"He's my friend," Hinoa explained casually.
"A 'friend'," Yomogi repeated, giving Hinoa a look that said, I understand completely.
"Don't be naughty. Bring us your best Bunny Dango. I'm treating someone today," Hinoa said, ruffling Yomogi's hair with a hint of exasperation.
"Got it, Sister Hinoa!" Yomogi giggled, covering her mouth as she trotted off.
"Sit down, Zhang Tian," Hinoa said, leading him to a table.
"Zhang Tian, thank you for the game console," she said gratefully. "You have no idea how boring my work can be. Most of the time, I can't do anything but sit and daydream. With the console, I can finally pass the time."
"There's no need to be so formal, Hinoa," he replied with a slight smile, waving his hand dismissively. "Didn't you treat me to dinner?"
"This is different," she said, shaking her head. She took a Petalace from her sleeve and handed it to him. "I made this. When you're out hunting, if you encounter a Spiribird, it will temporarily boost your strength. I hope it's useful to you."
"This is great. Thank you, Hinoa." Zhang Tian nodded, accepting the gift and putting it on his left wrist.
"It's nothing. Even if I didn't give it to you, the Village Chief would have found a chance to give you one. You are a resident hunter, after all," she said.
"Sister Hinoa, and Sister Hinoa's boyfriend, your Bunny Dango is here!" Yomogi returned with a large platter of food, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Don't talk nonsense! He's not my boyfriend... yet," Hinoa blurted out, her face flushing with a shy embarrassment.
"Not yet? So he will be later, then?" Yomogi giggled, setting the food on the table. "Big brother, do you like Sister Hinoa?" she asked Zhang Tian, blinking her eyes playfully.
Hearing the question, Hinoa's face turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Of course, I do," Zhang Tian replied with a smile, deciding to be direct. "In the words of my hometown, 'A fair maiden is a gentleman's good pursuit.' Hinoa is beautiful, has a great personality, and is very strong. With all those wonderful qualities, of course I like her."
"That's right! If you like someone, you should say it boldly!" Yomogi clapped her hands excitedly.
"Okay, let's just eat," Hinoa mumbled, lowering her head, her ears bright red.
She didn't run away, and she's not angry. It seems she doesn't dislike me. I still have a chance, Zhang Tian thought, watching her reaction.
"Alright, Yomogi, could you get us two drinks?" he asked with a smile.
"Of course!" Yomogi nodded and turned to leave.
Jokes were best in moderation. Zhang Tian had used the small request to send Yomogi away and give Hinoa a chance to compose herself.
"Okay, Hinoa, time to eat." He speared a dango with a bamboo skewer and popped it into his mouth. It was apple-flavored and very sweet. "Delicious," he said with a satisfied nod.
Seeing him start to eat, Hinoa visibly relaxed and began to eat as well. The distraction of the food gradually eased her nervousness.
"Zhang Tian, were you injured during your hunt today?" she asked after a moment.
"I wasn't, but I did run into a bit of a situation. I encountered a Blood Orange Bishaten. The outcome was good, though. I managed to subdue it," he replied, shaking his head.
"You really did? You subdued a Blood Orange Bishaten? Your strength is already comparable to a mid-rank hunter's," Hinoa said, her face puffed out as she chewed. "The Blood Orange Bishaten's ecological standing is on par with a Rathian. I have a lot of Rathian quests here. Do you want to take one?"
"Not just yet. I want to rest for a few days." Zhang Tian shook his head, declining the offer. His exam was in five days; he had no time to hunt a Rathian. Besides, the Tetranadon meat would last them for more than ten days, so there was no rush. He hadn't forgotten his motto: lay low and develop safely.
"Your drinks are here!" Yomogi returned. "Sister Hinoa, and Sister Hinoa's boyfriend, please enjoy. I have to go now." She gave an apologetic bow and trotted off.
"More customers. Yomogi is really busy," Zhang Tian commented, watching another hunter walk in.
"Yomogi's Bunny Dango is very famous. Hunters from all over, as well as our local ones, love to come here," Hinoa said, smoothly changing the subject. She then looked at him with a hint of embarrassment and a pleading tone. "That story, 'Hou Yi Shoots the Suns'... you haven't finished it. Could you... continue?"
"Of course!" he nodded. He hadn't realized how much she enjoyed listening to stories. The game's background lore never mentioned this side of her. It was a reminder that the game was not reality; it couldn't possibly capture every detail of a person.
"I ate well! I'm really happy today!" After finishing their meal and listening to several more stories, Hinoa walked out of the tea shop, completely satisfied.
"Zhang Tian, see you later," she said, turning back to wave goodbye. "I'm heading home. My sister is still waiting for me."
"See you later. Next time, I'll treat you to some of my hometown's specialties," he nodded, waving back.
"Time to go home," Zhang Tian said, stretching as he walked back to his house.
Five days later, at six in the morning, Zhang Tian got up and began his preparations. Today was the day of the exam. He usually woke up at eight, but he wanted to be ready.
After five days of training, he and his Pokémon had grown even stronger. Zhang Tian, the Escuregot, and the Great Izuchi had all reached Level 39. His Pidgeotto had also reached Level 39 and, at some point, had evolved into a Pidgeot. The Tobi-Kadachi and the Arzuros had both reached Level 40, officially stepping into the Gym Leader tier. As for the Blood Orange Bishaten, it was still Level 47, but was on the verge of reaching Level 48.
Once he was ready, he locked the door and activated his traversal. He appeared in the living room of his old country home.
"Traveling trainer, here I come!" He pumped his fist, then walked out into the courtyard.
"Pidgeot, let's go!" He threw out a Poké Ball, and the majestic bird Pokémon appeared. He leaped onto its back.
"SKREEEE!" With a mighty cry, Pidgeot soared into the sky, carrying him toward his school.
"A Pidgeot!" a middle school student on his way to school exclaimed, looking up with envy as the magnificent Pokémon flew overhead.