"Dad, Mom, I've got something to talk about…"
On a rare evening when both his parents were home, Hachiman seized the opportunity to discuss getting a driver's license. Even he, usually so casual, made an effort to speak politely, but the shift in tone didn't go unnoticed. Komachi, quick as ever, pounced.
"Big bro, your polite voice is kinda creepy."
"Come on, I can't exactly say 'Yo, Pops, Ma, got a sec?' when I'm bringing up something serious, can I?"
Incidentally, Hachiman would later find himself too embarrassed to call his parents "Pops" and "Ma" in front of Asuna, gradually shifting to "Dad" and "Mom." But that's a story for another time.
Clearing his throat, Hachiman tried again. "So, school hasn't started yet, and I figured now's a good time to get my driver's license…"
His parents exchanged a glance.
"Sure, why not?" his dad said with a shrug.
"You're turning nineteen, Hachiman," his mom added. "You've got time outside of visiting Asuna, so it's probably the perfect moment."
They agreed without hesitation. As for the cost, Hachiman had received a sizable compensation payment from the government, enough to cover driving school and parking fees until he started working. His parents, trusting the maturity he'd shown since surviving SAO, had left the money entirely in his hands. Unlike his slacker days, they were confident he wouldn't squander it, so they didn't interfere. However, they did impose one condition: bring Asuna home to meet them.
When Hachiman asked why, their faces lit up with ear-to-ear grins.
"She's our precious daughter-in-law! Of course we want to see her every day!" his mom exclaimed.
"You really outdid yourself, Hachiman," his dad said proudly.
They'd been smitten with Asuna ever since Komachi showed them her photo right after her release from ALO. The very next day, they'd taken time off work to visit her in the hospital with Hachiman. Upon meeting her, they'd been so overwhelmed with joy that they sobbed while showering Hachiman with praise.
"You nailed it, Hachiman! Absolutely nailed it!" his dad had roared.
"I never dreamed we'd get such a wonderful daughter besides Komachi," his mom had wept.
Embarrassed by their outburst, Hachiman had turned to Asuna. "Sorry, I didn't expect them to go this overboard."
But Asuna, lost in her own world, was muttering under her breath. Hachiman leaned closer, catching her words.
"I'm Hachiman-kun's wife… I'm Hachiman-kun's wife…"
"Asuna…?" he started, but before he could say more, she spun toward his parents.
"I-I know I'm far from perfect, but please take care of me forever, Dad, Mom!" she declared.
From that day on, Asuna became their absolute favorite. Unbeknownst to Hachiman, his parents and Komachi had already started converting an unused room into a space for her. But for now, with their blessing, Hachiman's path to a driver's license was clear.
His first step was to consult Haruno, but she promptly delegated the task to her butler, Tsuzuki. Apparently, Tsuzuki had once been a driving instructor, and Haruno insisted a former pro was the best guide. Hachiman, convinced by her logic, began training under Tsuzuki's guidance.
"Tsuzuki-san, is an automatic license okay?" Hachiman asked.
"Absolutely," Tsuzuki replied. "Most cars in Japan are automatic now. New manual cars are barely made anymore."
"Makes sense."
"With your tight schedule, prioritize getting the license first. If you ever need to drive a manual, you can lift the restriction later. But unless your family or workplace has an old car, that's unlikely."
"That's really clear. Thanks."
Hachiman couldn't help but admire Tsuzuki's expertise. "Sorry for springing this on you out of nowhere."
"Not at all," Tsuzuki said warmly. "I'm enjoying this, so don't worry."
He hesitated, then added, "Besides, I owe you for past mistakes. This isn't atonement, but I'd like to teach you everything I know about driving, Hachiman-sama."
"Come on, that was all on me," Hachiman protested. "But thanks, Tsuzuki-san. I'll be in your care. Also, uh, when it's just us, maybe drop the '-sama' and call me Hachiman-kun?"
"Understood, Hachiman-kun. Let's do this together."
And so, Hachiman's training began.
"For the written test, pack your schedule with classes," Tsuzuki advised. "You don't need to memorize everything, but don't fall asleep. The exam's mostly about spotting trick questions, so practice those right before."
"For practical training, check everything obsessively. Instructors watch where your head's facing."
"Stick to the left side of the road—keep it tight."
"Get a feel for the car's width. When stopping, use your side mirrors to line up precisely with the curb."
"At unsignaled crosswalks, pedestrians come first. Instructors are watching, so don't miss them."
The lessons took place on a private driving course at the Yukino family estate, using their own training car. Hachiman was stunned that a private household could own such a setup. Under Tsuzuki's strict yet kind guidance, his skills improved steadily. Driving school instructors were amazed by his technique, unaware he'd been pre-trained on a private course. Though a bit embarrassed, Hachiman powered through the grueling schedule, picturing Asuna's delighted face.
"Tsuzuki-san, driving's actually kinda fun," Hachiman said one day.
"It is, isn't it?" Tsuzuki smiled, then added, "It's even more fun with someone you love in the passenger seat."
"That sounds awesome."
"Just remember, carrying a passenger means you're responsible for their life. Never forget that."
"Got it!"
Finally, the day of the final test arrived.
"Hachiman-kun," Tsuzuki said, "focus on proper course navigation, thorough checks, and precise stopping. You've got this."
"I'll pass, no question."
"You don't seem nervous. I'll wait for your call."
"I'll let you know as soon as it's done."
During the test, Hachiman recalled his training with Tsuzuki, navigating the course with ease. The exam ended almost anticlimactically, and Hachiman passed with flying colors. He called Tsuzuki immediately.
"Tsuzuki-san, I passed. Thanks for everything."
"Congratulations, Hachiman-kun! All your hard work paid off. Though, I'll admit, I'll miss our drives together."
"Me too. Next time we ride, it'll probably be you driving, with Haru-neesan along."
"Perhaps," Tsuzuki chuckled. "Riding as a passenger in someone else's car can be eye-opening, too."
"Really? I'll look forward to that. For now, I'm heading to the DMV tomorrow to get my license."
"Good luck, and congratulations again, Hachiman-kun."
"Thanks… Tsuzuki-sensei."
The next day, Hachiman passed the written test without issue and officially earned his driver's license. A few days later, thanks to Haruno's arrangements, his car was delivered. He took Komachi for a few drives, though she insisted on sitting in the back.
"It's not that I don't trust your driving!" she clarified. "The passenger seat's for Asuna-neechan first."
On the day of Asuna's hospital discharge, Hachiman prepared meticulously, slid into the driver's seat, turned the key, and drove to the hospital to pick her up, his heart racing with anticipation.
------------------------------
Hi everyone! I have uploaded 40-50 chapters to my Patreon. If you like this story, please come to Patreon to support me. Thank you very much!
👉 Check it out here: [patreon.com/Greyhounds]