"Aoki, congratulations. You've successfully earned the Feather Badge."
Naqi spoke with genuine warmth, her heart quietly swelling with happiness at Aoki's progress.
"Thanks for the battle. Your Pokémon are exceptionally well-trained," Aoki replied, smiling as he playfully pinched Naqi's cheek.
Naqi's face flushed slightly, and she lightly patted his hand away, her expression flustered yet sweet.
"Well, make sure you reach the Champion rank at the Ever Grande Conference," she added with a soft voice.
"Of course. Naqi, Kamizrei, let's head over to the Pokémon Center first."
Aoki casually draped an arm around Kamizrei's shoulder, his hand resting gently along her waist. After all, Kamizrei was also his partner—she couldn't be neglected.
"Mm-hmm."
The group made their way to the Pokémon Center, where they healed their Pokémon from the earlier intense matches.
That afternoon, Naqi officiated another Gym match for Kamizrei, who had requested an official challenge. Naqi respected the rules and chose not to send out her trump card—her powerful Altaria that was known for mastering Dragon Dance and Moonblast. Instead, she battled according to standard regulations with her other Pokémon, such as her Pelipper and Lanturn.
Kamizrei, with sharp command and precise tactics, eventually secured victory.
That evening, Aoki invited both Naqi and Kamizrei to dinner, a meal he personally prepared using the finest ingredients he had gathered from various routes—berries, fish Pokémon, and a perfectly seasoned Poké Poffin side dish. It was his way of showing appreciation and celebrating the day's accomplishments.
By the time dinner was finished, the moon hung high. Aoki, feeling bold, wished Naqi would stay longer.
Unfortunately, she declined. She feared Aoki's increasingly bold demeanor. If she stayed, she wasn't confident she could keep her resolve. Despite her developing feelings for him, she was not ready to commit that far.
Left with no choice, Aoki walked Naqi back to her place. Kamizrei, still feeling the strain from her battle, had opted to rest in the hotel.
As they arrived at the entrance to Naqi's residence, Aoki sensed something off. Naqi also noticed and narrowed her eyes.
A tall man stood near the door. His greenish-blonde hair peeked from beneath his elegant white hat, and his stylish outfit screamed sophistication. He was draped in a flowing white cape, and his uniform bore the insignia of the Hoenn Elite.
It was Wallace—the current Champion of the Hoenn region and a renowned Water-type specialist. His signature Pokémon was the elegant Milotic, known for its Hypnosis and Aqua Ring combo.
"Miss Naqi, you're finally back. I've been waiting here for a while," Wallace said in his usual elegant tone. Then his eyes landed on Aoki. "And this is… a friend of yours?"
Before Aoki could respond, Naqi stepped forward and grabbed his arm, pressing herself close to him.
"He's my boyfriend. I'm sorry, Wallace. You're an incredible man, but I just don't see a future between us."
Wallace's elegant expression faltered slightly. His courtship of Naqi had been persistent, but she never reciprocated. Still, hearing it outright stunned him.
Aoki remained silent, but inwardly, he was smug. Wallace, the Hoenn Champion, had just inadvertently helped solidify his place next to Naqi.
"I see… so it's like that." Wallace forced a graceful smile. "It seems fate isn't on my side. I wish you both happiness."
With a graceful turn, Wallace disappeared into the night, cape fluttering like waves behind him.
Naqi let out a breath of relief, but she quickly turned to Aoki. "Aoki, I hope you're not misunderstanding anything. There's really nothing between us. He's been pursuing me, but I never gave him any hope."
"What? You think I'm jealous?" Aoki teased with a confident grin. "If anything, it just proves my taste is excellent."
He slipped his arms around her waist, holding her close. His intense gaze made her heart pound.
That look—it made her nervous. Was he going to kiss her? Take things further?
"Aoki… d-don't. We're still young. Don't rush things," she whispered, cheeks burning.
Aoki grinned mischievously. "Oh? But you already admitted you're my girlfriend. Doesn't that mean I should get a reward?"
The darkness concealed Naqi's deep blush. But she understood exactly what kind of 'reward' Aoki was hinting at.
Silently, she gathered her courage, tiptoed, and gently kissed him on the cheek.
The two separated quickly.
"I have things to do… I'm leaving now," Naqi stammered and turned away, escaping into her home before she lost her composure. She feared that if she stayed another second, Aoki would take things even further.
Aoki wiped the corner of his mouth, looking proud of himself.
"What a good day," he muttered.
Still, he knew the Ever Grande Conference was still half a year away. He needed to train harder, win the tournament, and then spend every day happily with both Naqi and Kamizrei.
No—he shook his head. He had to stay focused. If he let these kinds of thoughts fester, he might slip.
Aoki turned and headed back. Kamizrei was still waiting at the Pokémon Center, and if he stayed out too long, she might get the wrong idea. And if Kamizrei got jealous, it could get messy.
When he arrived, Kamizrei was already standing at the entrance of their hotel. Arms folded, she stared at him with narrowed eyes and a knowing smirk.
"Aoki, back so soon? Or did you finish your 'business' faster than expected?"
Aoki froze. The tone in her voice stung. He knew Kamizrei was sharp, and teasing. He couldn't let her get the upper hand.
He walked up with a grin and pulled her into his arms.
"What are you talking about? You've seen my Pokémon battle. I'm not just strong in battle—I'm strong in every way."
Kamizrei blushed at his forwardness, gently pushing him away.
"Aoki, it's late. Let's rest. Tomorrow's another day."
Aoki didn't press further. He smirked. One day soon, he'd win her over completely—and then she'd tremble in his arms.
That day wasn't far off. Kamizrei, just wait.
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