Because it was getting late, Lillie had to go home. Otherwise, Professor Burnet and the others would start worrying. She had already spent far more time here than expected.
But what had started as a simple stroll to clear her mind had unexpectedly led her to this hidden corner of Hau'oli City, where Pokémon had a world of their own.
She felt like she wouldn't be able to sleep tonight from the excitement—especially now that she was joining Yorozuya.
Even though it wasn't official yet, and she still had to pass tomorrow's trial, at least now she wasn't just being protected by others. She finally had a chance to be useful.
Before leaving, she glanced at the Tandemaus on the counter and said in surprise, "They recovered so fast… It's only been an hour."
Hoshino stroked the gray one's head and replied, "Pokémon understand other Pokémon better than humans do. This street exists for them to relax. That hot berry tea and food? They're all Slowking's own special recipe. Of course, the effects are top-tier."
Hearing himself suddenly get mentioned, Slowking lazily said, "I added it to your tab. The little lady's drink too. That's on you."
"???"
Hoshino froze on the spot, while Lillie, realizing what had happened, suddenly understood—there was still so much she had to learn. She quickly walked over to settle her bill.
"I'll pay for everything—"
"Just pay for your own. Don't spoil him. If you let him get used to being taken care of, he'll evolve straight into a useless bum. The more broke he is, the harder he works. If there's no work, he just lazes around at home all day."
"Why are you exposing all my weaknesses tonight?!"
"Business is bad. Should I raise your rent? Yes? Or no?"
"…"
Hoshino was speechless. He couldn't win against this guy.
Watching him argue with Slowking, Lillie couldn't hold back a laugh. A human bickering with a Pokémon like this—it was kind of amazing.
More than that, she had seen a completely different side of Hoshino tonight. He was still his usual frustrating self when talking to her, but when he was with Pokémon, he was completely at ease.
That… made her a little jealous.
"Alright, I should head back now."
"I'll take you."
Hoshino offered before she could even ask. Lillie didn't have a Pokémon of her own, and even if she did, if those Meowth targeted her, she'd be in real danger.
As he turned to find Cyclizar, he spotted Machoke and a few other Pokémon trying to get it to drink berry liquor at a nearby table. Without hesitation, he jumped up and kicked them apart.
"You guys again?! Last time, I nearly got arrested for drunk driving thanks to you!"
As Hoshino got into another scuffle with the Pokémon, Lillie chuckled softly, then turned her gaze back to the counter.
Her eyes swept past the Slowpoke mascot before landing on the Pokémon egg.
"Hm? You keep eggs here?"
She walked up, studying it carefully. "This basket is well-made… But even indoors, in this weather, it's important to keep the egg warm—ideally around 38°C. The pattern is pretty. Looks like an Ice-type Pokémon, but I can't say for sure…"
Just as she finished speaking, Hoshino walked up beside her with Cyclizar. "Let's go."
"Mm."
—
Leaving Gengar behind to play with the Tandemaus, Hoshino got on Cyclizar, put on his helmet and goggles, and waited for Lillie to sit and hold onto the backrest. Once she was steady, he accelerated, heading toward the city.
Outside, the snow was still falling. Once they safely left Kabukicho, Hoshino spoke seriously. "Don't tell anyone about this place. And don't come here on your own. The stray Pokémon will attack humans without hesitation. It's dangerous."
"I understand."
Lillie was curious, but she also knew Kabukicho wasn't a simple place. She already had enough to process tonight—her real focus was on tomorrow.
"What time are we meeting tomorrow? Do I need to prepare anything?"
"Meet at 9 AM at the small park near Central Hospital. We'll see what Decidueye says from there."
"Alright, I'll be there on time!"
"Where do you want me to drop you off?"
"The Exeggutor Bus Stop. I can still catch the last bus home. No need for you and Cyclizar to go all the way to the outskirts."
"I was thinking of just dumping you by the roadside."
"…"
Lillie's eye twitched. She turned to glare at him, finally losing patience.
"Why do you always talk to me in this cold, dismissive tone? You're completely different when you talk to Pokémon! Can't you just act normal?!"
Hoshino opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off.
"There's something I've wanted to say for a while! You could actually try getting along with your classmates!
"At school, it looks like we're the ones ignoring you, but really, you're the one shutting us out. You're always alone, like Pokémon are the only thing in your life.
"Would it kill you to make some friends?"
As her words landed, the world seemed to go quiet.
The wind carried snowflakes against Hoshino's face, cold and wet as they melted.
His voice was colder. "Friends are too high-tier for me. I play single-player mode. No co-op needed."
But Lillie just stared at him and, after a brief pause, softly asked, "Are you… socially anxious?"
"???"
"You try to minimize your presence. You don't care what others think, and when you do talk, you act distant and unapproachable, avoiding conversation as much as possible.
"But with Pokémon, you're natural. You're yourself.
"You hide from people, but you don't hide from them. My analysis isn't wrong, is it?"
Hoshino nearly slammed the brakes. When did he become a social recluse?!
Just as he was about to argue, Lillie gave a self-deprecating smile.
"Actually… in some ways, you're like me. But when it comes to people and Pokémon, we're the opposite."
"I can't bring myself to touch Pokémon, but because of that, people take care of me. I've made a lot of friends.
"You struggle with people, but you open up completely to Pokémon."
Hoshino's irritation spiked. "What are you getting at?!"
Lillie smiled sincerely and said, "I'm saying… Let me be your first friend!"
"…What?"
"A friend. That way, you won't be alone anymore.
"I was able to change thanks to my friends, so this time, I want to help you."
"…"
Hoshino slowly hit the brakes.
Up ahead was the bus stop.
Lillie hopped off lightly, stretching as if the cold didn't bother her at all.
Then she turned back to him, pulled out her phone, and said, "I just realized—I don't have your number or contacts. Let's exchange info. Otherwise, I might not find you tomorrow."
"Mm…"
"Done! See you tomorrow~"
She waved and boarded the bus.
Hoshino watched her leave, unsure what expression to make. He sat there for a long moment before muttering, "I think… I just got schooled by the young lady."
"Cycli~"
"Don't laugh at me… Seriously. She just decided we're friends on her own. Naïve, isn't she? …No, I guess she's actually impressive. I couldn't argue with her at all."
Hoshino shook his head.
Friends weren't something you decided to have in a day. They just happened, gradually.
And then, just as quietly, they disappeared.
"Ugh. Dealing with people is exhausting… Whatever. Let's go home. That barbecue plan is still on!"
"Cycli~"
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