Rare Gemstone (Kirito x reader)

Chapter 8

(Y/n)'s POV

We had rode off in the direction of Swilvane. Of course, it would still take a couple of days to get there.
But I still couldn't focus on what we were doing. Shiki must've been through a whole lot to come here and yet, I sent him back. I sent him, knowing that he didn't want to go back. All the effort he put in was for nothing because of me. I ruined his chance to avoid training.

"(Y/n), want an apple?" Kirito asked.

I smiled and shook my head. I didn't feel like eating. *sigh* It was only a matter of time before we reached Swilvane. I needed to get this right. This all depended on me. If I didn't, I'd be risking the life of my brother. If that happened, I'd be the one to blame. I couldn't allow that.

"Oi (Y/n), you hungry?" asked Klein.
"No, we just ate breakfast around two hours ago."
"Well, I'm hungry. Want to go to town for lunch?"
"How long until we reach the next town?"
"An hour or so," Andrew replied.
"You seem like you've travelled this way before. Am I right?"
"Yeah, you're right. I travelled from Aincrad to Swilvane. I've also been to Glocken."
"What about-"
"Yes, I've been there with him too. We even saw the prince! Isn't that exciting?!" Klein asked excitedly.
"Stop lying. Not even Glocken's own subjects know what he looks like so why would he suddenly show himself in public?"

They just shrugged and continued down the path. I didn't know if I was supposed to believe them or not.

Klein's POV

(Y/n) was cute, but I think a certain somebody had his eyes on her. Well, all princesses were cute. Princess Asuna was cute too. It wasn't like I've actually met her in person, I just happened to see her on the balconies of the palace. That was why I was so amazed when I met (Y/n), an actual princess.

"Klein, you're drooling all over your shirt," Kirito exclaimed with a laugh.
"Eh?! The amazing, undefeated Klein is drooling?! That is not acceptable!"

The others all sweatdropped. Andrew gave me a handkerchief, which I gratefully accepted. Tch, if only I could hide my embarrassed face, especially in front of (Y/n). But have I ever made her laugh?

Kirito's POV

~When you arrive at the town~

"You guys can hang out by yourselves. I'll take (Y/n) and go."

Before she could argue, I grabbed her hand and took her into the town. She looked confident on the outside but I was pretty sure she was nervous. Well, I was right. Her grip on my hand had tightened. Was she afraid that someone would attack her? Wait...was she afraid to put me in danger?

When she looked at me, I just smiled and pat her head.

"We're here to explore. Don't be too tense, just relax. Come on, let's go buy some food."

She hesitantly nodded and loosened her grip. Huh? Why were her cheeks red?

(Y/n)'s POV

I just realised...Kirito was holding my hand. My parents had forbidden me to get into any affairs with men unless it was an arranged marriage. Other than occasional hits from my father and looking after my brother, I haven't actually touched any male's hand.

"(Y/n), want some (favourite snack)?" Kirito asked with a smile.
"Yeah, thanks."

He handed some to me. I gratefully ate them. Suddenly, I heard a laugh.

"You have some around the corners of your mouth," he said.

I blushed in embarrassment. Why did I not realise before?! Unexpectedly, he grabbed a napkin and gently wiped it away.

"T-thanks."
"*laughs* Want to go look for something else?"

I nodded and followed him, looking at all the different merchandise. Our hands were still together, fingers intertwined.

"You two look like a lovely couple. Why not buy some matching bracelets?" asked a kind, old lady.
"Oh, we're not a couple-"
"Yes, we'd love to buy some matching bracelets. Can we please have two pairs?" Kirito asked.
"Two pairs? I assume the other is for your friend?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Alright, please wait a moment."

I looked at Kirito curiously. What was he thinking? We weren't a couple so why get the matching bracelets? But who was the other pair for?

~Some time later~

Kirito had given the other pair to Klein and Andrew.

"Oi, why are we a couple?!" Klein asked, annoyed.
"Because you two are always travelling together and basically inseparable," replied Kirito.

I smiled. That was actually a good idea.

"(Y/n), please accept Andrew's matching bracelet. I don't to match with him," exclaimed Klein.
"Sorry, she already has one," Kirito replied while holding my wrist out for Klein to see.

He glared at Kirito and poked his tongue out.

"Guys, there are plenty of other girls out there."
"But you're a princess-"
"So you're only using me because of my rank?"
"That's not what I meant!-"
"I know."

*sigh* I left them and walked a little further into the forest. What was I doing? I...just missed Shiki. I wanted to get this done as quickly as possible. Hopefully Princess Asuna may be able to help me. But if she was like those stuck-up, self-centred girls, I didn't think I'd be able to survive.

Suddenly, my vision was covered. Out of instinct, I flipped them over and immediately placed my foot on their throat while holding their arms.

"(Y-(Y/n), it's o-only me."

I quickly let go once I noticed that it was Kirito.

"I try to surprise you and you end up surprising me instead," he exclaimed with a laugh.
"Oh, sorry."
"It's fine. Anyway, we're about to head off soon. I've been wondering for a while...why do you always wander off by yourself?"
"I'm not used to being so friendly with others. I'm sorry, I won't do it again."
"Haha, I don't mind. Just don't get lost, okay? It's my job to protect you."
"Well, you don't have to if you're being forced against your will."
"No no, I chose to do this because I wanted to."

I looked at him, surprised. He just smiled and ruffled my hair. What would I do without him?...