AN: IMPORTANT - legend: italicized text is narrated; dialogue will have character's first initial; (text like this means the character is doing something); and regular text is from Sinon's POV always.

Shino had just logged out of GGO after training with Kirito. She laid in bed to gather her thoughts when someone knocked on her door. She opened it.

S-k: "Asada-san, where were you just now?"

Why is Shinkawa-kun here? Didn't I ask him not to show up unannounced, especially since it's getting late?

S: "What brings you here at this time of night, Shinkawa-kun?"

S-k: "I wanted to confirm with you your whereabouts just now."

S: "Why does that matter?"

S-k: "Please just answer me."

S: "I was doing homework."

S-k: (gravely) "You're lying to me, Asada-san."

S: "No, I'm not. I've been here all this time."

What's up with him?

S-k: "Yes, you've been here. But you weren't really here."

S: "I don't understand."

S-k: "You were logged into GGO, weren't you?"

S: "...what?"

S-k: "You were training."

S: "Well I did log in for a bit earlier. You know BoB is coming up. I need to train."

S-k: "Why don't you train with me? I keep offering and you never agree to."

S: "Sorry, I've been really busy."

S-k: "Yet he asked you once, and you agreed."

S: "I'm sorry what?"

S-k: "That guy that you claim was from your hometown. He's that person in GGO, isn't he? The one you told me gets on your nerves."

S: "I don't understand."

What is it with Shinkawa-kun tonight? Why does it matter what I do and who I do it with?

S-k: "Stop lying. You've been lying to me ever since you started seeing him. You were with him just now. I saw you with him. Am I not good enough for you? What about all those times I helped you get away from Endou when she was messing with your head?"

S: "Yes, it's true that you've been a very good friend-"

S-k: (raising his voice) "Well apparently not good enough! Apparently what I have to give isn't good enough compared to some stranger you just met!"

S: "I think you're overreacting a little Shin-"

S-k: (approaches her) "What did he do to you? I saw him on top of you. The Sinon I know wouldn't ever let anyone overpower her."

(Shinkawa-kun grabs Shino and holds her tightly in his arms)

S: (gasps) "What! What are you doing Shin-"

S-k: (coldly) "Was he harassing you? I could take care of him for you. Just say the word."

Shinkawa-kun isn't acting like his usual self. I sense a menacing vibe. Is he jealous of Kirito? Why is he hugging me so tightly? This doesn't feel right. His touch doesn't feel warm and safe like Kirito's.

S: "Shinkawa-kun, you're holding me too tightly. I can't breathe!"

S-k: "Was he harassing you? Don't worry, I'm here now. I can make him go away. Don't worry..."

S: "He wasn't harassing me! You are. LET GO!"

(Shino breaks free from his embrace, shaking and panting)

S-k: "What...?"

S: "Please stop."

S-k: "You willingly let him touch you, and not me?"

S: "What are you saying? You're not your usual self. Are you alright?"

S-k: "You keep lying to me. Admit it. You like him."

S: "..."

S-k: "I know you slept with him the other night. But I was willing to overlook that. Don't be such a slut."

What did he just say?

(Shino musters up all her strength and slaps him hard across his face)

S: "You have no right to make accusations like that."

(Shinkawa stopped talking. He looks at Shino coldly and laughs)

S-k: "You've changed Asada-san. You've changed the moment you met him. As a result, both you and Sinon are weak."

I'm not taking this bullshit. Why is he saying all of this now?

(Shino tries to slap him again but he catches her hand in mid-air)

S-k: "You're weak, Sinon."

(Shinkawa turns away from her and leaves without saying another word)

(Shino closes the door and falls onto her bed)

What just happened? Why did he say all of that? Why does it matter how I live my life? Was I that dependent on Shinkawa to save me from Endou?

(Shino stops shaking)

No, I wasn't. He always showed up unannounced. I never once asked for anything from him. All I do is encourage him to study harder and fulfill his dreams. I am grateful for him, but he went too far tonight.

(Shino massages her wrist where he grabbed)

I actually felt a little scared. His embrace was tight and suffocating. He had that look in his eyes. I need to be more careful around him. So much shit that I don't want to deal with.

(Someone knocks at the door)

What again? No, I'm not getting that.

(Shino hears the knocks again)

Wait, what if that's Kirito? Should I take the chance to check? What if it's not?

K: "Ne, Sinon-onee-chan. Open please~"

Yup it's Kirito alright.

(Shino opens the door slowly)

K: "Hi."

S: "Hey."

K: "Could I come in?"

S: "Sure, but you're only here for the phone right?"

K: "Yeah, also wanted to tell you something."

S: "Okay, come in then."

(Kirito enters)

K: "I know there were many people training tonight, but while we were on that terrain, there was someone watching us from afar."

S: "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't I notice him?"

(Shino hands his phone back)

K: "Thanks. I think you were really focused on the training, that's all."

S: "Hmmm..."

K: "If anything, nice work today. I had fun."

S: "Huh? Yeah sure, thanks. Who was the person?"

K: "Was it that guy I met the other day?"

S: "Spiegel?"

K: "Yeah, I think so. Is that Shinkawa's avatar?"

S: "Yeah."

K: "Is something wrong?"

S: "Before you arrived, Shinkawa showed up here and yeah..."

K: "Did it go alright? Wanna talk about it?"

S: "Not really."

K: "You gonna be okay tonight?"

S: "I think so."

K: "I could stay if you need anything."

I wanna say yes, but I know I shouldn't.

S: "Thanks, Kirito. But I'll be okay."

K: "Okay. If you need anything, call me. I'll give you my number."

S: "Sure."

(Shino gives her phone to Kirito and he adds his number)

K: "You should sleep. BoB is tomorrow."

S: "Sure, I'll see you out."

(Shino walks him out)

K: "Thanks for having me."

S: "No problem. See ya."

K: "Sleep well."

(Shino shuts the door and gets ready for bed)

Here's to a better tomorrow.