Rare Gemstone (Kirito x reader)

Chapter 12

(Y/n)'s POV

~The next day~

"Hmm, so you're saying that if the peace treaty is applied, it would allow trade between our two kingdoms?" asked the king.
"Yes, that is correct."
"Having Aincrad provide us with skilled merchants and Swilvane provide them with food and agricultural products...seems interesting."
"Well, I'm pretty sure you've already heard but Aincrad has the most skilled workers in all of the three kingdoms. It'll certainly provide you with benefits."
"I see."
"And this peace treaty will strengthen our armies in case of any future battles. If possible, we may be able to form an alliance with Glocken."

I noticed Asuna looking outside. What was so interesting out there? I glanced out the window and saw Kirito training by himself. Was she looking at him? For some reason, my heart ached a little at the thought of her taking any interest in him.

"I'm terribly sorry, (Y/n) but we'll have to cancel the rest of this meeting. I have some urgent matters to attend to," the king exclaimed.
"Alright."

He took his leave, leaving only Asuna with me. She made eye contact with me and faked a smile.

"(Y/n), do you have any interests in Kirito?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I'm just curious, because if you do...then I'm afraid I'll have to make him mine first. You've already got so much so you can't possibly want him, right? I'll have to make him fall in love with me."
"I..."
"Good, then its settled. He's mine and if you try to interfere, I'll make sure this peace treaty never succeeds."

She left without another word. I honestly had no words to say. She...wanted Kirito? The pain in my heart worsened a little. I couldn't have fallen for him, could I? No, that wasn't true. I was going to stop her as a friend. Nothing more...right?

Kirito's POV

I put my sword back and sat down in the shade. All that training was making me tired.

"Hey Kirito," Asuna greeted.
"Hi."
"Mind if I sit here?"
"Go ahead."

She sat down, a little too close to me. I wanted to move away but that would seem rude. Suddenly, her fingers brushed against mine.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to do that," she apologised with a small pout.
"Don't worry about it."

What was she up to? And where was (Y/n)?

"Do you think I'm pretty?"
"Huh? What?"
"Do you think I'm pretty?" she asked again.
"Yeah, I guess."
"Then you don't mind if I lean against you?"
"I-"

Before she even let me reply, she clung onto my arm and leaned her head against my shoulder. Well, this felt awkward. I barely even knew her. I mean, if it was (Y/n) then I wouldn't mind at all. Wait what? Was I annoyed that it was Asuna that was holding onto me? Pfft, that wasn't true.

"Kirito?"
"Yeah?"
"Look at me."

I mentally sighed and turned my head so that I was looking at her. She quickly kissed me on the lips.
Eh?! What was that for?! Unexpectedly, (Y/n) was suddenly in front of us.

(Y/n)'s POV

I tried to keep in my surprise and sorrow. They kissed and were hugging each other. Why did I feel so upset? What was wrong with me?

"(Y/n), don't you think we look cute together?" asked Asuna.
"Sorry, I can't stay to chat."

Immediately, I summoned Crystal and got on before she took off. Why was this always happening to me? What did I do to deserve this?

I put my head down on Crystal and calmed myself down. She was just trying to annoy me, I couldn't let her get what she wanted. I'd have to survive until we got back to Aincrad.

~Afternoon~

"Hey (Y/n), want one? They're really good," said Klein.
"Thanks."

He handed me some (snack). We were sitting in the palace gardens. It was quite peaceful but of course, Kirito was nowhere to be found. Asuna most likely took him somewhere.

Right when I was about to close my eyes, Kirito and Asuna came into view. They were both laughing and looked like they had lots of fun.

"Don't worry about them, he's probably just acting so he doesn't seem rude," Klein exclaimed.
"Why would he do that?"
"*sigh* Are you seriously asking me that question? Isn't it obvious? He doesn't want to ruin the friendship he has with you. You're very important to him and I don't think he would try to replace you with some other girl."
"Hey (Y/n)!" Kirito called out.

He came running over. Once he was here, he immediately laid down on my lap and used an arm to cover his eyes, shielding them from the sun.

"Are you tired?"
"Yeah, Asuna's been dragging me everywhere. I'd rather stay here and be with you, even if it meant being locked up in some small room because then we could just escape," he replied while slowly drifting into a deep sleep.

*blush* He'd rather stay here with me? Suddenly, Klein nudged me and smirked. Oh whatever, obviously friends would care for each other.

~Nighttime~

"What do you want to do?" Kirito asked.
"I don't mind, anything's fine."
"Okay, then let's go visit my friends."

He took my hand and led me around all the stalls.

"Oh my, aren't you the knight that came by my store with Princess Asuna? You two seemed like a great couple. Who's this, your sister?" asked the man.
"*laughs* I think you've got it all wrong. I'm not in any relationship with Asuna and this here is my friend, (Y/n)."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Hahaha, what can I do for you?"
"Are Suguha and her friends still working here?"
"Yes they are. Come in."

Kirito smiled at me and led me inside. Why did I feel so relieved that he said that he wasn't in a relationship with Asuna? ...that's right, she was just trying to use him. I couldn't let her do that.