After leaving the Gym, Kai and Sabrina made their way back into the town of Trovita Island.
They selected a higher-end restaurant for dinner, enjoying a well-prepared meal before looking for accommodations for the night.
However, when passing by the Pokémon Center, Kai didn't bother going inside. Instead, under the excuse of wanting a "more comfortable sleep," he led Sabrina to a nearby hotel, where he booked two large rooms.
Although Pokémon Centers provided free food and lodging, they divided their dormitories by gender. The accommodations were fairly basic, lacking privacy. While it was convenient for travellers, it wasn't exactly ideal for someone in Kai's situation.
Back when he travelled with a group, staying at a Pokémon Center was fine there was a certain charm in sharing stories before bed, exchanging experiences, and strengthening friendships.
But now, with only him and Sabrina, the atmosphere would be far too quiet.
After last night, Kai had no intention of giving up an opportunity to push things further.
As the lively day faded into a tranquil night, the streetlights dimmed.
Trovita Island's slow-paced lifestyle meant there weren't many late-night activities. Shops closed early, the streets emptied, and silence gradually enveloped the town.
Inside her room, Sabrina finished her nighttime routine, changed into her sleepwear, and was just about to get into bed when—
Even without using her psychic abilities, she knew exactly who was outside her door.
Sure enough, when she opened it, Kai was standing there, grinning like a fool.
She glanced at him sideways. "What is it?"
Kai's smile widened. "Nothing much. Just couldn't sleep, so I figured I'd drop by for a visit."
"Pfft~" Sabrina almost laughed.
Kai's intentions couldn't have been more obvious.
Instead of stepping aside, she remained standing in the doorway, curious to see if he would back off.
However, instead of retreating, Kai brazenly squeezed past her, entering the room and making himself comfortable on the couch.
Shaking her head in mild exasperation, Sabrina gave up and simply closed the door behind him.
A peculiar silence settled between them.
Sabrina climbed into bed without another word, while Kai remained seated on the couch, watching her every move.
Seeing that she had actually closed her eyes, Kai fidgeted for a while before finally getting up and moving to the bedside.
"So… who do you think will win tomorrow? Me or Rudy?"
It was an obvious attempt to start a conversation.
Sabrina, however, remained motionless, her breathing slow and steady feigning sleep.
Kai raised an eyebrow.
There was no way she had actually fallen asleep.
Even an ordinary person wouldn't be able to relax so easily with someone else in their room, let alone someone as cautious as Sabrina.
Seeing that she wasn't responding, Kai smirked and quietly kicked off his shoes before slipping onto the bed beside her.
The mattress sank slightly under their combined weight.
The room fell into silence again, save for the rhythmic beating of their hearts.
After another moment of waiting with no reaction from her, Kai let out a small cough.
Then, finally, he reached out his hand slowly creeping under the covers.
The moment his fingers brushed against her soft sleepwear—
Sabrina's eyes opened.
She turned her head to look at him, her expression unreadable.
Kai froze for a second, wondering if she would stop him.
But instead, she simply murmured...
"Atleast, Turn off the lights."
The next day, at Trovita Gym.
Rudy sat at a table, his legs crossed, fingers drumming impatiently against the wooden surface.
He had woken up early, fully expecting Kai to show up first thing in the morning for their match.
But hours had passed.
He had waited all morning, drinking several cups of coffee, but there was still no sign of Kai.
To be honest, Rudy didn't really care about the battle itself.
What he cared about was impressing Sabrina.
He had gone out of his way to dress sharply, styling his hair to perfection, all in the hopes of dazzling her.
But now, looking at the clock, he was getting increasingly annoyed.
Did that guy just chicken out and run away!?
Just as Rudy was drowning in frustration, a young girl around five or six years old ran up to him.
"Big brother, the person you're waiting for still hasn't come? Mahri is hungry… can we go eat lunch now?"
Rudy looked down at his little sister, Mahri, and immediately softened.
He could never refuse her.
"Alright," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Let's go. Today's special is your favourite!"
Just as they were about to leave, the Gym doors finally swung open.
Kai strolled in, letting out a sleepy yawn, with Sabrina casually following behind him.
Rudy's expression immediately soured.
You have GOT to be kidding me.
Of all times, they chose now to arrive!?
His eyes landed on Sabrina.
There was something different about her.
Her usual cool and distant aura was still there, but now—
Now, there was something else.
A subtle, unmistakable glow in her complexion. A softness in her features.
As if she had spent the night in someone's arms.
The realization struck Rudy like a truck.
He whipped his head back to Kai, who was stretching lazily, looking far too relaxed.
"Well, well," Kai smirked. "Did you know I was coming and stood there waiting just to greet me?"
Rudy's eye twitched, 'Who the hell would stand around waiting for YOU?!'
He scoffed. "Hmph. Took you long enough. I was starting to think you chickened out."
Kai blinked in mock surprise. "Wait… you were actually waiting for me? Oh man, I'm sorry. I just slept in a bit."
Rudy clenched his jaw.
He knew exactly why Kai had slept in late.
Sabrina, who had outright ignored him yesterday was now subtly leaning towards Kai.
As if she belonged at his side.
Before Rudy could erupt in frustration, Mahri tugged on his sleeve.
"Wow!" she gasped, looking up at Sabrina. "Big brother, she's so pretty!"
Most people, no matter how indifferent, would feel at least a little flattered by such a compliment from a child.
No expression. No change in posture. Just a calm, unreadable gaze.
Kai, on the other hand, crouched down to Mahri's level and smiled.
"You're pretty cute yourself, little one. Do you live here in the Gym?"
Mahri nodded excitedly. "Mhm! My name is Mahri! I'm my brother's little sister, and we live here together!"
As Kai continued talking to her, Rudy stared at the scene, his fists clenched at his sides.
I hate this guy SO much.
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