lol, I skipped the WHOLE volume 2 because it's a flashback, or a gaiden now that I know it. and Asuna didn't pop out from somewhere just like that, if you read the last few chapters of volume 1, the author does explain why Asuna tries to get close to Kirito and I think it's quite good, at least for me.
I'm actually thought the same like you Tsunade666, "wtf with this girl she's forcing herself to our hero without reason!?" was what I thought, before I read the later chapter.
Volume 2 is about Kirito turning into the lonely fighter after he joined a guild but hid his true level to them which later indirectly caused the death of members of that guild no?
is there any other stories that is interesting?
edit: I somewhat think Kirito is stupid to "delete" his SAO account/avatar and started all new one. Does it mention somewhere about the reason? because starting from 0 is just a full waste of time. I believe Asuna didn't delete her or did she?