Two months had passed since Asuna returned to the real world. Her recovery was slightly delayed, but her strength was returning, and rehab was imminent. Hachiman had visited her hospital daily without fail, and today, Asuna eagerly awaited his arrival. Thirty minutes before their scheduled time, a knock came. Thinking it was Hachiman early, Asuna called, "Come in!"
To her surprise, an unfamiliar older woman entered.
"Hello!" the woman chirped.
"Hi… Sorry, who are you?" Asuna asked.
"First time meeting! I'm Haruno Yukino, your future big sister!"
"Huh?" Asuna blinked, confused. Thinking it might be her brother's girlfriend, she asked, "Are you Koichiro's girlfriend or fiancée?"
"Nope, not Koichiro. We're colleagues at Recto, but that's it," Haruno replied.
"Oh, you're from Recto," Asuna said.
"Not here for work, but yes. And the answer is… I'm Hachiman-kun's big sister!" Haruno announced.
"Huh?" Asuna repeated.
"That's the second time today," Haruno teased.
"Hachiman-kun's sister? Wait, does he have one?" Asuna asked, certain he didn't.
Haruno wagged her finger. "Not biological. More like… his soul sister? Heart sister? Big sister figure, maybe?"
"Big sister figure… Oh! You're the one who helped us! Hachiman-kun told me about you, Yomino-san! Thank you so much!" Asuna exclaimed.
"No problem, it's for my little sister," Haruno said.
"Hmm?" Asuna tilted her head.
"Think about it. I'm Hachiman-kun's big sister, so I'm yours too, right?" Haruno explained.
"Oh!" Asuna's face lit up. "Hachiman-kun gave me such a wonderful big sister!"
"What?" Haruno blinked.
"Yomino-neesan… no, Haru-neesan! Yes, that's it!" Asuna declared.
"Uh…" Haruno paused, stunned, then burst out laughing. "As expected of Hachiman-kun's choice! But don't trust strangers so easily. I could be a villain sneaking in to kidnap you!"
"Sorry, Haru-neesan," Asuna said.
"It's fine," Haruno reassured, then asked, "You seem cautious, but you trusted me instantly. Why?"
"I felt a vibe from you, like Hachiman-kun's—observant yet kind," Asuna said.
"Observant, huh?" Haruno mused.
"I couldn't doubt you at all! But I'll be more careful next time. Sorry, Haru-neesan," Asuna said, smiling angelically.
Unable to resist, Haruno squealed, "So cute!" and tackled Asuna onto the bed.
"Eek!" Asuna yelped.
"Good, good!" Haruno teased, straddling her and leaning closer.
A knock interrupted. Before Asuna could respond, Haruno called, "Come in!"
"Asuna, how're you—What the hell's going on?" Hachiman asked, rubbing his temple at the sight.
"Evil magistrate play?" Haruno offered.
"What's that?" Hachiman groaned.
"Good, good!" Haruno repeated, leaning toward Asuna again.
"Stop it, you idiot! That's my job!" Hachiman blurted.
Haruno froze, grinning wickedly. Asuna, fending off Haruno, blushed and froze at his words.
"I-I mean, not a mistake, but… uh…" Hachiman stammered.
Haruno glanced at Asuna, then smirked at Hachiman. "You knew I was waiting and did this on purpose, didn't you?" he accused.
"No, no, it's Ha-ru-nee-san," Haruno corrected.
"Huh?" Hachiman said.
"Repeat after me: Ha-ru-nee-san."
"Haru… neesan?" Hachiman ventured.
"Good boy," Haruno said, releasing Asuna and sitting on a chair, patting the one beside her for Hachiman.
"What's with 'Haru-neesan'?" Hachiman asked.
"Asuna-chan decided it, so you're calling me that too," Haruno said.
"Really, Asuna? …Asuna?" Hachiman tapped her cheek.
Asuna snapped back, inexplicably puckering her lips. "Mmm!"
"Asuna, still half-asleep?" Hachiman asked.
"Your job?" Asuna mumbled.
"Uh… when Haru-neesan's not here," Hachiman said.
"Don't mind me!" Haruno protested.
"I mind," Hachiman said. "Asuna, snap out of it."
"Don't mind me either!" Asuna pouted.
"Calm down, Asuna. Feels like I've got two troublemakers now…" Hachiman sighed.
"Sisters, so it's normal, right?" Haruno said.
"Exactly!" Asuna agreed.
"You two hit it off fast," Hachiman noted. "So, why're you here, Yomino-san?"
"About that," Haruno said. "I'm here to transfer Asuna-chan to our hospital—the one you and Kirito-kun rehabbed at. Her parents are busy, so it's better for her to rehab there."
"Makes sense," Hachiman nodded.
"Is that okay, Haru-neesan?" Asuna asked.
"The facilities are similar, but it's closer to Hachiman-kun's house. More reassuring, right?" Haruno said.
"Yes!" Asuna agreed.
Hachiman bowed. "Thanks for everything, Yomino-san."
"Until recently, you and Kirito-kun were there, but you're discharged now. Asuna-chan will take your old room—everything's untouched, including the unwashed sheets," Haruno teased.
Asuna's eyes sparkled. "Let's go now! Hurry, Hachiman-kun!"
"Whoa, Asuna…" Hachiman recoiled.
"I-I mean, it's a joke! I'm not dying to roll around in your scented bed!" Asuna backtracked, eyes darting.
"Your eyes are shifty," Hachiman said.
"Just your imagination!" Asuna shrugged, but Hachiman caught her winking at Haruno.
"Whatever," Hachiman sighed.
"So magnanimous, Hachiman-kun!" Haruno praised.
"That's my Hachiman-kun!" Asuna added.
"Enough of that," Hachiman said. "When's the move, Yomino-san?"
"Her parents are on board, so as soon as she's ready," Haruno replied.
"I'm ready, Haru-neesan!" Asuna said instantly.
"Let's go," Haruno said.
"Really, Asuna? You sure?" Hachiman asked.
"My stuff's all hospital property. I'll change there and send it back. Just the NerveGear to bring," Asuna said.
"True. Let's go," Hachiman agreed.
"Hachiman-kun, princess-carry Asuna-chan to the wheelchair," Haruno instructed.
"Got it," Hachiman said.
"Hug me, Hachiman-kun!" Asuna chirped.
"Yes, yes," Hachiman said, lifting her effortlessly.
"You're light, Asuna. I could carry you forever," he said.
"Too much dieting, huh?" Asuna giggled.
"We'll rehab together. I'll help every day," Hachiman promised.
"Thanks!" Asuna said.
Hachiman gently placed her in the wheelchair and carefully pushed her to the Yukino family's waiting limousine. Thus, Asuna transferred to Hachiman's former hospital room.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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