Before I knew it, Yuuri had stepped forward and stood face-to-face with someone dressed in fluorescent pink.
"So you're the ones recommended by the current Champion and the Sinnoh Champion, those famous names everyone talks about."
The boy spoke while smoothing his hair, his eyes filled with condescension.
"Trash."
"What?"
"The chairman recommended me for this Gym Challenge. If you ask me who's better, the Champion or the chairman, it's the chairman. Everyone knows that. I had higher expectations. But just because this is my first time, not only was I excited about the people the Champion recommended, even Tian Song had expectations for people from elsewhere in the country. Don't you think that's utterly foolish?"
"!!"
"Yuri."
Yuuri was furious at his words and looked ready to grab her, but she caught his shoulder and calmed him down. Yuuri wasn't calm right now. I ought to step forward.
"So, Mr. Fluorescent Pink, what exactly do you want?"
"Who are you calling Fluorescent Pink?!"
"Oh, sorry. I didn't know your name, so that's just what I called you in my head."
I really was sorry. That was entirely my fault.
"That's because country bumpkins don't understand how good this style is."
I really liked that outfit. I was truly sorry.
"Fine, I'll make a special exception and tell you my name-the name of someone who'll breeze through this challenge and become Champion. I'm Bede, an outstanding Trainer recommended by the chairman."
"Thank you for introducing yourself. I'm Filia, and this is Yuuri."
"Yes, I know."
He spoke with a faintly mocking expression, one corner of his mouth raised. I didn't mind, but that expression looked painful. Well, never mind. For now, I had to handle this calmly and stop Yuuri from trembling. "And I know you're much weaker than me.