Although Bea's opponents on this trip to Sinnoh had generally been rather weak, the trip had still been worth the airfare. She had gotten some practice, so it had not been entirely fruitless.
After saying goodbye to Maylene, Xia You took her to the local Pokémon Center.
It was already dusk, and Xia You and Bea walked slowly along the city streets, shoulder to shoulder beneath the setting sun.
As they walked, however, Bea noticed that every pedestrian who passed them would look them over, which left her quite puzzled.
"Why... are they looking at us like that?"
Although she had always attracted attention before, the looks in these people's eyes today... seemed somewhat different.
"They must think we're a couple," Xia You said casually, without giving it much thought. "After all, when young people like us walk together-a handsome man and a beautiful woman-what else could they think?"
Bea's steps faltered, but she quickly resumed her usual pace.
She lowered her head slightly. Because of their difference in height, Xia You did not notice the faint blush on her face.
...Did he consider me a beautiful woman too?
She had once devoted herself entirely to training, with no experience in romance and no attention to her appearance. Naturally, she had no idea how others saw her. Hearing Xia You say this now inevitably stirred an unfamiliar feeling in her heart.
A couple...
When Xia You looked elsewhere, Bea stole a glance at him, then withdrew her gaze when he turned back.
The two fell silent and continued walking quietly. The atmosphere filled Bea with warmth, and she felt that simply walking on like this... seemed rather nice.
When they reached the outdoor Battle Field behind the Pokémon Center, Xia You spotted May and Cheryl immediately.
The two were still