Kaim stroked Metagross, who had Mikaki perched on his head. He could feel the cold steel of his body beneath his hand.
"I can't lose."
"Right. When our Pokémon are all fired up, we trainers can't afford to fall behind."
"Yeah."
Then Kaim finally turned his gaze toward Cynthia. Looking at Shirona's outfit, he frowned.
"What?"
"Nothing..."
Cynthia wore a fitted sweatshirt and a black hoodie, which was perfectly normal. Cynthia owned several similar outfits for lounging at home, so Kaim should have had no reason to feel uncomfortable.
The problem was the hoodie's size. It was a little too big for Cynthia, hiding her hands and hanging somewhat low. Kaim had the impression that Cynthia didn't wear baggy clothes, so the slightly loose fit felt out of place.
And so Kaim reached a conclusion.
"Hey, that hoodie. Don't tell me..."
"Yes, it's yours."
Kaim sighed at Cynthia's brazen reply.
"Why are you wearing mine?"
"Is that bad?"
"My bean paste."
"I don't mind. I want to wear it."
Seeing a woman in a man's hoodie, not just his shirt, was a man's dream, and Kaim was no exception. All the more so when the woman was a beauty like Shirona. He wanted to see more, even as reason held him back.
"...Do whatever you want."
"Would you like to wear my clothes too, Kaim?"
"Idiot."
Kaim sighed helplessly and walked past Cynthia. Saying he was going to take a bath, he left.
Left behind, Shirona watched Metagross and Mikarus, who were still communicating, and let out a soft sigh.
"'I can't lose,' huh? I have to do my best too."
That curry had only been possible thanks to Kaim's help. Besides, Cynthia couldn't possibly have cooked it alone.
But one day, she would have to manage it herself. Cynthia