Everyone is happy and laughing, even Kurorin is more open and casual than normal, and I've just plopped myself into his lap, sitting on one of his thighs and leaning across him, when I notice my Aibou quickly excusing himself from the room.

I frown, and sigh, and look to Kurorin, speaking quietly so the others don't notice or hear. "You'll have to excuse me a moment, Kurorin."

I kiss his cheek and hop back down out of his lap, wandering off and out of the room after Emi.

"Something wrong, Aibou?" I ask gently when I find him, just outside the door. He's staring at his hands, and I look too, until I see how badly the fingers of his avatar are flickering.

"Emi?" I step closer, reaching nervously for his wrist.