Because Sora held the key, she didn't want to hand over the symbol of authority to open her older brother's room to anyone else.
So when Asuna suggested, "Let's try logging into the game using the three full-dive devices we have right now." she promptly stood up, unlocked the room again, and retrieved a motorcycle helmet that looked like it hadn't been used in ages, along with its various cables. She then watched as they began moving with keen interest.
"The NerveGear needs to be connected to the network cable and a power outlet. Yukino-san, do you know how to use this? The outlet is closer to your side—could you help?"
"I'll give it a try... Hmm, which port do I plug this into?"
"That's the network cable—plug it into the second port from the left. The power cable is this one... Oh, Sora-chan, can you help put this AmuSphere on Tenkuji-kun's head? I want to see if he can log in like this..."
"I'm impressed you thought of this method... Alright. Even though I've never touched this machine before, I know how to operate it."
"Oh? Sora-chan is really reliable. Let's play games together sometime~"
"Ah, playing games is fine... Wait, don't try to get so familiar with me!"
"Hehehe~ Caught me?"
For the time being, there was nothing Masuzu could do, so she crossed her arms and watched coldly as Asuna directed the others—unintentionally taking control of the room and easily becoming the center of attention.
After all, the idea of using game helmets as a gateway to cross the line between reality was hers. Only Asuna could gather enough helmets for everyone to use and know how to operate them. Masuzu had actually anticipated a situation like this.
If this method failed, someone else with a new idea would naturally take over and lead the effort. Those without a voice—like Masuzu herself—only needed to obey.
She didn't feel left out or resentful. Besides, she'd already been through far more uncomfortable feelings, and she was mentally prepared to be in the minority... She just wanted to know how someone else was feeling right now.
"How are you feeling? Like you've been pushed aside?"
Unable to resist the urge to provoke, Masuzu quietly approached Haruno and whispered with a smile.
Though her tone was friendly and attentive, her eyes looked delighted at the thought of someone else's misfortune. The corner of her mouth hinted at the malice of someone who would mock those who fell from a high place—even if she herself was already lying on the ground.
"Or, since you consider yourself the number one girlfriend, are you still calm in this situation, not caring at all about the danger of your position as the 'legitimate wife' being stolen?"
Even if only for a moment, Masuzu wanted to see this always calm and composed college student show an expression of resentment and anxiety.
"You really have too much free time..." Haruno only sighed in helplessness. She didn't even bother to look at Masuzu. Slouching lazily against the sofa, her eyes were slightly narrowed as if she was thinking about something else—something more important.
"Do you think I'm like a character in a Chinese historical drama or a Taiga drama, using every trick to win a spot in a harem and stand above young wives like you?"
Masuzu stared at her unchanged profile and scoffed lightly. "Not that far. I just thought you'd be a little bothered."
"Overthinking. If I had to get bothered by something like this, my brain cells would be exhausted from dealing with you all, wouldn't they?"
Haruno rolled her eyes widely, looking disgusted. "How could someone as narrow-minded and unenlightened as you be liked by Yuu-chan? It's truly confusing... And I take back what I said earlier about the current Yukino-chan being no match for you."
"If you always think about things like this, at best you'll just be a girlfriend he'll leave sooner or later. Who'd care about you—oh, wait."
Haruno suddenly remembered something. Her cold, impatient tone shifted in an instant. She turned her head with a smile and said to Masuzu:
"I am very bothered by the fact that you're also written in the same notebook as me!"
Her implication was clear: You don't even deserve to have your name on the same piece of paper as me. If you could, just leave already.
"Tch..."
(I got countered, huh.)
(This girl is really impossible to figure out.)
Masuzu clicked her tongue quietly. Yet her composure remained unshaken. As if she hadn't heard those harsh words, she continued without hesitation: "Your passion's been stolen by a new girlfriend who suddenly appeared. Don't you have even the slightest desire to take back control of the situation?"
"No. Are you satisfied now?"
Too lazy to waste words on her, Haruno's voice dropped straight to zero degrees. There was no expression on her face as she spoke casually: "The most important thing right now is for Yuu-chan to wake up. For that, I can forgive you—you who are provoking me for no reason—and even Asuna, who clearly isn't thinking that deeply."
She glanced at Masuzu. Her red eyes glinted with a sharp, cold light.
"I don't know how much you've imagined me as some twisted person, but please remember: my goal is to be the one Yuu-chan loves the most, and to monopolize him as much as possible under that premise—I only play these little intrigue games with you occasionally. Don't think I'm as childish as you are."
"Got it. Is this what they call the 'magnanimity of an adult'? I was meddling too much."
Sensing the other person was almost seriously angry, Masuzu wisely took a step back. She ended the topic while keeping her distance.
Her withdrawn gaze landed gently on the floor. The bright silver-haired girl pursed her lips in thought.
It was a shame she hadn't achieved her goal of provoking Haruno, but after talking so much, she hadn't come away empty-handed—at the very least, she knew what Haruno was thinking now, and could respond better in the future.
In a situation where her position and abilities were inferior, Masuzu could only play these unnecessary mind games to ensure she didn't lose her place in the future.
She was an insecure, troublesome girl—one who was also extremely suspicious.
...But since when had she grown used to sacrificing so many stupid things called "love" and "a place to belong"?
Since when had she become such an annoying person—like a villain?
Masuzu froze for a moment. Without realizing it, her gaze shifted to Yuu, who was sleeping soundly. There was a jumble of feelings in her heart—like when a boy accidentally pinches your skin while zipping up a jacket: annoying, and a little painful.
(It's all because of you, Yuu...)
(Because of you, I've become someone I'm not... The me who fell in love with you and the real me are completely different people.)
(So hurry up and wake up.)
Masuzu prayed from the bottom of her heart.
(If you're not by my side, then what's the point of all these changes I've made?)