The Pokémon Center's reception desk was as familiar as ever: an off-white marble counter, with an entire wall of display screens behind it scrolling all kinds of information.
Nurse Joy and several other medical staff stood behind the reception desk, treating Trainers' Pokémon and handling various services.
Xinhai headed toward the queue, but when he saw Ryosuke Onodera and the other two walking straight toward the front desk, he scratched his head in frustration.
After only a few steps, they noticed Xinhai lining up behind them.
Ryosuke Onodera stopped, walked back, and looked at Xinhai in confusion. "Xinhai, I remember you have a Pokédex! Why are you lining up at the back?"
Knowing the question was coming, Xinhai glanced at the few Trainers ahead who had turned to look at them, spread his hands, and said, "I'm used to lining up. Going straight to the front always makes me feel a little awkward."
"Huh?" Ryosuke Onodera froze at that answer, momentarily unsure of what to do.
Yuma Kamiya immediately pulled him away and said to Xinhai, "Xinhai, we'll go handle our lodging at the front desk first. We can chat later when we have time."
Xinhai nodded. "All right. Then I'll wish you good results in the Pokémon Contest ahead of time."
Yuma Kamiya smiled and nodded, pulling Ryosuke Onodera toward the front.
Watching the three of them check in directly with Nurse Joy, Xinhai thought with mixed feelings, Yuma's intuition is sharp. Most people probably would have frozen up just like Ryosuke Onodera did.
This was my fault. I should have left the line earlier and avoided the awkwardness afterward... But this is fine too. I was suited to traveling alone anyway. It'll be easier to act on my own.
As Xinhai thought that, Gardevoir suddenly took his hand.