SAO, 22nd floor.

"....With that, she will be our newest member. Sachi, please introduce yourselves." (Rein)

"U-uhm, please take care of me!" (Sachi)

*Shiiin*

After Sachi introduced herself politely while bowing to Familia Myth' guild members, silence surrounds the field.

Actually, rather than the field, it's a log house owned by Rein which is his private house. In the anime, it's a quiet place with a breathtaking view on the surrounding so he instantly bought it when he has the money.

Since today is Christmas, Rein has already made plans with all of the guild members to enjoy the Christmas party hosted by him. In addition, the recruitment was also a success so he wants to make it as a surprise.

It is still fine until that part.

Ah, sorry. There's a bit of error in that sentence.

It WAS fine until that part.

(....Why the hell it's so awkward!?)

He couldn't enjoy this heavy mood at all.

The reason is very simple.

Rather, it's in front of his eyes.

".....Heeeeehhh~~~ I didn't know guild master still wants to recruit more members. I thought four of us is enough, isn't it~~?"

The once only female member in his guild is staring (?) at him with a very scary smile.

No, seriously.

If Rein could express his feeling right now, it feels like her stare only could bore a hole on his body.

"....Well, she was in a trouble. So as her friend, I just want to help her." (Rein)

"Fuhhnnnn~~~~I really~~~understand that guild master is so nice. Still, while making us wait for a long~~~~ time, you are having fun with this cute girl?"

"....."

Rein doesn't know why, but if he answers to that question no matter what it is, he will be dead.

(Ohhhh..... Goddess, what the hell should I do to avoid this calamity...)

If Athena sees this scene, then she will retort it with the bottom of her heart.

'Like I care, you womanizer.'

*******

-30 minutes ago, Same Location.-

"....Really, what a nice place."

"Well, it's a privilege for rich guys only."

Currently, Kirito and Agil are enjoying the quiet atmosphere in the house while viewing the beautiful nature outside from the window.

After the fight with the three guilds, Rein had made an appointment with all of his guild members to celebrate the Christmas.

The reason?

"Even if it's a death game, we should take a breather time to time. If not, we will break from stress." (Rein)

Hearing that, they immediately accepted it with light heart.

During these nine months, they were truly busy as hell. Maybe even busier than adults who work for a company.

Dungeon exploration, information gathering, levelling up, meeting with the other guilds, and long list with no end.

It's more of a miracle for this guild with only four members survived and stand in top.

In any case, since they have calmed down a bit, at least Rein wanted them to enjoy the party for today.

"...Still, she's a bit late, isn't she?" (Agil)

"Probably she's pondering on the ingredients. Her determination to win against Rein is no joke." (Kirito)

"Ahahaha! I guess that's true. A woman's heart is delicate ones."

The party's activity is nothing special.

They meet up at Rein's house and enjoy the culinary made by him and Asuna personally.

What is a bit different is that they have a competition between two of them in cooking battle.

In this half year, all of them could enjoy the best delicacy in the world made by Rein himself. In fact, Kirito even cried of joy for tasting the soy sauce seasoning for the first time in this world.

....Well, due to that Asuna's pride had been torn badly. So, whenever they had the chance, both of them competed with each other.

As for the result, the winning record of Asuna is still big, fat zero until now.

"You can literally see fire in her eyes."

"...I guess that's true."

"Hmm?"

Hearing the response from Kirito, Agil feels a bit....weird. His nuance sounds like he is not happy about something.

(It's not like their relationship is bad either.)

Rather, they can be even closer than siblings. Sure, they fight frequently due to their drastic differences but they always ensure their back toward each other on the battlefield.

Just like what people said, you get closer the more you quarrel.

So why does Kirito feels dissatisfied in this topic?

(...Ah, wait a sec.)

"Kirito, don't tell me...are you jealous?"

"....Eh? Jealous? Me?"

"If not, your face won't be that sour."

Kirito tries to open his mouth to stop joking him. But somehow, the words got stuck on his throat.

(Why the heck would I feel jealous toward Rein?)

He always quarrel with Asuna when every opportunity arises and they rarely agrees on something. Even if it is, they will still fight again.

Is there a factor for him to fall in love with her? The logic says no.

....But.

".....I---"

Seeing him like this, Agil put a wry smile for the reaction shown by this young boy.

(I guess it's natural he feels confused. A first love, huh? It's a right for youth only.)

Kirito and Asuna have a close age so it's natural for him to be attracted to her. Moreover, her appearance and personality are top-class.

There's no reason for them to hate each other.

"Hey Kirito, try to imagine this."

"What is it, out of sudden?"

"Come on, it won't hurt anyway. Picture it in your head. What would you feel if Asuna is smiling and laughing with a man she's close with while you are on the sidelines only?"

"....That's---"

It's irritating. He doesn't know why, but he feels frustrating and heavy on his heart if he imagine that kind of scene.

If he could describe it,

(...It's like my place has been stolen abruptly.)

Seeing his expression like he ate something bitter, Agil is now sure of it.

"Pft, isn't it clear now? You can't even deny it anymore."

"....."

"You like Asuna, aren't you?"

"!!....*Sigh*....."

Just like a dark cloud has been lifted, Kirito's mind also become clear of that.

It's the first time he felt this kind of emotion. It's bitter yet sweet at the same time.

But thinking about it, it's something obvious though.

For half a year, he had been travelling by her side at all times. Adding to that, they always protect each other during crisis so trust is blooming naturally.

In the beginning, it was quite embarrassing to admit it. But after he accept it, it feels like his mind is clearer than ever.

(Really, I....like Asuna, huh?)

Just, there is a problem.

"Hey Agil, what should I do now?"

"Oh, love advice is it? I could help with that."

"....No, it's---"

*Kiiik*

Before Kirito could continue his words, the door opened abruptly, interrupting their conversations.

"I'm back~~~ Sorry for the wait!"

Looking at the entrance, the girl who has been the center of the topic comes in this timing.

"Welcome back, Asuna. Did you finish the shopping?" (Agil)

"Of course! I'm confident with these ingredients!!" (Asuna)

"Ahahaha!! This time too, you are that eager, huh."

"Yep!! It's my newest and best recipe!! That's why--- Uhm...what's wrong, Kirito-kun?"

"N-no...It's nothing." (Kirito)

Saying that, he turns his head to the other side without making a proper eye contact and with red face as addition.

A funny fact is, Kirito doesn't feel much while hanging out with Asuna in the past. Because he's a gamer to the core.

But, when he realizes his feeling and see her as a proper girl,.... you know the rest.

A boy in puberty.

Seeing her like this, Asuna can only tilt her head.

(Did something happen?)

Unfortunately, the incident is only for two people to know.

Seeing his reaction, Agil cover him before Asuna get suspicious.

"Well, leaving that aside, shouldn't you prepare the ingredients? I'm kind of hungry."

"I guess that's also true. When will guild master come again?"

"In a short while."

"Alright~~~ this time I will make him admit losing without complaint!!"

While making a fist pump, Asuna move over to the kitchen while having a skip. Since she frequently visit the place for the competition, it's like a second home for her.

"..."

Seeing her like this, Kirito could only feel bitter inside his heart.

His suspicion is confirmed already.

"...Agil, I don't need a love advice anymore."

"What? No, you don't need to be embarrassed, okay? I could--"

*Shakes head*

"That's not it. ....Haven't you notice it?"

"Notice? About what?"

While looking at him directly, Kirito put a period and death sentence for his first love ever.

"...She likes Rein."

Just like a pigeon who got shot, Agil couldn't hide his surprise on his face. But, hearing that, Agil could only stay silent without refuting.

"...Fuuhhh."

Because it's highly possible. No, comparing her attitude from the past to now makes it more convincing.

During the start of their guild, Asuna wasn't this cheerful nor active like a normal teenage girl. She was mostly cold like a knife and stay stiff like a marionette.

However, one person broke all of that.

No matter how much she pushed others away, Rein never stop caring her. No matter how low spirited she was, Rein supported her back in every single moment.

Slowly but surely, she regain her spirit to live properly in this death game.

Of course, Kirito and Agil had some part in it, but there's no way denying that Rein is her biggest spiritual support.

Heck, as a man, Agil also see Rein as one of the most reliable guy he ever know.

Moreover, seeing her becoming this motivated just because of cooking competition, it is weird to not suspect she has zero feeling toward Rein.

Therefore, Kirito immediately end his love. He himself knows he can't beat Rein with the way he is. That's how much he knows his best friend.

Besides,

(....I also want them to be happy.)

It is frustrating.

It's also heavy to accept it.

But, as their friends, he will congratulate them.

"....*Sigh*....I understand. If you need something, tell me. At least I could hear your complaints."

"(Smiles) Thank you, Agil."

"Don't mind it."

With that, the first and last love session from Kirito has ended.

"It's done~~!! Now, I only wait for guild master."

Then from the kitchen, Asuna's voice could be heard. With a spirited voice, she headed toward the lobby, waiting for her rival to come.

"....Asuna."

"Hm? What is it, Kirito-kun?"

While looking at her directly, Kirito gives a weak smile to his first love.

"Do your best. I will expect today's cooking greatly."

"Hehe~~!! Leave it to me! Still, I didn't expect it. Sometimes only, you could say good things."

"Hahh... You have too many words to comment."

(....Yeah, I'm fine like this.)

To a introverted person like Kirito, that's the best he could do right now.

To hope that things will be the same as it is.

*Tak* *Tak* *Tak*

"Ah, he finally come!!"

Hearing the sound of footstep, Asuna immediately moves to the entrance to open the door.

...If she was a bit calmer, she would definitely notice it.

The sound of footsteps is not only one, but two in total.

"Welcome bac...."

After opening the door, her face which has bright smile on it is frozen completely.

Why?

"I'm home. thank you for waiting, Asuna, Kirito, and Agil."

"S-sorry for disturbing."

Because he brought a girl to his house.

And that's how her mood has fallen from the sky to the ground in an instant.

At the same time, it's the start of Rein's endless trouble.