There would have been plenty of possibilities if they thought about it, but Kaim would not try them. As long as they were all Gym Leaders, they probably could not think of any option besides battling.
"Hehe! Can I ask you some more questions?"
"That's fine, but you're already about to fall for me, aren't you?"
"Don't go there!"
"No. Rejected."
Kaim's quip made Shirona and Suzuna burst out laughing.
*
"It's cold."
When I finished eating and left the shop, cool air brushed my cheeks. As the northernmost city in the northern Sinnoh Region, the cold was quite intense.
"It's still autumn elsewhere, but Kisaki City is already as cold as the depths of winter. I like this cold."
Her high school uniform skirt reached her knees. Just looking at it made one feel cold, but Suzuna was perfectly composed.
"This cold is one of this land's defining features, too."
"Yes, I've visited a lot of cities, but somehow, I seem especially fond of this place."
"I'm very attached to it."
"Feelings matter, don't they?"
As she spoke, Shirona turned her gaze toward Kaim, who stood beside her. Noticing her words and her gaze, Kaim understood what she meant and nodded slightly.
"Oh, yeah."
I want to know. More about each other.
Cynthia and Kaim shared the same thought. They wanted to know everything about each other and make it their own. It was something akin to a desire for exclusivity. And so their conversation never stopped. Getting to know each other. And allowing it.
"Thank you for today, Suna."
"No! I had fun talking with you too, Miss Cynthia!"
He had learned about Cynthia's private life, and for Suzuna, it had been immensely meaningful in terms of both battling and finding her course. Nothing had been decided today.