Fatal Bullet Aftermath

Cherry Blossom Festival

(March 24, 2027)

The cherry blossom festival...I loved going to celebrations when I was a kid. I decided to take a break from Unital Ring and go outside to enjoy the festivities. I was wearing a light blue T-shirt and a charcoal gray jacket. Although I debated about wearing normal cargo shorts, I decided to go with a pair of jeans.

"Come on," Kureha urged.

The school holds a festival in the main courtyard every year. Being first-year students, Kureha felt like we were obligated to go. I knew I was forced to go to the festival because Kureha was always the leader when we were kids.

"Okay...okay," I responded while walking behind her.

The cherry blossoms were really nice this year. When we got to the main courtyard, there was a lack of kimono wearing.

"I suppose it's because all of us don't have access to one," I thought while walking through the stands.

I followed Kureha throughout the whole day. She visited everything and forced me to do everything with her. After a whole afternoon of festivities, we were on top of the dorm roof alone together watching the sunset.

"It's kind of like the time we watched the sunset on the school building," Kureha recollected.

"Yeah, it does feel like that time," I agreed.

To be honest about current events, I haven't been taking care of myself. Kureha was always there when I need help with certain things and I would always be there for her.

"Hey, Kaito?" she asked.

"Yeah, what's up?" I replied.

"Do you appreciate me as a friend?"

That question caught me by surprise. I knew Kureha cared about me as I played GGO for three days straight. I did care about Kureha as she helped me understand my limits as a person.

"Yeah...Yeah, I do care about you," I stated.

Kureha looked at me and smiled.

"I knew you would because I know you're the same person that I left behind," she said.

She leaned on my arm and looked out to the sunset. I've never been in a relationship before. I wasn't really planning to be in one frankly. I pulled out my Augma and looked at my notifications. I got a text from Kirito asking me to call him. I motioned with my free arm and managed to get an audience with Kirito.

"Yeah, what did you need me for?" I asked.

"I need your help in Unital Ring," he requested.

I looked down at Kureha who was now asleep on my shoulder.

"Look, I'm quite busy right now with college and such," I bluffed.

"Ok. When you get free, I need you to come into Unital Ring," he urged before leaving the call.

I closed the call and looked back at Kureha. I shifted my body a little and she woke up.

"Sleepy, huh?" I asked.

She nodded slowly.

"Come on, let's go back to the room," I conveyed.

I got up from the ledge and looked back. I offered my hand to Kureha and she took it with no problem. She was still wearing my jacket after she stated how cold it was earlier. We went back to our room and Kureha instantly fell asleep on her bed.

Although I should have taken a shower and went to sleep right after that, I couldn't stop thinking about Unital Ring. I took a shower as planned but the Amusphere just sat there. Something was calling me and telling me:

"Something isn't right," I thought.

I sat down on my bed and snatched the Amusphere. I stared at the visor of the FullDive rig. I was tired already and it would show in Unital Ring.

"I think Kirito would understand if I took the night off," I thought.

I replaced the Amusphere and laid down on my bed. The dim lights from the neighboring streets shone through the window. Then I drifted into a deep sleep.