r/Anime_Romance

["To the future me,

It's been a long time since I've written in this dairy. These days I'm worried I'll forget what's happened to me since I came back to the real world. So, I'll write how I feel now in case I do.

I met Kirito four years ago, but I only remember the last two. The moments with him I can still remember are precious. Like Jewels. There's a good chance Ordinal Scale will make me forget things more and more. And that scares me. But as long as I can keep making new memories with Kirito, I should be fine.

My calendar says I'm supposed to go to the mountains in Saitama in a couple of days. To watch the stars with him. But I don't remember the day we made plans to go there anymore. I went back and read this diary and from what I can tell, Kirito said he wanted to give me some kind of present. I hope he'll forgive me for not remembering what. I want to get him something but since I'm not allowed to have a job yet, I'm going to use all my points and whatever I have saved to buy him a gift.

My Beloved Kirito. What'll I do if I forget him? What'll I do if I forget these feelings I have? And what if it turns out I can't make new memories with him? It scares me to even think about it.

I pray that the person I am tomorrow, doesn't forget the feelings I have for him now"] -Asuna's diary entry; 27th April, 2026

.....

[Kirito: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Asuna: I love you, Kirito. So much. Even if I forget everything that happened in SAO, my feelings for you will never ever change

Kirito: They won't for me either. I love you. Always have. Always Will.]

---

I don't think I need to explain why this exact moment in Ordinal Scale makes my vision blurry everytime I see it. The fact that Asuna is willing to hold her feelings for Kirito even after forgetting the memories of SAO tells us how unwavering her love for Kirito is. And for someone like Kirito, who doesn't usually verbalizes his emotions said, "I Love You" through words shows how much the situation had affected him.

Ordinal Scale had given us another example of the lengths Kirito is willing to go when it comes to Asuna, her memories, happiness and her smile. The way he took down every old SAO boss that appeared in that night through Ordianl Scale. So that he could level up his rank and bring back Asuna's stolen memories. Another proof that he would choose Asuna over and over again.

Asuna's love is grounded, warm and born through hardship rather than casual romance. And if there's anyone who deserves her love, it's Kirito.

There's this... Indescribable feeling I get when I rewatch/reread some of their most memorable moments and it just feels so natural. Like two living, breathing people deeply in love with each other, and not just two characters in a show. No other romance in fiction was able to make me feel that way.

I guess that's the beauty of Mutual Love, when both sides are equally committed and devoted from the heart.

Thank You to Reki Kawahara for giving us something So Special.

[Floor 22, Aincrad- October, 2024

Kirito: There's this one spot in my town, It's very famous for stargazing. It's even got a tiny observatory.

Asuna: Oh, I know! Let's make a date to go see the stars there someday.

Kirito: Yeah... Someday

Asuna: We just have to make sure we survive long enough to clear this game.

Kirito: Yeah. And as soon as we do, I'll get you a real ring.

.....

Mount Dodaira- 4th May, 2026

Kirito: Do you remember what we promised each other in Aincrad now?

Asuna: What? To go stargazing?

Kirito: Well, yeah. Th-that was a part of it...

Asuna: (Laughs) I'm kidding. You said if we ever got out, you'de give me a real ring.

Here, for you.

Kirito: Uhmm...

Asuna: It's not fare if you're the only one handing out presents. So I got you one.

Kirito: Thank You.

Asuna: (Opens her palm to reveal the ring) This time, put it on my finger. And this time, for real.

(Kirito puts the ring on Asuna's finger. And the two Lovebirds kiss)]

---

And that officially marks the end of Ordinal Scale as of today, (May 4th, 2026). What I love about the movie is how it stars with a shared promise and ends with fulfilling it. And it was a relief to see how Asuna remembered everything again.

The reason I love Ordinal Scale so much is because, how one of the core pillars of it circles around their love story. Sure, the introduction of the Augma device was a unique twist, a break from all the VR adventures and it had a really compelling plot and convinced characters... But the reason I like it the most is because how it gave us, yet another example of Kirito's love for Asuna and how much they cherish their memories and moments together.

The sadness of Asuna when she begins to loose her memories, to how Kirito blazed through the city to defeat every SAO boss that appeared that night to rank up in Ordinal Scale... All of it had a touching narrative to it under all the actions and storyline.

On my last post, I mentioned how I feel something warm and unexplainable in my chest when I see those two together, and I still stand by it. What they have is truly special and it makes us feel for them, even though they are fictional. That's why they are remembered in our hearts.

"When characters change or reshape your perspective about important aspects of your life, they stop living behind the screen as pixels and strats to live in your heart as symbols"

Kirito and Asuna will always be the Symbol of how Devoted Love looks like...

Link: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/109910476

Art by さぶたろ

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru).

Anime: Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!? - Episode 12