removes her cover-up, revealing her bikini Are you feeling alright? You're even more... distant than usual.

Houtarou: glances at her briefly, then looks away I'm fine. Just doing my job.

Eru: steps closer, water droplets glistening on her skin But that's just it - you're not responding to anything we're saying! leans forward with concern Even when Satoshi-san made that joke about you being controlled by us girls, you didn't react at all. That's not like you, Oreki-san.

Houtarou: What's the point of reacting? Nothing changes anyway.

Eru: eyes widen with understanding This is about what happened with the movie, isn't it? voice becomes gentle but determined Oreki-san, please don't let Irisu-senpai's manipulation make you doubt yourself. You are special - not because someone tells you so for their own purposes, but because of who you truly are.

Houtarou: Special people cause pain for those who aren't. Maybe it's better to just be ordinary.

Eru: kneels beside the lifeguard chair, looking up at him earnestly But Oreki-san, you've never caused me pain! Your deductive abilities, the way you solve mysteries that captivate me so completely - clasps hands together - you've only brought wonder and excitement into my life! When you explain the truth behind a puzzle, it's like watching magic happen.

Houtarou: finally looks at her directly Chitanda... you really believe that?

Eru: nods enthusiastically, hair catching the sunlight Absolutely! You may think you're just satisfying my curiosity, but you're doing so much more. You're showing me new ways to see the world, to think about problems... voice softens You're very precious to me, Oreki-san. Please don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

Houtarou: small smile beginning to form You're going to keep pestering me about mysteries either way, aren't you?

Eru: bright laugh Of course! Speaking of which... eyes suddenly sparkle with renewed interest I noticed that woman over there seems to be searching for something in the pool. I'm curious - could there be a mystery brewing right here? looks at him hopefully Perhaps this could be just the thing to help you remember why your talents are so wonderful?

Houtarou: sighs but with less resignation An earring, probably. And I suppose you won't let this go until we investigate.

Eru: beaming smile You know me so well, Oreki-san! Watashi kininarimasu!