"…So that's the deal."
"Got it."
Hachiman consulted Asuna about arranging a meeting between Silica and Rosalia.
"It's a big deal. I've been treating Rosalia like family, but she's never met Silica."
"Meeting someone who tried to kill you and getting an apology doesn't just smooth over."
"Maybe. But Silica might not care much," Asuna said.
Hachiman blinked.
"That time, the danger was brief, and partly because Silica left the party. Plus, Kirito was with her after, so no real danger."
"…True."
"She probably dislikes Rosalia but isn't hung up on it."
"Hmm."
Hachiman wavered, unable to decide. Both groaned, stumped.
"Onii-chan, Nee-chan, groaning like that in such a cozy setup doesn't look serious," Komachi teased, munching snacks on the sofa while watching TV.
They were in the Hikiigaya living room, Hachiman lying on Asuna's lap as she cleaned his ears.
"Komachi, you're tight with Silica, right? Thoughts?" Hachiman asked.
Despite being classmates at the Returnee School, Hachiman, Asuna, and Lisbeth were the same age, Kirito a year younger, and Silica younger still—same as Komachi, making them close friends.
"Silica looks childish but is mature inside. Just tell her straight and take her out to have fun."
"Be upfront, huh?" Hachiman mused.
"Sounds good. Overthinking's no help," Asuna agreed.
"Alright, let's do it. With a twist," Hachiman said.
"What twist?" Komachi asked.
"I'll frame it as me training Rosalia, with Silica joining. We'll 'teach' her together, then go out as a reward."
"Nice idea," Asuna said.
"Silica won't feel pressured," Komachi added.
With their approval, Hachiman settled on the plan.
"Have fun, you two," Asuna said.
"Asuna?" Hachiman asked.
"Nee-chan?" Komachi echoed.
They'd assumed a group outing before Hachiman and Silica met Rosalia, but Asuna had other ideas.
"When we're at school in our group of five, sometimes Kirito and Lisbeth pair off with us, and I catch Silica looking at us—envious, not jealous, like she's yearning. So, I want you to take her out, just you two."
"If you say so," Hachiman said.
"Make her feel like a princess, Onii-chan," Komachi teased.
"Kirito's better for that role," Hachiman grumbled.
Asuna smiled gently. "Sure, Silica might've liked Kirito, but she admires you just as much."
"Admires me? For what?"
"I hate to say it, but you kept me safe, ensured everyone survived the final battle, freed countless players, and now lead a wild crew in ALO. Who wouldn't admire that?"
"Well…"
Asuna sighed. "You're basically a prince at school."
"What?"
"You and Kirito. The school's double princes, backed by real strength."
"No way."
"It's obvious. Everyone at school owes you two."
"Ugh…" Hachiman clutched his head, hating the idea.
"I'll prep Silica. Ask her out at school tomorrow," Asuna said.
"Fine," Hachiman sighed.
"Yay!" Asuna cheered.
Komachi gaped. "Onii-chan, a prince? Times have changed. And Nee-chan's wife powers are unreal… or maybe she's the school's shadow ruler."
The next day at lunch, urged by Asuna, Hachiman approached Silica's desk, cringing under classmates' stares.
"Hey, Silica, wanna eat lunch on the roof? Got something to talk about."
Silica, likely prepped by Asuna, perked up. "Sure, let's go!"
She linked arms with him, startling some classmates. Hachiman, flustered but smiling, let her lead him to the roof. Lisbeth whispered to Asuna.
"Isn't this too much?"
"She's happy, so it's fine sometimes," Asuna replied.
Asuna didn't mind Hachiman's appeal within her control. He was destined to be whipped, it seemed. The "Watch Silica Warmly Club" members were rattled, but others chalked it up to "prince behavior," monitored by groups like the "Vice-Leader and Strategist Fan Club" or "Silver Shadow and Flash Admirers." Kirito stayed out of it, warned by Lisbeth.
On the stairs, Hachiman spoke. "Whatever Asuna told you, you don't have to do this."
"But I want to. She gave permission, so I'm enjoying it!"
"Alright…"
It was Hachiman's dilemma, loving Asuna.
On the roof, they sat on a bench, and Hachiman got to the point. Silica nodded seriously.
"Rosalia, huh? I'm fine with it. If it means going out, I'm in!"
"Sorry, I know it's awkward."
"Awkward? Not at all. I don't blame her."
"Really?"
"Argo told me she's changed, working hard for you. I realized she likes you, like I do—not romantically, but… admiration? Hehe."
Hachiman saw Komachi and Asuna were right.
"Then let's skip the training excuse. She'll apologize, and we'll grab sweets together."
"Yes! That's perfect! I wanna meet the new Rosalia and talk!"
Silica beamed genuinely. The next weekend, Hachiman pulled up to their meeting spot in his car. With Asuna's blessing, Silica rode shotgun for the first time—her first date and car pickup. Dressed more maturely, she glowed with joy. Hachiman, smiling, thought, (I've changed. Wonder what Tobe would think.)
He opened the passenger door like a gentleman. Silica blushed, climbing in. Hachiman got in the driver's seat.
"I've got ideas, but if you wanna go somewhere, just say."
"Um…" Silica hesitated, then shyly said, "It might sound childish, but… DestinyLand?"
"Not childish. Got two tickets right here."
"Really?! You always know everything!"
"You're overrating me. Just luck."
"Still amazing!"
"Alright, let's go."
They drove off to DestinyLand.
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