Aincrad Standard Time 11:00 in Floor 2, Grotto Plains..

Two of them just got to the 2nd Floor first. Despite how fascinating the view is, Lai concerns about Koharu who's feeling unease.

Lai: Koharu?

Koharu: Ah! Yeah, what is it?

Lai: How do you feel? If it's bad, sorry about how I said and how I reacted in the boss room. You must be really scared of me, huh?

Koharu: Eh! No! That's not it! I'm just.. I feel worried about you. That's all!

He pats her head and runs through her hair gently like a soft feather brushing her hair..

Koharu: Lai?

Lai: Ah! I done it again.. Sorry, you're too cute for me, Koharu.

Suddenly, her heart couldn't handle the emotion. She buries into his chest and hugs him tight..

Koharu: *sniff!* I'm sorry! When you rushed out to save Diavel, I was too scared to move!

Lai: Everything's fine right now...

Koharu: You both almost died because I hesitated! And I was so scared I'd lose you too!!

He hugs her back.. Soothing her as much as he can..

Lai: Sorry, Koharu. I didn't mean to make you feel bad about it..

Koharu: It's okay.. *sob* This is how I really feel. But I'll try to be useful next time I promise!

He wipes off her tears with his thumb.

Lai: Just be careful on your own. I can't really afford losing you at all.

Koharu: Don't say that, we'll make it out alive together. Let's keep that in our mind always.

Lai: Yeah..

Koharu: So what should we do?

Lai: ...Everyone's gonna be here soon. I hope it's Kirito and the others.

Koharu: I hope so..

As they expected, Kirito and Asuna both catch up with them.

Kirito: There you are! We were worried about you two.

Lai: Sorry to abandon you and Asuna from that mess..

Asuna: At least you cleared the misunderstanding for the Beta Testers. They all will be treated fairly as normal players from now on. And mind explain why are you two hugging each other?

Koharu and Lai: Huh?

They both just notice they're doing just like what Asuna sees. Koharu gets off from him with a crimson blush on her face.

Koharu: Nothing! Nothing at all!! We both just chatting!

Asuna: Hehe.. You're really cute with that face, Koharu!

Koharu: Ehhh!? Uh.. Thanks! Anyway! That's good to hear! I'm relieved then!

Asuna: *chuckle* Yeah.

Kirito: Oh! I almost forgot this! Since after that, the Beta Testers gave you a cool nickname.

Lai: What is it?

Kirito: They called you the "Reaper". Pretty fit for your style, right?

Lai: Wait! How did they came out with that?

Kirito: You see, I guess you never seen the weapon the boss using before, right? You'd hardly even figure out its attack patterns. But you're able to read it out and counter it in a blink of an eye. So that's what the "Reader" came out from them.

Lai: ...Hm.. Then?

Kirito: After your weapons broke, you equipped yourself another weapon type and change your attack style completely. Because of that, you earned the name of "Equipper".

Lai: I guess I get the point now.. So now we just reached the second floor.. What should we do?

Kirito: Good point. So we should start exploring around first and report to Argo. I hope our equipments from the first floor are stronger enough against the mobs.

Lai: Yeah. And I hope I don't bump up against Kibaou's gang. They must be really pissed right now after all how I insulted them.

Kirito: Don't worry, you'll make it out alive.

He grunts..

Lai: And you two gonna leave us here?

Kirito: No! Not really. I'm sure.. No.. Asuna and I promise that we'll meet you two again sometimes.

Lai: Thanks. How's Diavel?

Kirito: ...

Lai: Is something wrong?

Kirito: He's fine.. But he decided to stay out from being the leader, so he just gave the positions to Kibaou and another player.

Lai: So they separate in two squad. Damn it, what was he thinking!? How could he!?

Kirito: I know how you feel but he must have a traumatic experience after you shielded him. Then, he keeps blaming himself for not leading the party well..

Lai: *sigh* Just hope he stays alive, then I'll be relieved.

Kirito: Alright, we should get going now. They'll be here anytime.

Lai: Yeah.

Asuna: We should go now, Kirito.

Kirito: *nod* Sure.

Koharu: Eh? You two are heading out?

Asuna: Mhm! Let's meet again sometimes, Koharu, Lai!

They both head out for exploring around floor 2.

Lai: So..

Koharu reaches her hand and spread her palm to Lai.. Inviting him to join by her side.

Koharu: From here on, the monsters are only going to get stronger. But..

His palm joins hers.. He smiles..

Lai: "With you at my side.. I'm not afraid." That's what you're gonna say, Koharu?

Koharu: Hehe.. Yeah! Can't believe you're already on the right track!

Lai: Because you and I will get stronger. We'll survive in SAO together.

Koharu: *nod* Mhm! And we'll meet again in real life! Then, our promises will be come true! I can't wait for that!

Lai grins..

We will be there.. One day..

Then, their adventures begins..

End Of Chapter...