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.
Morning again. I didn't sleep much last night. This sleep cycle can't be good for me. I keep thinking of Kirito and Shinkawa and analyzing my feelings. Kirito challenges me both on the battlefield and in real life to become stronger. Kirito accepts and acknowledges both Shino and Sinon. He makes me feel rather safe and happy. Shinkawa always makes me feel like I'm imposing on him, but he doesn't seem to mind. I think sometimes he can't tell the difference between Shino and Sinon, but who knows...
(Shino gets out of bed and heads towards her shower)
What was Shinkawa trying to pull last night?
(Shino turns on the water and undresses herself)
Do I actually like Kirito?
(As her clothes drop to the ground, Shino turns around to grab her phone)
It's not a lie. I do like him.
(Shino takes off her glasses and starts to feel warm)
I know that's the truth because I can recall everything he's said and done with me these past few days. I keep replaying our encounters in my head. He makes me feel safe, but no one needs to know except me.
(She looks at her phone and holds it close to her chest)
His number's in here... I could contact him whenever I want...
(Right at this moment, she receives a text from Kirito)
"Good morning Sinon, let's meet a little early because I need your help with the logistics and what to equip and such yeah? Thanks, hope I didn't wake you."
(Shino blushes and decides not to answer him in her current state)
Why do I feel so transparent? Is this what normal girls my age feel? Ugh.
(Shino showers and refuses to think of anything besides her tactic for BoB)
Focus, Shino. I will not lose. Not to him, not to anyone.
(Shino finishes her shower and puts on a change of clothes)
Now I feel less transparent and can reply to him. A one-word reply should suffice.
(Shino eats a light breakfast and gets ready to dive into GGO)
S: "Link Start."
I won't lose. Not this time.
(Sinon materializes in GGO and heads straight to the shops)
I know what changes I need to make this time around.
(Sinon makes a few purchases and restocks her items when she notices a hooded female figure in her periphery)
Wait, was that another girl playing GGO? Where are they coming from? Unless it's another player with an avatar like Kirito's.
(Sinon decides not to pursue this thought any longer when the girl player notices and smiles)
"Hi! I'm kinda new here, and was wondering if you could help me?"
I should be nice. She could actually be a real girl player.
S: "Who me? I don't work here."
"I know, it just seems like you know what you're doing."
S: "What are you talking about?"
"I couldn't help but notice you modifying your weapon just now, and I'm still learning about all of this. Do you think you could give me a few pointers?"
Her mannerisms are really proper. There's no way she's a guy. But then again...
S: "I don't know if I'll be helpful, but I guess I could try."
"I'm glad! Thank you so much! Now I feel more confident for BoB today."
S: "Wait, you're a rookie and you're entering? How did you get past the prelims?"
"I know I'm new at this, but I've been training hard. I barely got past prelims. Just needed to see what options there were to modify or enhance weapons."
S: "And you're sure you're okay with me knowing your stats and such before BoB starts?"
"It's a risk I'm willing to take."
S: "Okay, what attributes are you mained in?"
"Umm... mostly agility. I ended up using a melee weapon."
S: "Wait, another sword user? In a gun-based game?"
"Yeah... I thought it would be unusual too, but coming from a fantasy game, I couldn't figure a way out."
S: (to herself) "Why does it feel like I've had this conversation before...?"
"Hmm? Are there not many sword users?"
S: "Just one other that I know of. Swords aren't exactly good for long-range attacks the same way guns are."
I notice that she looked down when I mentioned this fact.
"I think there are more people who'd prefer swords as their primary weapon, but what do I know." (smiling)
S: "If you don't mind, let me take a look at your settings, and see what I can do."
"Yay! Thanks so much."
(Shino notices that this person really did prioritize speed above all else and makes the necessary changes)
(The girl player checks her weapon and equipment when Sinon notices that the Kagemitsu looks quite different from Kirito's - more slender and translucent)
S: "That's an interesting weapon. I didn't know you could modify the photon sword's output like that."
"Err, yeah... I had a GM from the game help me with it. I used a rapier weapon before, so this feels just as good."
S: "Ah, I see. Okay it's all set. I didn't change that much since there are limitations to what you've already chosen."
"Thanks so much! What did you say your name was?"
(Sinon pulls up her name card)
S: "Sinon."
"As- err, I mean I'm Erika, nice to meet you!"
S: "Likewise."
E: "I wish there was something I could do to return the favor."
S: "No need. Glad to help a fellow girl player since there aren't enough of us here."
I'll watch her reaction to see if she flinches when I commented on her being a girl since she didn't pull up her name card for me to confirm.
E: "Well GGO certainly don't need any drama, that's for sure."
S: "Between angst and boy problems, we should keep the drama to a minimum and focus on getting stronger."
E: "Hmmm? I know how I could return the favor."
S: "Huh?"
E: "My advice: follow what your heart is saying to not make a decision you'd regret and hurt someone, especially yourself. That's how you get stronger."
S: "What are you talking about?"
E: "Just food for thought. See you another time Sinon. Good luck!"
S: "Thanks, you too."
I guess I made another friend today. Feels nice to be able to sort of relate to each other. Now, let's get down to business. This time, I will emerge as the victor.
