Shen Qi reckoned it was simply that his Pokémon had been communicating more intimately in private. It went without saying that Lopunny could only partner with Lilligant for racing.
It was not a critical issue, so there was no need to dig deeper.
"Shen Qi... don't you need my help?"
Lopunny gazed expectantly at Shen Qi with her dark gold eyes.
Chansey had said that her own way of unleashing moves was too violent, and Shen Qi needed to use extra Normal-type Energy Coordination to temper it. She hoped Lopunny would not pick up the wrong habits.
"Me? You definitely can't work with me. At least, not for a long time to come."
"Na?"
Lopunny frowned with some urgency, her body leaning forward involuntarily.
She would not accept that!
She wanted an answer.
"There's no complicated answer. It's simply because you'd faint..."
"Na..."
At that, Lopunny felt both wronged and frustrated.
She had no problem snuggling with Lilligant or Chansey, nor with touching Porygon, who had a male soul. But touching Shen Qi...
She cared too much, perhaps...
Shen Qi knew it was because Lopunny cared too much, and Lopunny herself had roughly guessed why she fainted so easily.
Partnering with Lilligant was fine, too. She had moved into the Small Courtyard, after all, and would have plenty of chances to interact with Shen Qi. They would be living together often in the future, so she would gradually get used to it.
"Well then, I look forward to working with you."
Shen Qi bent down and held out an index finger.
Shaking hands with Shen Qi was too stimulating for Lopunny to handle. Holding a finger was already her limit.
A soft sensation came through his fingertip, and Lopunny looked a little unsteady on her feet.
Shen Qi moved closer,