My SAO adventure is wrong, as expected

Chapter 71: Kirito and Liz's Feelings

Lisbeth had been staring at Hachiman with sparkling eyes.

"Lisbeth, what's wrong with you? It's like your brain turned completely pink or something."

"Hachiman, give it a rest already! It's all your and Asuna's fault! Even Kirito has been calling me... Lisbeth lately!"

"Oh, oh… my bad."

"As long as you know!"

Lisbeth said this, then stared at Hachiman again with shining eyes.

"Uh… something's definitely off here."

"Hachiman! Not again!"

Let's rewind a bit—this took place on the way home after things had settled down.

"Hey, how about we ask Lisbeth to maintain our weapons before eating?"

"True, that last fight really put a strain on them."

"Since it's a rare chance, why not invite Lisbeth to eat with us too?"

"Asuna, you decide."

"Though Lisbeth might be busy. Let's go see first."

"Okay."

Normally, offering a meal made with high-grade ingredients would have people begging to be invited.

But to Asuna and Hachiman, S-grade food wasn't anything special, so the conversation naturally went like this.

Sure enough, when they arrived at Lisbeth's shop, she was hard at work.

"Oh, what brings the three of you here? Weapon maintenance?"

"Yeah, it's for Hachiman and me this time."

"Let me take a look."

Lisbeth checked their weapons and looked slightly surprised.

"These were just maintained recently—what on earth happened in such a short time?"

"Ah, actually…"

Hachiman explained to Lisbeth what had happened today and invited her to join them and Kirito for dinner.

"Hmm… I'd love to, but lately there's just been so much work…"

"That so? What a shame."

"Sorry, Asuna, let's plan it another time."

"Okay."

"Hey, Lisbeth."

"What is it, Kirito?"

"Tonight's menu is stew rabbit."

The moment she heard that, Lisbeth's hands began to move at lightning speed.

So fast it dazzled the eye, yet with no sloppiness—her movements were beyond professional.

The three of them watched dumbfounded as she worked at a breathtaking pace, then suddenly she stopped, turned slowly toward Hachiman, and said with sparkling eyes:

"Hachiman, I'm done!"

"…"

And so the story returns to the beginning of this scene.

"If you don't mind, would you like to join us for dinner?"

"I'd love to!"

"I-I see…"

Lisbeth beamed and answered instantly.

Asuna watched, stifling laughter, while Hachima smiled warmly.

"Sorry, Lisbeth. We eat stew rabbit so often at home, I forgot how rare it is for most people."

"What a luxurious problem…"

"Be grateful, Lisbeth."

Kirito said this smugly, teasing her.

"Mm, thank you, Kirito! I love you!"

"…Huh?"

The completely unexpected response made Kirito flustered.

"Hey Lisbeth! You're starting to act like Hachiman did before!"

"Eh? Ah… s-sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"N-no problem…"

'Yeah, that really does feel like the old me…' Hachiman thought, recalling how he and Asuna used to be.

Feeling warm inside, Hachiman gently chose to support them.

To lighten the mood, he spoke:

"Consider yourself lucky, Lisbeth. If you'd said my name just now, Asuna would've purged you on the spot."

"Purged?! A-Asuna wouldn't do that, right?"

"Of course not, Lisbeth…"

Asuna sighed as if to say "what can you do?"

"At most, I'd just call you aside for a nice, long chat… about an hour."

"A-Asuna…?"

"Hehe, good thing your target was Kirito, Lisbeth."

"Y-yeah… thank goodness…"

"Anyway, let's get going."

"Right! Everyone, to my place!"

Once home, Asuna immediately began preparing the meal.

While the three others relaxed, Hachiman noticed that Kirito and Lisbeth still had feelings lingering between them and decided to meddle just a little.

"Hey Lisbeth, want to ask Asuna if she needs help?

Kirito's the guest today, so let him rest."

"Good idea. Let's go."

"I'll help too."

"If we need more hands, we'll call. For now, take it easy."

"Alright then. Can't argue with that."

As they walked to the kitchen, Hachiman quickly whispered to Lisbeth:

"Listen, Lisbeth. Kirito more or less understands the feelings you've put into that Dark Repulsor.

And I think your bright and honest nature is really important to him."

"H-Hachiman?"

"You're the best girl after Asuna. Believe in yourself a little more."

"Mm! Thanks! And Hachiman, you're the best guy after Kirito!"

"Shut it, idiot."

Hachiman left Lisbeth with Asuna and returned to Kirito's side.

Sitting beside Kirito, he said:

"Hey Kirito, sometimes you stare at the Dark Repulsor, right?"

"Yeah… sometimes I think, if Lisbeth hadn't been there…"

"If she hadn't…"

"Neither of us would've gotten weapons worthy of being called true partners."

"Yeah… I'm really glad Lisbeth's around."

"I'm busy enough just protecting Asuna. If Lisbeth were ever in danger…"

"Yeah. If that happens, I'll protect her."

"I'm counting on you, Kirito."

"Mm."

After the food was ready, the four of them enjoyed their meal.

Lisbeth kept the atmosphere cheerful with her radiant smile, and Kirito gazed at her with dazed eyes.

They all had lively conversation. In the end, Kirito and Lisbeth stayed over.

Late at night, Kirito found himself lying in the garden.

"Protect her, huh…"

Then he heard someone else come out—it was Lisbeth.

She hadn't noticed him, and laid down a little distance away in the same pose.

"Hachiman and Asuna really get along well… I wonder when Kirito and I…"

Hearing his name, Kirito stiffened.

Realizing what he overheard, he was overwhelmed with guilt and embarrassment.

"At this rate, maybe we should just go all the way and—"

Hearing something dangerous, Kirito panicked.

"Lisbeth, wait! Stop stop stop!"

"Eh? Kirito? Ah… n-no, it's not what it sounds like!"

"I get it, I get it. Calm down first."

"Ughhh—"

Seeing Lisbeth on the verge of tears, Kirito decided to imitate Hachiman's method.

He didn't have to—but awkward as he was, it was the only thing he could think of.

He gently hugged Lisbeth and patted her back.

Lisbeth was startled at first, but then blushed and leaned into his chest.

"Kirito… I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. I feel bad for eavesdropping too."

"N-no, it's fine… it's just so embarrassing…"

"Hey, Lisbeth."

Kirito let go, then looked her in the eyes.

"I'm really happy about your feelings. But there's something I still have to do.

I'm not like Hachiman—I can't handle romance and clearing the game at the same time. So…"

"So?"

"We'll win this war. Once we return to the real world, I'll come find you.

Until then… can you wait for my answer?"

"Mm… I'll wait!"

"Sorry."

"No, I should apologize. I'm adding more to your burden during such a time."

"No… I feel like it was bound to happen anyway… um…"

"Hm?"

"N-nothing."

Though she tried to cover it up, Lisbeth held Kirito's words close to her heart.

To hide her joy and embarrassment, she buried her face in his chest.

Kirito gently and silently accepted her.

From the window, Hachiman and Asuna watched the scene unfold, exchanging a satisfied smile.