Holding a small folding fan and a beautiful parasol, the gorgeously dressed Kurumi stood quietly in the plaza of the 22nd floor.
Today, her look was especially captivating—a crimson pleated dress with a miniskirt-length hem revealed the flawless contours of her shapely thighs, accentuated by delicate fishnet pantyhose that traced a subtle pattern across her skin. Every step was accompanied by the gentle click of her high heels, enhancing her elegant yet alluring presence.
Her gentle and graceful aura radiated outward, drawing the attention of many onlookers, who couldn't help but offer words of admiration as their gazes lingered on her bewitching figure.
"Kimi-nee!" Asuna pushed through the crowd. Seeing such a gentle and elegant Kurumi, she was utterly stunned. Wasn't Kimi-nee always domineering and willful? Since when had she become this soft and graceful—so mesmerizing, especially with that seductive new attire?
"Shh... call me Kurumi-chan," Kurumi said, her slender finger resting lightly against her cherry lips. Her charming smile sent a shock through Asuna's heart, her cheeks flushing bright red.
Asuna had never truly understood the charm of contrast before—but now she did. Gap moe kills. Long live gap moe.
"U-Um... Ku... Kurumi-chan," Asuna stammered, her heart pounding wildly. Her entire being was captivated by this gentle version of Kurumi.
Yet a faint question lingered in her eyes—why did Kimi-nee want her to call her Kurumi-chan?
"Because of our promise," Kurumi said with a soft smile. Her warm, magnetic voice made Asuna's heart flutter uncontrollably.
"Asuna wanted me to belong to her alone for today. Kimi belongs to everyone... but Kurumi-chan belongs only to Asuna."
Sliding her folding fan back into the system inventory, Kurumi extended a delicate hand toward Asuna. "Asuna, will you give me your hand? Today, you'll belong only to me as well."
Asuna's cheeks were as red as ripe apples. She had completely turned into a bashful girl, nervously placing her hand into Kurumi's. Her expression was a mix of joy and disbelief, her blush lingering endlessly.
Holding her delighted hand, they slowly strolled through the 22nd floor's streets. Kurumi's magnetic and gentle voice echoed softly, "Is this alright? You said I'd grant any wish as long as I was yours for a day. Who knows—maybe I could even make you immortal."
Asuna shyly lifted her gaze, sneaking a glance at the dazzlingly elegant Kurumi. That refined smile on her exquisite face made Asuna's heartbeat quicken beyond control.
Feeling the gentle warmth through their joined hands, Asuna lowered her head, her voice trembling softly.
"I feel so fulfilled... even if Kurumi-chan gave me eternal life, it couldn't compare to the rhythm of my heartbeat right now. Kurumi-chan, this moment is my happiest time."
Their shared heartbeat pulsed through their palms. Kurumi turned slightly, gazing at Asuna's blissful face. Her wine-red eyes curved into a beautiful crescent shape, exuding a tender sweetness.
Hand in hand, they walked along the wooded path of the 22nd floor. With a serene smile, the graceful Kurumi spoke in her rich, velvety voice:
"Are you sure you're fine with just walking like this? Normally, people go shopping or sightseeing on a date."
Asuna smiled softly, shaking her head. Her voice grew faintly sweet. "That's what ordinary couples do. But I won't let my Kurumi-chan, who belongs to me for only one day, have an ordinary date."
In the forest stood a small wooden cabin. Asuna's face glowed with happiness as she explained, "I bought this house. No one else knows about it. It belongs only to me and Kurumi-chan."
Taking both of Kurumi's hands now, Asuna's beautiful face was filled with bashful joy. For a brief moment, she glanced down at Kurumi's crimson nails, elegant and neat, as if every detail of Kurumi today was meant to entrance her. "For me, walking home while holding Kurumi-chan's hand... that's been my dream."
"This is the date I've always longed for—the happiest one I could ever imagine."
Her blissful smile radiated warmth. The parasol slipped from her hand, falling beside Kurumi's elegant crimson pleated skirt. Kurumi lifted her free hand, gently caressing Asuna's lovely face.
Asuna tilted her head, her eyes closing halfway, and nuzzled Kurumi's palm affectionately.
"Asuna, I love you." Brushing aside Asuna's golden hair, Kurumi tilted her head closer to her.
Their pupils reflected each other's faces. Heart to heart, they breathed in one another's sweet fragrance.
"Holding hands feels warm... but wouldn't it be even more like a couple if you held onto my arm instead?"
Asuna's face turned bright red as she reached out with both arms, hugging Kurumi's arm tightly and resting her head against Kurumi's shoulder.
Kurumi's wine-red eyes curved into a gentle arc as the two of them walked side by side toward the cabin, their bodies close, a beautiful parasol swaying lightly along the forest path.
"Kurumi-chan, just rest. I'll cook for you." Once inside the cabin, Asuna had Kurumi sit in a chair to relax. She tied on an apron and pulled her hair into a ponytail—looking every bit the part of a devoted housewife as she prepared to cook for Kurumi.
In the system, there were two ways to make food. One was the one-click method—simply select "cook," and the system would automatically complete the dish.
The other method involved personally preparing the ingredients and seasonings step by step, just like in real life. The taste of the latter was far superior to system-made food. Naturally, Asuna chose the second option.
Despite her busy hands, Asuna looked genuinely happy. Her petite figure radiated an aura of bliss with every movement.
"Asuna, for you, is working hard for the one you love... your idea of happiness?"
Kurumi's wine-red eyes watched her tenderly, her elegant face wearing a faint, serene smile. She reached out and picked up the newspaper on the table.
Even in the game, there were things like newspapers—they recorded various in-game events. Though, calling them "newspapers" wasn't entirely accurate.
For example, this one contained a video of Little Futayo slaying a dragon. Kurumi tapped her finger lightly, and a holographic screen appeared before her, playing the footage of Futayo's battle. In an instant, the newspaper turned into a television.
"Mmm~" Humming a cheerful tune as she worked in the kitchen, Asuna filled the air with warmth. Kurumi's smile softened even more as she swiped to the next video.
"Test your endurance—see how many debuffs you can withstand!"
It was a compilation of absurd challenge videos. On the 100th floor, after the surge of debuff potions went on sale, players didn't use them to weaken monsters for grinding—instead, they used them on themselves.
On the screen, countless players had the black words "Abnormal Status" floating over their heads. With each new effect added, they screamed in agony, only to keep going. It was as if they wouldn't stop until they reached ninety-nine stacks.
The results were disastrous—most fainted between thirty and forty layers. Even elite players collapsed around forty. Only two people managed to surpass fifty: Starlight and Moemoe Tora. Kurumi couldn't help but raise an amused eyebrow at their recklessness.
"Hehe." Watching the ridiculous clips, Kurumi chuckled softly.
"The time has come. Tomorrow... the ending will arrive." Her voice lowered as she twirled a strand of her beautiful black hair around her finger. "In Guilty Crown, my ending was joyful yet bittersweet. This time, I want it to be sorrowful yet romantic... the kind of ending that will be remembered forever."
Her elegant smile lingered, but behind it glimmered a dark, cunning light.