/January 19th, 2025

You visit Kirito the day after Kikuoka confirms Sugou is in custody. You couldn't come without good news.

He's propped up against pillows with newly trimmed hair and you call his name before you reach him. You wrap your arms around him as soon as you can.

He flinches.

You look up as you let go. He won't meet your eyes. Asking what's wrong brings him to tears.

Combing back damp black hair you begin describing everything that's happened since SAO was beaten.

Kirito can tell you what he's gone through later, if he wants to. There's time.