Mentor Toyokawa glanced at Xinhai helplessly, as if seeking his opinion.
Xinhai smiled and nodded. "Of course."
"Yay!" May gave a little cheer, then crouched down and gently stroked Eevee's ears. "Eevee, did you hear that? I can come see you every day!"
"Vee." Eevee narrowed its eyes as well, letting out an agreeing cry.
Mentor Toyokawa rose to his feet, glanced at the clock on the wall, then lowered his head and said to May, "May, it's time for you to go back. The Gym Leader's call should be ending soon. He'll worry if he notices you're gone."
"I know, I know!" May reluctantly gave Eevee one last pat, then stood up and looked up at Xinhai. "See you tomorrow, Brother Xinhai! I'll come see Eevee again tomorrow!"
With that, she ran off toward the other end of the corridor in her little white shoes, her red skirt fluttering up and down as she ran. Before long, she vanished around the corner.
Xinhai stood up, settled Eevee back onto his shoulder, and looked in the direction May had disappeared, a warm smile in his eyes.
Mentor Toyokawa looked that way too, a gentle smile on his lips. "May, the Gym Leader's daughter. She's usually quite mischievous, but she's very lovable. It seems she really likes your Eevee."
"Looks like my Eevee likes her too." Xinhai tilted his head toward Eevee on his shoulder. The little one's tail was swaying lightly, and its big brown eyes were still fixed on the corridor corner.
Mentor Toyokawa chuckled. "That's good. I just hope the little one doesn't interfere with your training."
"It's fine, Mentor Toyokawa. Children's curiosity comes quickly and goes quickly. Once the novelty wears off in a couple of days, it'll be fine." Xinhai withdrew his gaze.
"Besides, Eevee really