The Breaking Point - Kirisuna

Friend or Foe

"Is that what you think?". I again didn't reply.

"Asuna, I was laughing then because I don't like Kazuto, unlike the rest of the girls. We mess around and yeah, sometimes it goes too far. But every encounter I've had with him was friendly. I'll admit, for a while I thought he was confused about his feelings for you. Either way, he's like an annoying older brother to me. Sugu said she's his only sister, so my place in his life is being his best friend."

"Are you serious?" I couldn't find the words to say.

"Very. We're just two traumatized nerds that get along. If I did like him, it would suck because he's never looked at me the way he's looked at you. I know my place." Asada smiled big and reassuringly. She continues. " I'm sorry, Asuna. I should've stuck up for you. I never meant to hurt you or Kazuto." Tears pricked her eyes and mine.

"Thank you, I forgive you". We stood up to embrace each other. For the first time, I felt like we were truly friends with mutual understanding. Like she was my friend and not just Kazuto's.

"Moving on. Why are you here by yourself?" Asada asks with concern.

"The Kirigaya's are having dinner and made it clear that my help is not needed." I sighed finishing my drink.

"Oh yeah, I forgot I was invited. I'm so used to spending Christmas Day by myself..."

I looked at her in sadness and felt extremely ungrateful. I had an idea.

"Hey! Let's go to the mall together!"

"Oh uh, I'm not big on shopping."

"Well you don't have to buy anything, we can just look around. Whatta ya say?"

"S-sure..." she blushed. Awww how cute. I hope I can make Christmas just a little more fun for her.

At the mall, we went store to store looking at all the holiday deals. It was cute seeing Asada get to act like a girl, just enjoying looking at things she had an interest in.

We went into this crystal shop. She looked at the uncut stones and separated from me.

I spotted a pretty ruby necklace in the shape of a small heart. I thought to myself that this would be a great gift to give my new friend! I secretly bought it and hid the small bag in my sweater pocket.

"Let's get out of this lame shop, I'm bored" I fake whined to get her out of there and back to the house.

The walk back was pretty peaceful as we made small talk and babbled about things we saw along the way. It was about 6 o'clock so I'm guessing the dinner would be close to finished by now.

Footsteps became louder and louder behind Asada and me. We both quickly turned on guard.

Kazuto was out of breath leaning on his knees. Asada and I exchanged glances yet again confused about why he was chasing us.

"Kirito?" I say not thinking.

"Asuna, thank goodness. I've been looking for you everywhere, I thought you might've run away again after I was being stupid."

He looked up and looked scared. His eyes went back and forth between me, Asada, and our linked arms.

"We're friends again," I say looking back at her.

He smiled and pulled us both into a hug.

" I'm so glad, my best friend and my girlfriend..." he squeezed us a little harder, we laughed looking at each other behind his back.

"Kazuto, I heard you've been acting like an idiot. I guess I have to start beating you up more often"

"W-WAIT PLEASE I'M SORRY SHINO!!!"

"You're always sorry, just act right for once". We all laughed and headed back to Kazuto's house.

The house was all put together, and the food was laid out beautifully. I guess they didn't need my help after all.

"Huh?" Sugu said stopping in front of us confused at the sight.

"They made up!" Kazuto said beaming. I figured it mean a lot to him that his girlfriend, best friend, and sister liked each other. When the three of us hugged, the warm smile on his face was unlike any other I'd seen. The look of love for his family...

The doorbell rang.

"MORE GUESTS!" Mrs.Kirigaya sang and ran to open the door.

There stood Rika and Keiko. My stomach dropped instantly knowing that both would start a fight in front of Sugu and Kazuto's parents.

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A/N: I pooped out another chapter, pooped because Idk if it's good or not, I can't decide. As you can tell, I love dinner and a show so the next chapter is sure to be better. Enjoy this happy reunion!