And so, the scene shifts back to the present. Yahata braced himself, feet planted firmly, fighting the lateral G-forces. Yui, focused on driving, couldn't spare a glance at the chaos in the back seat. That's how formidable an opponent Shizuka was.
Yahata racked his brain, searching for what they could do in this situation. What did they have that Shizuka and Ryotaro didn't? For one, there was Kit. And then… unlike Klein, who was probably just clinging on for dear life in the passenger seat, they had the advantage of numbers—three people who could work together. With that in mind, Yahata turned to Asuna and Yukino.
"Asuna, Yukino, don't let go of me, no matter what. I'm going to shift my weight left or right depending on the situation. I'll make sure you two don't get hurt, so try to move with me as best you can."
"Got it, I'm counting on you!" Asuna said. "Come on, Yukino, hold on tighter!"
Spurred by Asuna's words, Yukino—already visibly frazzled—let slip something she hadn't meant to say. "W-Wait, Asuna, isn't that… hyah!… the kind of confidence only a main wife would have?"
Asuna blinked, caught off guard, then broke into a warm smile. "Hehe, you might be right about that. Also, Yukino, that's the first time you've called me by my first name! I'm kinda thrilled."
Realizing what she'd said, Yukino flushed with embarrassment. "Ugh… how could I…"
"You're just that frazzled, huh?" Yahata interjected, ruffling Yukino's hair with a grin.
"Hey, no fair!" Asuna pouted. "Yahata-kun, me too!"
Chuckling, Yahata patted Asuna's head as well.
"This is nothing, I'm totally fine," Yukino said, trying to sound composed.
"Really?" Yahata teased.
"Well… maybe it's a little tough, I'll admit," Yukino conceded, her face pale as she clung to the seat.
"A little, huh?" Yahata muttered with a wry smile, watching her struggle to keep her composure. Then, his expression turned serious. "Honestly, since coming back and reuniting with you, Yukino, I've been feeling like something's missing."
"Missing?" Yukino asked, surprised.
"Yeah. The old you never held back, but now it feels like you're tiptoeing around me sometimes. Where's that sharp tongue of yours? It's like you've locked it away."
Asuna, overhearing despite the wild maneuvering, chimed in. "He's right, Yukino-chan's been super reserved lately!"
Yui, still wrestling with the steering wheel, couldn't resist adding, "Yup, Yukino's been way too quiet!"
"Focus on driving, Nee-san," Yukino snapped.
"Yes, ma'am!" Yui replied, sticking out her tongue before refocusing on the road.
Asuna turned to Yukino. "I've been thinking the same thing, honestly. From what Yahata-kun told me about you, I expected someone different. I wondered if you were holding back or maybe hadn't warmed up to me yet."
"Is that true, Yukino?" Yahata asked, genuinely surprised. He hadn't noticed.
"It's not like that…" Yukino mumbled. "I… I think you're… quite likable, Asuna."
"See?" Yahata said, glancing at Asuna.
Asuna's eyes sparkled. "Really? Then how about dropping the formalities? From now on, just call me Asuna, okay?"
"O-Okay… I'm ready for that. From now on, I'll call you… Asuna," Yukino said, her voice softening.
"Yay! Thanks, Yukino!" Asuna beamed.
Yahata, smirking, added, "You can call me Yahata too, if you want. I don't mind."
"No way," Yukino replied instantly, flashing a mischievous smile.
"Shot down just like that?" Yahata said, feigning hurt.
"It's too soon for that level of familiarity," Yukino said, still grinning.
Asuna's expression shifted, as if she'd just realized something. "Too soon, huh?" she said, her tone teasingly provocative.
"W-What's with that all of a sudden, Asuna?" Yukino asked, flustered by the shift.
"As the main wife, I'm fine with that," Asuna said airily. "Yup, main wife privilege. You know, they say a tough opponent makes the fight more satisfying."
"Whoa, Asuna, what are you—" Yahata started, alarmed.
Asuna shot him a sharp look. "Yahata-kun, hush for a sec."
"Y-Yes, ma'am…" Yahata mumbled, cowed by her intensity.
"Asuna, what's going on?" Yukino asked, wary.
"You know, they say women shine when they compete," Asuna said. "I've been thinking lately that just sitting comfortably by Yahata-kun's side isn't enough. I want you to stop holding back, Yukino. Be bolder, more assertive."
"Oh?" Yukino's competitive streak flared, and she took the bait. "You're quite the talker, Asuna. But if I get closer to Yahata-kun, are you sure you're okay with that? Yuiyui, Yumiko, and Iroha-san probably won't stay quiet either."
"No worries," Asuna said confidently. "Yahata-kun's head over heels for me, so cheating's not an issue."
"Pretty bold words," Yukino shot back.
"Well, I've pretty much got the outer moat filled," Asuna said with a smirk.
"Okay, you two, how did this escalate so fast?" Yahata interjected, trying to defuse the situation.
Yukino turned to him coldly. "Be quiet, Hikitani-kun."
"Whoa… it's been a while since I heard that one," Yahata said, falling silent again.
"What's that? Hikitani-kun? Pfft!" Asuna burst into laughter, clearly tickled. Then, reaching across Yahata, she grabbed Yukino's hand and beamed. "That's the Yukino I've heard about! I'm not giving an inch when it comes to love, but I want you to be yourself more. I love you, Yuiyui, and everyone else so much. I want to get closer to the real you all!"
"Asuna… that's not fair," Yukino said, her expression a mix of flustered warmth and joy.
"When you say it like that with that face, how can I say no?" Yukino continued. "And, well, even if you hadn't said it, Yuiyui and I already adore you, Asuna. So, from me too—here's to our friendship."
"Absolutely, here's to us, Yukino!" Asuna replied, grinning.
As the two shared a warm moment, Yahata finally spoke up. "Well, that was a rollercoaster, but it seems like things worked out."
Yukino, thoughtful, said, "It seems… I got completely played by Asuna's act. But why the sudden push, Asuna?"
Asuna's face turned serious. "I've been feeling it vaguely, but there's still a divide between Yahata-kun's old friends and the SAO crew, you know? It's not a big deal now, but there's a chance—small as it is—that it could split the team into factions. And look," she said, pointing at the car ahead.
"Those two are bridging that gap, tying our groups together. So I thought, this is the perfect chance to squash any potential divide. I want to get closer to you, Yukino, Yuiyui, and everyone else. When I heard those two talking earlier, I remembered Yahata-kun raving about your competitive streak, so I figured I'd give you a little push… Eek, Yukino, stop bonking my head! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
Yukino, careful not to hurt her, playfully tapped Asuna's head, then broke into a radiant smile and turned to Yahata. "Hikitani-kun."
"Y-Yes?" Yahata replied, stiffening.
Still smiling, Yukino said, "We need to have a talk about that raving you did. Prepare yourself later."
"Uh… yes, ma'am…" Yahata said, looking like he might cry.
Yui and Asuna burst into laughter at his expense, and Yukino soon joined in. The car filled with their laughter until Yahata cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Alright, let's execute the plan. Yukino, you good?"
"Who do you think you're talking to?" Yukino shot back.
"Who're you talking to, Yahata-kun?" Asuna echoed.
"S-Sorry… Wait, no!" Yahata caught himself. "Okay, Kit, you there?"
"Yes, I've been enjoying your lively conversation, Yahata," Kit's voice replied through the car's system.
"Glad you're entertained," Yahata said dryly. "Anyway, we're barely keeping up with the car ahead. Here's the plan: I'll take the lead, and the three of us will shift our weight to stabilize the car during turns. Kit, I need you to give Yui some electronic support to push the car beyond its limits."
Kit paused, then responded with a voice brimming with excitement, almost human-like. "Understood. I've been itching to overtake that cocky car. I'm in."
"That's our Kit!" Yahata said. "Win this, and we'll fill you up with premium gas!"
"Thank you, Yahata," Kit replied.
Yahata nodded, turning to the group. "Alright, mission start. Asuna, Yukino, hold on tight. I'll handle the weight shifts, so follow my lead."
"Got it!" Asuna said.
"Leave it to me," Yukino added.
"Lucky Yukino-chan…" Yui muttered, eyeing Yukino's chance to cling to Yahata.
Yukino ignored her completely. "Nee-san, whenever you're ready. We've been getting shown up by Sensei this whole time—let's show her what we've got."
"Roger that!" Yui said. "Kit, let's do this!"
"Anytime, Yui," Kit replied.
And so, the four of them—united as one—launched into a furious pursuit.
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