"Feeling good now?"
"Barruya!"
Dragapult narrowed its long, slitted eyes in absolute satisfaction.
That fight had been refreshingly cathartic.
Let's see if that brat Reggie dared to run his mouth again after this.
"Alright, time to head out. Come back for now."
Chen Shi gave Dragapult's head a gentle pat and recalled it.
As the Poké Ball clicked shut, he couldn't help thinking about Reggie again.
He genuinely hated that guy—
even more than Reggie's future little brother, Paul.
And that was saying something.
Hard to imagine how Cynthia's grandfather, Professor Rowan, later managed to beat Reggie into a completely different man—
turning him from this arrogant jerk…
into a soft-hearted, passionate Breeder.
Honestly?
Unbelievable.
Without realizing it, Chen Shi had already reached the elevator.
He raised his hand to press the button—
—but the doors slid open first.
Inside stood Steven, Cynthia, and Phoebe.
"You guys… going somewhere?"
Chen Shi blinked.
He'd just finished his match, yet the three of them looked like they were ready to head out on a group excursion.
Phoebe waved cheerfully.
"Chen Shi~! Since it's still early, let's go walk around town together! We're all free!"
Chen Shi looked at Steven and Cynthia.
Both nodded.
He shrugged.
"Sure. Steven, did you pick up Metagross from Nurse Joy? If so, we can go now."
"Already arranged," Steven said smoothly. "We'll grab it on the way."
White Silver Town — Crowded Chaos
Even though the World Championship had been going for days, the town was still packed.
The four had barely walked a few steps before fans mobbed them.
After being blocked multiple times, they eventually gave up and put on hats and masks.
Most of the chaos, of course, was aimed at Cynthia.
She was beauty and strength rolled into one.
Once famous only in Sinnoh—
now the entire world screamed her name.
To many, she wasn't just a Trainer.
She was a goddess.
Even combined, Steven and Chen Shi's fans didn't come close to hers.
Worse, Cynthia's fans were the dangerous kind.
They rushed in screaming "GODDESS!!"
Some bold ones even yelled—
"WIFE!!"
Completely unhinged.
Chen Shi almost snapped.
If not for his last thread of sanity, he might've released Dragapult to terrify them all back home.
But the anger?
Oh, the anger was VERY real.
Wife…?
He hadn't even called her that yet!
So now, Chen Shi walked with a dark expression, side-by-side with Cynthia, both silent.
Cynthia noticed instantly.
She didn't comment—
but beneath her mask, she was smiling.
Behind them, Phoebe whispered:
"Steven… doesn't it feel weird today?"
She'd noticed it long ago.
Cynthia and Chen Shi weren't chatting.
Weren't sightseeing.
Weren't doing anything except—
Walking.
Straight.
Forward.
Silently.
Steven looked ahead.
"These two are definitely off."
Phoebe's eyes sparkled.
"I think I know what's going on."
Steven nearly choked.
You… know? Know WHAT?
Before he could react—
Phoebe quietly extended her hand…
And hooked her pinky finger around Chen Shi's.
Steven nearly had a heart attack.
He yanked Phoebe back and gave her the
ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE!?
look.
Do NOT provoke them right now!
If Cynthia noticed, she'd tear her apart!
But Phoebe only gave him a mysterious smirk.
Ahead—
Chen Shi felt a tiny touch at his fingertips.
His heart jumped.
Ah… so Cynthia's being shy, huh?
If she wanted to hold his hand, she could just say it…
No need for this coy routine.
Given how cool she always acted, it made sense she felt shy.
In that case—
Let him take the lead.
He cleared his throat softly.
Then very carefully reached his hand sideways—
Every movement witnessed by the two gossip demons behind them.
Phoebe practically vibrated with excitement.
Steven finally understood and silently cheered his friend on.
Come on, Chen Shi…
a little more…
just a bit higher…
YES—
Inside their Poké Balls—
Every Pokémon was watching too.
Garchomp, Milotic, Glaceon… all peeking out.
Dragapult and its Dreepy trembled with excitement.
Swampert looked ready to burst out and manually GUIDE Chen Shi's hand into Cynthia's.
LOOK PROPERLY!!
STOP FUMBLING!!
YOU'RE KILLING ME!!
Cynthia, unaware of the chaos behind her, was glancing at food stalls—
Until she suddenly felt a warm hand wrap around hers.
Her entire body jolted.
Her face—
from neck to ears—
flushed crimson beneath her mask.
She turned her head slightly, giving a tiny glance at the boy beside her.
A soft, warm joy blossomed quietly in her chest.
Behind them—
Utter pandemonium.
Phoebe clutched Steven's arm with a squeal so loud he thought she broke something.
Steven wanted to cry.
Why are YOU squeezing MY hand!?
It's THEM who held hands!
Phoebe whispered triumphantly:
"Aren't I amazing?"
Steven sighed…
and raised a silent thumbs-up.
Ahead—
Chen Shi was practically glowing.
And Cynthia—
She didn't pull away.
Their hands shifted—
gently, naturally—
until their fingers slid together…
and held—
interlocked.
Ten fingers entwined.
Hand in hand.
Together.
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