Shino wasn't really sure how Isaiah was familiar with so many people, at so many different places.
The waitress walked away, with their orders. Isaiah had gotten, "the usual" and Shino had gotten the same.
"So, do you remember a few years back, the game called Sword Art Online?" Shino asked randomly.
His hand was on hers across the table, and she felt it squeeze hers slightly.
"Yeah, I'm familiar with it. The people were trapped inside for two years." He said.
"Yes. One of my friends, her name is Asuna," Shino saw recognition flash through his eyes. "And she recognized your name."
She let the unspoken question hang. Then he slowly retracted his hand. "Yeah, I was in Sword Art Online. And if you know Asuna, I assume you know Kirito?"
Shino nodded, "You might know that he was called a beater. A beta player and a 'cheater', I was the same."
Shino was getting a little nervous at how he was suddenly so withdrawn, but she wanted to hear about what happened from him.
"Asuna told me that you were robbed. How did that happen?" She pressed.
Isaiah was looking down now, making his eyes darker. And while she couldn't see them, she was certain his hands were in fists under the table.
"Yeah, this girl named Rosalia, she seduced me and took all my stuff. Then she tried to kill me. I barely got away with my life." He said in a low tone.
The waitress showed up with two steaming hot cups of, something, Shino didn't know. Isaiah wordlessly paid for them in advance before leaving his on the table. She held onto her cup with both hands, feeling the heat spread to her fingers. She sipped at it, and realized with a start that it was hot chocolate.
"If you know Asuna, then she must've told you that I used to have a crush in her." He said.
"Well, yes." Shino answered awkwardly.
"Did she tell you anything else?" He asked.
"Not really. She wanted me to invite you to a movie night with our group. They're all from Sword Art Online as well."
"That reminds me, did Asuna and Kirito ever get together?" He asked, some of his dark aura vanishing as he reached his hand across the table to meet hers half way.
"Yeah, they did, and they are still together." Shino said giving his hand a small pulse.
"Good for them." He said, sipping his cocoa he gave her a tiny squeeze. "And when is this movie night?"
"Next week, I'll figure out what time exactly from them." Shino said.
"Alright, I'm pretty certain that I can make it, besides, the last movie night we had was pretty great, and if it's going to be anything like that, I wouldn't miss it for the world." He said in an offhanded manner.
Shino blushed a little, but said back at him, "I guess you'll have to remind me."
Isaiah abruptly stood and leaned over to kiss a small drop of chocolate off the side of her mouth. "I plan on it."
