Anime: Sword Art Online

(Y/n)'s POV

Gazing at the artificial sky that looked so amazingly real and breathing in the illusional aroma of the mist hanging still in the cool morning air...all so beautiful yet underneath this exquisite warmth was a pretentious delusion.

Preferring to live in a world of dreams and nonexistent fantasies, I prayed for this nightmare to end. Trapped inside a death game and heartbroken by every single loss no matter how trivial it seemed.

"(Nickname), you're out here again," Kirito commented.

I turned around. Unfortunately, he wasn't alone. Asuna had her fingers interlaced with his and it was clear from the faked smile on her smug face that I was no longer considered a competitor...just a failure.

"What are you two doing here?"
"We came to find you. Asuna made breakfast," he replied nonchalantly.
"Oh, I'm fine, thank you."
"You don't have to hold back. She made heaps."
"No, really. I'm fine."
"Come on, (nickname)," Asuna exclaimed then added, "You don't think my cooking is bad, do you?"
"No, not at all."
"Then I see no reason for you to hold back. Come on in."

Without waiting for so much as a reply, she pulled my arm and led me into her house, her nails digging into my skin...not that it hurt though. Kirito seemed oblivious to this and pressed his lips against her forehead once we were inside.

I was the third wheel, an anomaly...a burden they'd be willing to throw out whenever they had the chance. The feelings I had for Kirito were ever-growing despite my trying to suppress them.

Living in this cruel fantastical world was like living in a nightmare...only, it was reality. Asuna placed a plate of marinated fish and miso soup in front of me, although I wasn't sure if she had put anything...foul in there.

"Try it."

The two were looking at me with expectant eyes, so I had no chance but to comply to Asuna's wish. Taking a small bite, I couldn't resist the urge to stare at her in amazement. This was indeed some of the best food I've had since coming here.

"How is it?" asked Kirito.
"It's delicious."
"I'm glad to hear that," Asuna said, lacing her words with sweetened poison.

~After breakfast~

My vision blurred, a headache growing in my head. Stumbling across the grass field, I managed to catch myself on a tree. Struggling to breathe, I closed my eyes and let the cool air try to calm me down.

What did Asuna put in my food? Having to sit down, I hugged my knees, feeling the tears slide down my cheeks. My HP bar had depleted to a mere half. Perhaps dying wouldn't be so bad...

But Asuna wouldn't kill me. She couldn't risk it. A feeling in my gut told me that she was expecting death to take me away soon, and I couldn't help but agree with her vicious thinking.

"(Y/n), are you okay?" Kirito asked.
"I-I'm fine."
"Oi, look at me."
"I'm-"
"Look at me."

I reluctantly turned my head to make eye contact with the boy I had come to love so much. The concern etched onto his face was only out of friendship...I needed to keep that in mind.

"What happened? Why is your HP so low?" he asked worriedly.
"N-nothing much. I was hungry and ate a wild berry but it might have been poisonous..."
"...is that the truth?"
"Yes..."
"Really?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
"...did...Asuna do this?"
"Eh? Why would she?"
"Forget I asked. It's nothing. Come on, maybe we can find some medicine for you."

I didn't complain as he lifted me up into his arms and took me to an inn. Despite trying to pay my share of the bill, he refused everything I offered him, which made me question whether I was even worth anything in his eyes.

"I'll be back soon, okay? Stay here and rest," he exclaimed and took his leave.

Kirito's POV

I...was ashamed of myself. I was perfectly aware of the...hardships Asuna had been putting (nickname) in but I never felt the urge to put an end to her sickening game.

My heart was torn apart. My love for Asuna was incinerating and my eyes had been failing to see the good within her these past few days. Why...did I fall in love with her again? I didn't know why I let myself be fooled by her pretentious facade.

Her illusional light had been tainted by the darkness and I was ever so grateful for the fact that it had. (Nickname) was an innocent girl who looked...too vulnerable for her own good.

"Asuna, you have to stop this."
"Stop what?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
"Stop bullying (nickname). I can't just pretend I know nothing anymore. I...want to break up with you..."
"Did (nickname) tell you that?"
"No."
"She did! Why else would you act this way?! Do you love her over me?!"
"No, I don't think I love her like I loved you. You were just someone I turned to whenever I was feeling bad. Having you...made me feel better, like I had something to protect. But...she is the one I want to protect. She makes me feel like myself while you make me feel like someone else."
"What...do you mean?"
"I'm sorry, Asuna but I think you may have to go up the floors with someone else. I'm...going to go with (nickname)."
"Kirito-"

I had already headed out the door, hoping that I wouldn't regret my decision.

~Some time later~

(Nickname) had fallen asleep. Crawling into the bed, I laid down and faced her. Was I dreaming? I had never seen her look so peaceful...

If only I hadn't made that stupid mistake...if only I hadn't asked Asuna out...if only I had taken the time to filter my feelings from delusions...

"...Kirito?"
"Are you awake? Want something to drink?"
"No, thanks. I just want to rest."
"(Nickname)-"
"(Y/n)."
"Huh?"
"My real name's (Y/n)."
"*smiles* Nice to meet you, (Y/n). I'm Kazuto."
"Does Asuna know?"
"...I broke up with her."
"Eh?! Why? I'm sorry if I got in the way of your relationship-"

I pulled myself closer to her body and gently kissed her. She tensed under my embrace but I was too enchanted to worry. She had taken my heart in her hands. I was hers.

"I'm sorry I took so long to realise my feelings."

Tears slid down her cheeks. It seemed that she had forgotten her words at some point but I couldn't care less. She didn't need to change herself for my sake. She was perfect just the way she was.

"(Y/n), I love you."