(Shino's Asada)

I take off my Nerve Gear and sat up.

"Everything alright Shino?" Tsuboi asked from the kitchen. I turn to him to see him bring me pancakes.

"You look a bit pale," Tsuboi remarked. He set the pancakes on the coffee table next to the couch I was on.

"I have to go," I replied.

"Don't leave without eating breakfast," Tsuboi pleaded. I look over to the pancakes. They do look good. Whip cream with strawberries and blueberries on top.

I shook my head, no, no time for breakfast.

"I think I really need to go," I replied.

"But breakfast is the most important meal of the day," he refuted. I sigh and look at his pleading eyes. I nodded and he happily gave me a fork and knife.

I wonder if I can finish this before Kazuto gets here. I began to eat the pancakes. Pretty good.

"Like it? I made it from scratch," he said proudly. Wow these are pretty delicious.

"Thank you for letting me stay here for a bit," I thanked him.

"Anytime. Although, you logged out quicker than I thought," Tsuboi replied.

"Well I'm sure I'm disqualified because of it," I sighed. Kazuto must've been worried. He must've saw my apartment.

"Well why did you log out so quickly?" Tsuboi asked. I let go of my spoon and knife and faced him.

"Kazuto found me in GGO," I explained.

"Oh did he now?" He asked, intrigued. I nodded.

"Yeah. I kind of told him I was here," I mentioned.

"He didn't look too happy, did he?" Tsuboi teased.

"Not one bit," I realized.

"Well looks like Kazuto finally realized his feelings for you, huh?" Tsuboi asked, standing up from his seat and sighed.

"How did you know that?" I questioned. He seems to know too much. He looked at me and grinned.

"Just a hunch," he shrugged. He picked up my finished plate and started to wash them in his sink. I walk over to him, not satisfied with his answer.

"Something tells me its not just a hunch," I replied, skeptical. He chuckled.

"Yeah I would leave before he gets here. Its me he wants to talk to right now," Tsuboi warned. I raised and eyebrow.

"Go," he insisted. I looked at him, worried.

"I'll be fine. What can the pipsqueak do to me?"

I glared at him. He chuckled.

"I'll be just fine. Don't worry. Go," he insisted again. I nodded and he walked me to the front door.

"See ya," Tsuboi waved and opened the door for me. I smiled and waved back. Before I left he kissed my forehead, it was a lingering kiss. I gave him a questioning look. Afraid my cheeks turned red. I feel the heat overwhelm my face.

"I might not be able to do that again," he explained. I frown at his attitude. The goofy, cheerful Tsuboi was no longer here. He seemed empty. Like a shell.

"You sure you're okay?" I asked. He nodded.

"You should go," he replied, his voice weary. I nodded and looked at him one last time before I walked out.

"Bye," I said. His eyes look so sad.

"Bye Shino," he replied, trying to grin for me. That broke me the most.

Tsuboi. Are you sure you're okay? I thought, as I walked out, with my nerve gear.

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Authors note: Forgive me for another short chapter. This was filled with a lot of TsuboixShino, I know. Lol just feel bad for the guy. I strangely find him cute.

Until next time!

-InGameProdigy