I apologize that I wasn't able to update in like a month. I experienced some family issues which prevented me from writing. I really couldn't get my head in the right track so I wasn't able to write anything decent. Anyways with that aside here's Chapter 5.

Italicized words that are outside of "quotation marks" represents thoughts.

Disclaimer: I don't own SAO or any of its characters.

Shino was practically dragging Kazuto across every clothing store. True to her word she was making this an experience that he would never forget. Shino isn't the type of girl who likes to shop for clothes or accessories. She is, for the lack of a better term, simple. She's not a fashion crazy girl who cares so much for their appearance. But since Kazuto planned this for her, who was she to refuse? Although to be honest, she is actually enjoying herself. It's not the shopping that she enjoys. It's the quality time with Kazuto that she enjoys. All of the events that had transpired that day were so memorable and she knows that she won't ever forget it.

They've been through tons of clothing stores but she still wasn't able to see something that she likes. She doesn't have much of a fashion sense to begin with so this isn't surprising. She was just actually prolonging there date so that she can spend more time with Kazuto. She glanced at the teenage boy that she was dragging by the hand. He looked a little tired but when he saw her glance at him he flashed her a warm smile which she gladly returned. She saw another clothing store that looks like it sells some good clothes. She hurried inside, dragging Kazuto with him.

"What number is this?" Kazuto asked her.

It took her a while to pick up on his question. She then realized that he was referring to the number of shop that they went in.

"I think this is the 11th one." she answered him.

"Hopefully you can find something you like here." Kazuto said to her.

"Ohh? What's this? Are you being bored by our date Kazuto-kun? I thought you planned all of this? Oh, I get it. I'm not good enough for you. That's it right? That's why you're not enjoying yourself." she teased him.

"I-it's not like that! I enjoy the time that we spend together and I will never regret any of it." Kazuto defended himself.

"Really now, that's not what you're showing though." Shino continued to tease him.

It was now Kazuto's turn to tease her. Using his strength he pulled Shino towards him and into a hug. The girl turned as red as a tomato as he hugged her tightly.

"My dear Shino. Don't ever think that you make me feel bored or you're not good enough for me. You are very special to me." He released her a little and cupped her red face and locked gazes with her.

"You know what makes bored?" he then asks her.

"Wh-what?"

"Spending a day without seeing you or being with you." He then fully released her and pinched her nose then gave her an affectionate smile. He then walked further inside the store leaving a stunned and blushing Shino behind.

She was utterly shocked. She tried to speak but no words came out of her mouth. She never expected him to say those words. He had, once again, turned the situation into his favour. It was one of his qualities that she liked about him. Once she was out of her stunned state she ran to catch up to him. She lightly slapped the back of his head as payback.

"Ow, what was that for?" Kazuto said while rubbing the spot where he was slapped.

"Just payback for saying those things."

"Pft, admit it, you liked what I said to you." she punched him in the arm this time as a reply.

"Ow!"

Shino smiled. She really likes how they became so casual with each other since they started dating, even though it's just been a day. After meeting in GGO they have become close friends but they aren't that casual around each other. She can't believe that they've become so sweet and caring for each other so quickly.

They're now browsing the rows of clothes that were available in the store. Shino is still having trouble finding something that she likes. This was becoming difficult.

"See anything you like?" Kazuto asked her.

"Actually I'm thinking maybe you could help me. I can't decide what's good." She heard him mumble something like "Anything would look good on you." but decided not to elaborate on it.

"Well, how about this one?" Kazuto picked up a green, long-sleeved blouse with a black ribbon tied at the center of the neckline

"Hmm, that looks nice. And it seems that I won't feel hot while wearing it. It almost summer after all so I prefer light clothes." The blouse seems nice to wear. Even though it's long-sleeved it still looks light clothing. She got the blouse from Kazuto and went to the fitting room.

Before closing the door she peeked her head out and gave Kazuto a threatening look on her face.

"Don't you dare peek. I know you have a habit of peeking on women. Don't think I've forgotten about what happened in GGO." she threatened him.

Kazuto sweat dropped at what she said. He still hasn't forgotten about their misunderstanding at the start of his experiences in GGO he reassured her that he would still be in the same spot when she comes out of the fitting room.

"Yeah, yeah I won't peek. I'll be right here in this exact same spot."

"You'd better." She gave her one last look before fully going inside the fitting room.

After a few minutes of waiting, Shino came out of the fitting room while wearing the dress so that she could ask Kazuto's opinion.

"So, what do you think?" she asked with a slight tone of embarrassment.

She looks cute Kazuto thought to himself. Her bashful expression just added to that cuteness that he is describing.

"You look great Shino, I approve." Kazuto answered her and gave her a thumbs up.

"Thank you. Wait for me to change back to my clothes." She then retreated back to the fitting room. "Same warning as before Kazuto!" she said while closing the door.

"Yeas, yeah I get you." Kazuto replied with a smile. He is really happy to see the development between him and Shino. He likes it how they've become closer to each other. They've become so casual and open that it doesn't feel uncomfortable at all In fact, it feels peaceful and nice being with her.

After changing and paying for the blouse, they've exited the store. They were having a light chat about Virtual games as they made their way towards the parking lot where Kazuto left his motorbike.

And then there they were again. Speeding along the road. The familiar and nice feeling of the wind whooshing past them as they drove to Shino's apartment.

This is one of the favourite parts of Shino everytime Kazuto asked her to hang-out, or just recently, out on dates. The rides on his motorbike are really enjoyable. She likes the feeling of the wind against her face, the thrill of going so fast, and being able to hug Kazuto without an embarrassing reason . She felt that she shares these moments with him and him only. It's as if it's a daily routine that the only two of them have. Sure, maybe some other girls were able to get a ride with him but she holds pride that maybe she was the one who has gotten the most number of rides with him. Well, her and Suguha maybe, since she knows that Kazuto drives her to school daily but she just can't help but feel special.

They've finally reached her apartment and it's time to part again. They made their way up the stairs and stopped in front of the door of Shino's apartment.

"Sooo, I guess this is it." Shino said while looking directly at him.

"Yeah, I guess it is." Kazuto simply replied. He was also looking directly at her.

They stayed there for a couple of seconds, just gazing into each other's eyes when Shino decided to break the silence.

"Well, I guess I should get going. Thank you for today Kazuto-kun, I really enjoyed it."

"It was nothing. I'd do anything to make you happy" Kazuto replied and smiled at her.

Just as she was about to open the door and go inside Kazuto stopped her.

"W-wait" he said then looked away.

"Hm? What is it Kazuto-kun?" Shino asked him while slightly tilting her head to one side.

"W-well, you remember our last date?"

"Yes, it was yesterday silly. Of course I would still remember." Shino said while recalling the events of yesterday.

"You remember what happened?" Kazuto asked her.

"Of course! We watched a movie, then ate dinner at your house and then you drove me home and then-…" she suddenly stopped, remembering a particular event that happened when they parted yesterday. Oh so that's what he means she thought.

"Oh" she just said, a light blush appearing on her face.

"What happened next Shino?" Kazuto said, trying to make her say the exact words.

Instead of answering him through words, Shino decided that actions would be better. So she tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

"That's what happened." Shino said when she pulled away. She then opened the door to her apartment in hopes to get away. She felt embarrassed for acting so bold which is why she just wanted to retreat inside her home.

Kazuto stopped her though.

As she was about to enter her apartment, Kazuto grabbed her arms and pulled her into another hug.

"Wait a minute there. You can't get away that easily." he whispered into her ear.

Kazuto then looked at her directly and so did Shino.

"Since it's still fairly early let's meet up in ALO tonight. Sounds good to you?" Kazuto asked her.

"Y-yeah I guess, it's fine. I don't have any schoolwork to do anyway."

"Alright then. I guess this is really goodbye for now." He kissed her in the forehead and then finally let go of her. "See you later my dear Shino."

"S-see you later." Shino replied and with that Kazuto made his way back to his motorbike. He waved another farewell at her before really making his way home.

Shino watched as her view of him got smaller and smaller on the horizon. When he was fully out of sight she made her way inside her apartment.

A few moments later

As soon as Kazuto got back home he greeted Sugu, took a quick shower and texted Shino that he won't go online immediately and that she shouldn't also. It was a lie though, since after sending the text he immediately logged in ALO. He felt bad for lying but he had to make sure everything was set, after all, his surprise for her isn't limited to shopping.

When he finally got online he was relieved to see that Shino followed his advice and didn't immediately went online. He left a message at the inn where he and Sinon were last at. He told her in the message where they would meet and at what time. He then checked the other important "thing" that he needs for the night.

Let's see. I'm sure that today's the day. I just have to check it again and make sure that the place is good. Kazuto thought to himself.

This is gonna be fun he thought.

Meanwhile at Shino's apartment

When she got a text message from Kazuto that he won't be online immediately she took her time showering and watching some tv. The day was really eventful. She managed to get herself some friends at school, Kazuto defended her from her bullies, they slept at the park, went out on a dinner date, and then ended when Kazuto bought her the blouse. Remembering the said item, she got it out of the bag and looked at it one more time. For sure, it would be one of the most memorable items that she has. After all, Kazuto was the one who gave it to her which already makes it valuable item. Seeing as it's already been an hour since Kazuto texted her she decided to go online.

After establishing the link between the real and virtual world she found herself in the inn where she had logged out from the last time. She noticed that she has a message and wondered who's sent it. Turns out that it was Kirito who sent it giving her instructions. He told her to meet him at the central square at 9:45PM and that's it. She wondered what they would do in ALO except do some quest and some level grinding.

I wonder what he's planning now she thought to herself, curious but at the same time excited about what would happen.

And that's Chapter 5. I apologize since I promised that ALO would be in Chapter 5. The ALO events are actually big so I had to change my plans. Next chapter I promise some ALO (although I can't see some action there so sorry action lovers) To those who might get confused. I'll use Shino and Kazuto's avatar names if they are online or whenever they are referring to their online personas. I would only do this for the two of them since I'm not familiar with the real names of the other characters (like Liz and Silica). Anyways hope you enjoyed this chapter. I apologize if it's a little short but next chapter there would be a lot of things to be introduced so hopefully you still stay with me until then. Thanks for all those who have read this story and have continues to read it Again, I apologize for the super late update. Thank you all and have a wonderful day. Woozart out