Early the next morning, Xia You ate breakfast at the Pokémon Center and headed to the Celadon Gym again.
It was still early, so the construction workers had yet to start work, and the door to the temporary wooden hut was still locked. Xia You was in no hurry. He found a sunny spot and stood there, waiting quietly.
The morning breeze felt slightly chilly against him. Before long, Erika approached from a distance, accompanied by several pretty girls.
She was still dressed in a kimono today, but compared with her usual elaborate styles, this outfit was clearly better suited for traveling. Not only was it more fitted, but thin cords also cinched the sleeves and trouser legs.
He had to admit that every time he saw Erika, she wore a different style of kimono. He wondered whether it was a family rule or whether she simply liked dressing that way.
When she reached Xia You, she bowed slightly and said apologetically, "Sorry I'm late. Have you been waiting long?"
"Not at all." Xia You smiled. "I only just got here myself. Hmm... are you all ready? If everything's set, let's leave now!"
Erika nodded and took her backpack from one of the girls, then waved to them.
"You can head back now. This is far enough. I'll be leaving the Gym and the shop in your hands!"
The girls gathered around Erika with tears in their eyes, clearly reluctant to see her go.
"Erika! Please take care of yourself!"
"Erika, make sure you come back soon!"
"Erika..."
For a while, Xia You's ears were filled with the girls' chatter. Although each of their voices was pleasant on its own, all of them overlapping sounded like nothing but a noisy jumble. The racket was making his head spin!
"Oh, you