In the end, the trio's sleepover was canceled. Thanks to Rika and Keiko's prodding, Asuna, with a determined huff, declared she'd head to the Hikigaya household first thing in the morning. She contacted Komachi to confirm the address, then went to bed early to prepare.
The next morning, Asuna woke at dawn, bustling about with preparations. After checking her bag and donning her school uniform, she left the dorm, hopped on a train, and arrived at the station nearest Hachiman's house. Consulting her phone's map, she started walking toward her destination.
"So this is the town where Hachiman-kun lives…" Asuna murmured, taking in her surroundings with curiosity.
She neared the address. "This must be it… Hachiman-kun's house is, uh…"
Her muttering caught the ear of a woman she'd just passed, who stopped abruptly and turned to her. "Sorry, can I ask you something? Did you just mention Hachiman? As in Hikigaya Hachiman?"
"Y-Yes," Asuna replied, wondering if this was one of Hachiman's acquaintances.
"I knew it!" the woman said, smiling. "I'm Kaori Orimoto, Hachiman's middle school classmate. If you're looking for his house, I can guide you—on one condition."
"I'm Asuna Yuuki," Asuna introduced herself, grateful for the offer but wary of the request. "Um, it depends on the condition?"
Kaori's expression grew serious. "If you're going to see Hachiman, could you let me meet him too? I promise I won't cause any trouble. Please!"
She bowed deeply, and Asuna, caught off guard, hesitated. She'd never heard Hachiman mention Kaori, so she asked for more details.
"Well," Kaori began, "we went to middle school together, but we went to different high schools and weren't exactly close. Still, after the Christmas event two years ago, I thought we'd gotten friendly enough to chat. But then… he got trapped in that game. I only found out later. When I heard all the players were freed recently, I was dying to know if he was okay. I called Isshiki-san—she's someone I had the number for—and she told me he was safe."
The mention of Iroha convinced Asuna that Kaori was telling the truth. Still, as a teenage girl, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion—a potential love rival?
Kaori continued. "I was so relieved, but then I really wanted to say 'welcome back' in person. I asked a middle school friend for Hachiman's address and came by a few times, but I could never bring myself to ring the bell. I mean, we weren't that close, so just showing up felt weird. But if I'm with you, maybe I'll have the courage."
"I see…" Asuna said, understanding her situation. Observing Kaori's earnest expression, she relaxed, concluding she wasn't a romantic threat. "Alright, let's go together!"
"Thank you! This way, this way!" Kaori said, beaming.
"Okay!" Asuna nodded.
They walked side by side toward the Hikigaya house, chatting as they went.
"Call me Kaori," Kaori said.
"Then call me Asuna!"
"Nice to meet you, Asuna!"
"You too, Kaori!"
"So, I've got a few questions," Kaori ventured.
"Ask away!"
Kaori hesitated, then asked, "If it's too personal, you don't have to answer, but… why are you heading to Hachiman's house so early?"
"Oh, that's fair," Asuna laughed. "I wanted to go to school with Hachiman-kun."
Kaori froze, realization dawning. "I didn't recognize your uniform at first, but… you're going to school with Hachiman?"
"Yeah, it's the uniform for the school SAO returnees attend."
"So you were in that game too…"
"Yup."
Kaori's face fell. "I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me…"
Asuna quickly waved it off. "No, don't make that face! Sure, there were tough times, but there were lots of good moments too. I met Hachiman-kun because of it. So, just treat me normally—I'd prefer that. Ask anything you want!"
Kaori slapped her cheeks with both hands, snapping herself out of it. "Got it. Sorry for saying something weird, Asuna."
"No worries, ask anything!"
Kaori smiled, finally at ease, and Asuna mirrored her grin. Then Kaori asked, "Going to school together… are you Hachiman's girlfriend?"
The direct question didn't faze Asuna, who answered with a radiant smile. "Yup!"
Kaori gazed at her, dazzled, then said with deep emotion, "Wow, Hachiman finally has a girlfriend… That makes me so happy for some reason! So, what's he like now?"
"He's super reliable and really kind," Asuna said warmly. "He's saved me so many times. Though, he's usually pretty blunt."
"Oh, totally!" Kaori laughed, memories of Hachiman's gruff middle school demeanor flooding back. "But I'm so glad you're both okay!"
Asuna beamed. "Thanks to Hachiman-kun, Kazuto-kun, and a ton of other friends, we cleared the game. That's why I'm here, meeting you today."
Kaori's eyes widened as a rumor clicked in her mind. "Wait, I heard something recently… Was Hachiman one of the three players who contributed the most to clearing the game?"
"What?! That's a rumor?!" Asuna panicked. "Please, keep what I said a secret!"
"Of course!" Kaori promised. "So it's true… And Kazuto's another one, right? Is the third… you?"
Asuna blushed. "W-Well, if the rumor mentions three people, then… probably me."
Kaori, who'd asked half-jokingly, was floored. "You're that strong…"
"Uh, I guess?" Asuna said, flustered.
Kaori grabbed Asuna's hands, shaking them excitedly. "That's amazing!"
Her face lit up with a huge smile. "Asuna, let's be friends! And sometime, if you're okay with it, tell me all about the fun parts!"
Asuna's smile came naturally. "Sure!"
They reached the Hikigaya house, and Asuna, slightly nervous, pressed the doorbell. The door flew open instantly, and Komachi barreled out.
"Nee-chan! I've been waiting!" she exclaimed, hugging Asuna.
But as she did, she locked eyes with Kaori, who stood just behind Asuna.
"Huh? Kaori-san?" Komachi blinked.
"H-Hi, Komachi-chan. Long time no see," Kaori said awkwardly.
Asuna and Kaori explained the situation to Komachi, who recalled Hachiman's stories about the Christmas event. Convinced Kaori wouldn't hurt her brother again, Komachi welcomed her inside, granting her entry to the Hikigaya household.
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