Since I was the only one on the road, I had not expected to say Kaim's name, but it slipped out unconsciously. Cynthia was a little surprised by how strongly his presence had taken root inside her, yet at the same time, she had no doubts about it.
"When you said, 'I want to be beside you,' at the Pokémon League Stadium, I was really happy. I want to be beside you too."
"Really?"
"You've been by my side ever since the League ended."
"Ah."
"I'm already an adult. I know we can't be together twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. But I... I want you beside me. The time I spend with you makes me feel warm, Kaim."
Cynthia had met many people in her life, but only Kaim made her feel warm and at home.
"Hehe, you're saying things that make me happy."
"Are you sure? It's true."
"I don't dislike it. Hearing it doesn't upset me, so I have no intention of stopping you."
"Will you tell me too?"
"If you want."
He answered briefly, but Cynthia knew he would say what he wanted when the time was right. So she did not press him any further.
"What about tomorrow?"
"I have an early start."
"Then go to sleep early. You'll feel it tomorrow."
"I know. But just a little longer."
"Just a little, then."
He looked after her and urged her to go to bed early, but he did not force her. Even so, Kaim wanted to hear Cynthia's voice for as long as possible. So he did not stop her.
The two chatted over the phone, then hung up when the time was right.
Hearing Kaim's voice had put Cynthia in a wonderful mood, and she drifted comfortably off to sleep.
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