In the bathroom, Aimi squatted on the floor, covering her face, completely stunned for a full minute.
Her mind was a mess, filled entirely with the scenes from just now.
Roy had entered the bathroom and seen her panties...
Roy had picked up her panties...
Roy had neatly set her panties aside...
Those panties were ones she had just taken off, still carrying sweat and perhaps... other scents...
"Ahhh~"
Aimi screamed frantically in her heart, her face so hot she could fry an egg.
She squatted there until her legs went numb before slowly standing up.
She walked to the clothes rack and reached out to take her panties and bra.
When her fingers touched the light green panties, her movements paused.
A faint scent of sweat mixed with a unique fragrance drifted into her nose.
That was the scent of her own body.
Aimi's eyes instantly widened, her hand trembled, and the panties almost fell to the floor.
What had she just done?
How could she have done such a thing!
Her brain must be broken!
Aimi bit her lip hard, feeling like her entire being was about to catch fire.
She rushed to the sink with the panties, turned on the faucet, and pressed them under the cold water, scrubbing hard.
In the Sound of the rushing water, she scrubbed mechanically, her movements so fast it was as if she wanted to wash away the memory along with them.
She scrubbed again and again.
She applied laundry detergent three times.
She didn't stop until her fingers turned pale from scrubbing.
Wringing them dry, she hung them back on the rack.
Throughout the entire process, she didn't dare look at herself in the mirror.
Because she knew the person in the mirror definitely had a face as red as a monkey's butt.
After finishing, Aimi fled back to her room, dove into her bed, and wrapped herself into a ball.
I'm doomed, I'm doomed, I'm doomed...
How am I supposed to face Mr. Roy tomorrow...
She rolled back and forth on the bed, her mind in a total tangle.
Finally, without knowing when, she dizzily fell asleep.
...
Early the next morning.
Sunlight shone through the gap in the curtains, painting a golden line on the floor.
Aimi opened her eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling for a while.
Then, the memories of last night instantly came flooding back.
She bolted upright, clutching her chest and taking deep breaths.
It's fine, it's fine.
Maybe Mr. Roy didn't think anything of it?
Maybe he didn't care at all?
Yes, it must be that.
I shouldn't overthink it.
Aimi spent a long time mentally preparing herself before finally getting out of bed.
She changed her clothes and pushed open her bedroom door.
In the living room, Roy was sitting on the sofa drinking tea.
Pikachu and Eevee were squatted at his feet, the two little things looking up expectantly at the snacks in his hand.
"No, you can't eat snacks right after waking up," Roy said with a stern face.
Pikachu: "Pika pika chu..." (Just one small piece...)
Eevee: "Eevee~" (Please~)
Roy remained unmoved.
The two little guys immediately shifted their attention; seeing Aimi come out, they zoomed over and ran circles around her.
"Pika pika Pika pika!"
"Eevee Eevee!"
Aimi was amused and squatted down to pet their heads.
As she squatted, her collar opened slightly, revealing a small portion of her collarbone.
Roy took a glance and naturally looked away.
"Morning."
Aimi's body stiffened slightly, but she quickly adjusted, standing up and nodding. "Morning, Mr. Roy."
Tone: normal.
Expression: normal.
Gaze: not avoiding.
Good, just like that.
Aimi gave herself a thumbs-up in her heart.
Just then, the kitchen door opened, and Delia came out carrying breakfast.
"Everyone's awake? Perfect, come and eat."
She was wearing simple loungewear with her hair casually tied back, looking gentle and virtuous.
Misty followed behind her, the young girl rubbing her eyes, clearly having just woken up.
"Smells so good..." Misty sniffed. "What did Sister Delia make?"
"Fried eggs, bacon, toast, and milk," Delia said with a smile. "Quick, sit down and eat."
The group gathered around the dining table.
Ayano also came out of her room, her complexion much better than yesterday, and she walked with more energy.
She sat next to Delia and smiled as she served food to everyone.
"Eat more, Roy. Your training is hard work."
"Thank you, Auntie," Roy said as he took the chopsticks.
Aimi sat opposite Roy, eating with her head down without saying a word.
But her eyes would glance over from time to time.
A glance, then a quick withdrawal.
Another glance, then withdrawal again.
Delia noticed this, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.
She placed a fried egg on Aimi's plate. "Aimi, eat more. You'll be teaching Roy boxing in a bit, right?"
Aimi paused and nodded. "Um, yes."
"Then you must eat your fill," Delia said with a smile. "Boxing consumes a lot of energy."
The tips of Aimi's ears turned slightly red, and she gave a low hum of agreement.
Misty didn't notice any of this, focusing intently on the bacon on her plate.
After finishing the last piece, she gave a satisfied sigh. "Sister Delia's cooking is really delicious."
"If you like it, eat more," Delia said with a smile.
The breakfast was warm and lively.
...
After eating, Aimi started clearing the dishes.
Delia rushed to help. "I'll do it. You two go attend to your business."
Aimi wanted to say something, but Delia pushed her toward the door.
"Go on, go on. The air in the yard is good, perfect for practicing boxing."
Aimi had no choice but to put down what she was holding and look at Roy.
Roy had already stood up and was stretching his shoulders.
"Let's go."
The two went into the yard.
The sunlight was just right, neither too cold nor too hot.
Aimi took a deep breath to get herself into the zone.
"Today we'll continue with yesterday's set. First, we'll review yesterday's movements, then learn new ones."
Roy nodded.
The two took their positions and began.
Starting stance, punch, turn, kick...
Roy's movements were even more fluid than yesterday.
Every move was executed perfectly, and his power points were accurate.
Aimi watched from the side, her eyes full of surprise.
It had only been one day, and he could already perform like this?
"Stop for a moment." She walked over. "For this turn, your waist needs to be a bit lower."
As she spoke, she reached out and pressed against the side of Roy's waist.
The moment her hand touched him, she felt the firm, hard muscle beneath her fingertips!
Through the thin T-shirt, she could feel his body heat.
Aimi's heart skipped a beat.
But she quickly composed herself and seriously corrected his form.
"Yes, just like that. And when you punch, your leg should push off the ground; the power travels from your feet to your waist, then from your waist to your fist."
She guided him with her hands as she spoke.
Her hand slid from Roy's waist to his back, then to his shoulder.
Every point of contact felt burning hot.
Roy followed her instructions and performed the move again.
"Much better!" Aimi's eyes lit up. "Again."
He did it once more.
"Perfect!"
Aimi couldn't help but clap, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled.
The sunlight shone on her face, her fair skin showing a faint pink hue.
Because of the exercise, a thin layer of sweat had formed on her forehead.
A few strands of hair were stuck to her cheeks.
Roy looked at her and smiled. "It's because you're a good teacher."
Aimi's face turned slightly red, and she looked away.
"Then... then let's learn the next section."
...
In the living room.
Delia and Ayano sat on the sofa drinking tea.
Pikachu and Eevee were curled up on the cushion nearby, the two little things huddled together, lazily basking in the sun.
"Sister Ayano, your complexion is really good," Delia observed. "Much better than yesterday."
Ayano touched her face and smiled. "Is it? I think so too. I feel like I have energy all over my body."
"That's good," Delia took a sip of tea. "It seems your body is slowly recovering."
Ayano nodded, her gaze turning toward the window.
Through the glass, two figures could be seen in the yard.
Roy and Aimi stood together, one teaching and one learning.
Aimi's hand was on Roy, occasionally gesturing something.
The two were standing very close.
As Ayano watched, a smile appeared on her lips.
"Delia."
"Hmm?"
"What do you think of Roy?"
Delia paused; it seemed Ayano didn't know yet that she had already given herself to Roy. She smiled and said, "He's very good. Young, capable, and reliable. He's also raised his Pokémon well."
"If you say so, then Roy really is someone to rely on."
Delia followed her gaze out the window and smiled. 'Roy, keep it up~'
The two drank their tea quietly, watching the pair of young people in the yard.
Sunlight poured through the window, feeling warm and cozy.
Pikachu rolled over, exposing its little belly.
Eevee used its tail to cover it.
The two little guys slept even more soundly.
...
While things were harmonious here...
Misty's side was a picture of utter despair.
In the pond, Psyduck was floating on the water's surface.
Its limbs were spread out, belly up, its two eyes staring blankly at the sky.
It didn't move an inch.
It was just like an inflatable duck.
"Psyduck," Misty said, suppressing her anger. "Can you please move a little?"
Psyduck didn't react.
"Swimming, do you understand? Using your feet to paddle and move forward."
Still no reaction.
"At least flip over! No duck floats like this!"
Psyduck finally had a reaction.
It blinked its eyes and slowly flipped its body over.
Then it continued to float.
Belly down, still motionless.
Misty: "..."
She took a deep breath, telling herself to be patient.
This Psyduck was found for her by Roy.
Roy said this fellow might be very powerful.
Misty trusted Roy's judgment.
But the problem was...
How can this duck not even know how to swim!
"Psyduck, look." Misty pointed to the other side of the pond.
Several Water-type Pokémon were swimming happily in the water.
"See that? They all know how to swim. Why don't you try?"
Psyduck looked in the direction she was pointing.
It watched for a long time.
Then it withdrew its gaze.
And continued to float.
"You!"
Misty clenched her fists.
At that moment, a Staryu swam over, looking curiously at Psyduck.
Psyduck also looked at it.
The two stared at each other for three seconds.
Then Psyduck reached out a wing and slowly pushed the Staryu away.
It continued to float.
Staryu was completely bewildered.
Misty covered her face.
It's over, this duck is a lost cause.
...
The following days passed one by one like this.
Every morning, Delia would wake up early to make breakfast.
Fried eggs, bacon, bread, milk—she rotated through various dishes.
Sometimes she would make some Japanese-style side dishes served with miso soup.
The group sat together, talking and laughing in a lively atmosphere.
After breakfast, Aimi and Roy would go to the yard to practice boxing.
Delia and Ayano would clear the dishes and then sit in the living room to drink tea and chat.
Misty went to the backyard to train her Water-type Pokémon.
Occasionally, she would return to complain about how stupid Psyduck was.
At noon, Delia would prepare lunch.
Sometimes it was curry rice, sometimes ramen, sometimes sushi rolls.
In the afternoon, Roy continued practicing boxing or discussed training techniques for Fighting-type Pokémon with Aimi.
In the evenings, everyone ate together, watched TV, and chatted.
Life was peaceful and warm.
...
During boxing practice, there were inevitably some ambiguous little moments.
For instance, when Roy sweated too much and Aimi handed him a towel, their fingers would touch.
Both would pause for a moment before simultaneously pulling their hands back.
Or when Aimi demonstrated a movement and Roy watched from the side.
When she bent over, her hot pants would tighten, outlining the perfect curve of her buttocks.
Roy would take a look and naturally shift his gaze.
But Aimi would sense it, and her face would feel slightly hot.
Like one time, Aimi told Roy to kick.
"A bit higher, yes, higher..."
Before she finished her sentence, Roy kicked upward.
The wind from his kick created a draft that lifted Aimi's skirt.
She was wearing a short skirt, and those light green panties were right there; she was incredibly embarrassed.
"Mr. Roy!"
"Sorry, sorry."
The atmosphere became even more ambiguous.
...
Delia would occasionally give them a little push.
For example, by intentionally leaving the two of them alone.
"I'm going to help Sister Ayano with the cooking; you two keep practicing."
Or by having them sit together during meals.
"Aimi, sit next to Roy and tell him about the afternoon training plan."
Or while watching TV at night, she would intentionally say she was tired and wanted to sleep.
Then she would pull Misty and Ayano back to their rooms.
Only Roy and Aimi would be left in the living room.
The two sat on the sofa, not even noticing what program was on TV.
The air was so quiet they could hear each other's breathing.
Aimi's heart raced, and she didn't know where to put her hands.
She stole a glance at Roy.
She happened to meet Roy's gaze.
Both of them looked away at the same time.
...
The days went by.
Aimi's feelings for Roy rose steadily.
She liked seeing his serious expression when he practiced boxing.
She liked listening to his gentle tone when he spoke.
She liked the way he looked at her occasionally.
She liked his gentle movements when he petted Pikachu and Eevee.
She liked the way he bickered with Misty.
She liked how he praised Delia's cooking during meals.
She liked his patience when he accompanied her mother in conversation.
She liked everything about him.
She knew that something a bit troublesome yet beautiful was beginning to sprout.
...
Finally, the day of the P1 Fighting Competition arrived.
The night before, Aimi helped Roy pack his things.
"Do you have everything you need for the competition?" she asked.
"Got it." Roy pointed to his backpack. "Potions, energy cubes—it's all there."
"How has Primeape's condition been lately?"
"Pretty good. It's very practiced with those techniques you taught."
Aimi nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.
But her heart felt a bit empty.
Roy would be leaving tomorrow.
Even though it was just for a competition, they would still be apart.
She lowered her head and continued packing without saying anything.
...
Early the next morning.
Everyone was up.
Delia made a sumptuous breakfast as a send-off for Roy.
After eating, the group stood at the door.
The shuttle bus was almost there.
Aimi stood before Roy, hesitating to speak.
She wanted to say something, but didn't know what.
Finally, she just lowered her head and said softly, "Take care on the road."
Roy nodded. "Yeah."
The atmosphere was a bit heavy.
At that moment, Ayano spoke up.
"Aimi, you should go with him."
Aimi was startled. "What?"
"Go with him," Ayano said with a smile. "A competition needs guidance, right? What if Roy needs your advice again?"
Aimi's heart raced, but she still said, "But Mom, you..."
"I'm fine," Ayano interrupted her. "I've been feeling much better these past few days. Look, didn't I help Delia with the cooking last night?"
"Besides, it's not far, only a two-hour drive," Ayano said. "You two can just keep in touch. Go on, Mom supports you."
Aimi's face felt slightly hot.
Her mother's "support" seemed to mean more than just supporting her going to the competition...
But she didn't think too much about it, or rather, she didn't dare to.
"Then... then I'm going?" She looked at Roy.
Roy smiled. "Sure, with a beautiful coach following along, I'll have more confidence in the competition."
Aimi's face turned even redder.
Misty teased from the side, "Ooh~ Sister Aimi is going to accompany Roy to the competition~"
"Misty!" Aimi glared at her.
Delia smiled and pulled Misty back. "Alright, alright, stop teasing."
Ayano stepped forward and straightened Aimi's collar.
"Go. Take good care of Roy, and take care of yourself too."
Aimi nodded and started giving instructions again. "Mom, you must pay attention to your health. Take your medicine on time, and don't overwork yourself. If anything happens, call me..."
"Alright, alright," Ayano interrupted with a smile. "You're really treating your mother like a child. Go on now, don't miss the bus."
Aimi took a deep breath and nodded.
She picked up the small bag she had packed long ago and walked out with Roy.
After walking a few steps, she looked back.
Her mother was standing at the door, waving at her with a smile.
***********************************
Thoughts on where the plot is heading? Let me know in the comments! If you're enjoying the ride, please leave a quick review and toss a few Power Stones my way. Every bit of support means the world! 🙌