Kirito paced around his small room, his thoughts a tumultuous storm. Over the past few months, his bond with Sachi had grown deeper. He admired her strength, her kindness, and the way she seemed to brighten every room she entered. His feelings for her had evolved into something more profound, something he couldn't ignore. He had decided that he wanted to take their relationship to the next level. He had meticulously planned to propose to her, to ask her to be his girlfriend. His heart raced with anticipation and nervousness.
To make the moment special, Kirito had purchased a bouquet of flowers from a merchant he trusted. The flowers were beautiful, their colors vibrant and lively, a reflection of his feelings for Sachi. He had envisioned their conversation going perfectly, picturing her smile and hearing her say yes. He hoped that his feelings would be reciprocated and that they could share their dreams and fears together.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store for him. As Kirito walked through the town square, he spotted Sachi holding hands with Keita. His heart sank, but he forced himself to follow them, hoping it was just a friendly gesture. They strolled through the bustling streets, their laughter ringing through the air, before disappearing into an alley. Kirito's pulse quickened as he followed, heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread.
Peering around the corner, Kirito's worst fears were confirmed. Sachi and Keita were kissing, their affection for each other evident and undeniable. Kirito's world shattered in that moment. The bouquet of flowers felt like a lead weight in his hand. He turned away, his vision blurring with tears he refused to shed. The pain was intense, a physical ache that seemed to consume him entirely.
Returning to his room, Kirito collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling with hollow eyes. He felt as though a part of him had been torn away. Memories of their shared moments replayed in his mind, each one a reminder of what could have been. He felt a deep sense of betrayal and loneliness, overwhelmed by the realization that his feelings were unrequited. He lay awake throughout the night, wrestling with his emotions, struggling to come to terms with the hurt.
When dawn finally broke, Kirito received a message from Keita and the guild members, inviting him to an urgent meeting. With a heavy heart, he made his way to the guild's home base. He was greeted by the familiar faces of Keita and the rest of the Moonlight Black Cats. The atmosphere was somber, and Kirito could sense the gravity of the situation before even stepping inside.
In the meeting, Keita made an announcement that left Kirito reeling. He declared Sachi as his girlfriend, his words spoken with a mixture of pride and relief. The room was filled with congratulatory remarks and heartfelt wishes. Kirito managed a forced smile, clapping along with the others, masking his shattered heart behind a facade of happiness. He congratulated them, though inside he felt numb and empty.
After the meeting, Kirito returned to his room, feeling more isolated than ever. He tried to sleep, but the pain was too overwhelming. He sat by the open window, gazing out at the distant horizon, his thoughts drifting to the days when he was a solo player. The silence of the room was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him. He missed the solitude he once embraced, the simplicity of fighting alone. As he drifted into a restless sleep, he resolved to return to his former ways.
The next morning, Kirito decided to focus on his personal growth. He communicated to the guild members that he needed time to himself and wanted to go solo for a while. They understood and respected his wish, although they were concerned. Kirito threw himself into his training, determined to strengthen himself and survive in this unforgiving game. He was resolved to prove to himself that he could thrive on his own, channeling his heartbreak into relentless effort.
Over the next two months, Kirito kept his distance from the guild, dedicating himself to solo leveling. His interactions with the Moonlight Black Cats became scarce, and he rarely responded to their messages. They began to avoid reaching out, assuming they were bothering him. Kirito immersed himself in the game, leveling up with an intensity that bordered on obsession. His skills improved drastically, and he reached the 47th-floor dungeon with a level of 70.
One evening, as he rested in a safe zone after a grueling series of battles, he went through his menu, reflecting on his progress. The peace of the moment was interrupted by an urgent message from Keita. The message was short but alarming: they needed immediate help. Kirito's heart raced as he read the message, his sense of duty overcoming his personal hurt. He quickly prepared himself to aid his former guild members, setting aside his pain for the time being.
As he made his way back towards the labyrinth, Kirito's thoughts were a whirlwind. Despite the emotional toll, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The pain of his unrequited love had forged a new resolve within him, pushing him to fight harder and survive, not just for himself, but for those who still needed him.