Standing at the entrance of the Pokémon Center was none other than the most famous figure in Cerulean City—the local Gym Leader, Misty.
Several months ago, when Ryuuske escaped from Team Rocket's research facility, he had met her. She had taken great care of him while he was unconscious, even letting him rest his head on her lap. However, after they parted ways, the two had lost contact. He never expected to see her again today at the Cerulean City Pokémon Center.
'Don't Gyms have their own Pokémon healing machines? Why would she come here?'
Ryuuske was a little puzzled. Most Trainers who visited Pokémon Centers came to restore their Pokémon's stamina, or, like him, were travelers looking for lodging. It was quite rare for a Gym Leader to show up here.
"It's Miss Misty!"
Someone shouted, and a group of local Trainers from Cerulean City immediately swarmed around her. In this world with a loosely structured political system, a city's Gym Leader held a status equivalent to a military leader, responsible for safeguarding the city's security. In the event of an emergency, the Gym Leader had the authority to rally all local Trainers to protect the city or command the League-trained soldiers stationed there.
Though, in Ryuuske's opinion, in a world where individual strength could reach unimaginable heights, the concept of a "soldier" seemed almost meaningless. Against someone like Lance, even an entire army wouldn't stand a chance against a few of his Dragon-type Pokémon's moves.
The Trainers who remained in place, watching curiously or brimming with a desire to challenge her, were travelers from other cities. Meanwhile, the excited expressions of the Cerulean City Trainers made it clear just how much prestige the local Gym Leader held in her own territory.
Facing the enthusiastic crowd of admirers, Misty did her best to maintain the courtesy expected of a Gym Leader, speaking in a calm tone as she chatted with those surrounding her—even signing autographs. However, the slightly strained smile on her face betrayed her discomfort with such situations.
"Miss Misty, why did you come to the Pokémon Center?"
"Did something happen? Do you need our help?"
"Miss Misty, your performance in the Pokémon Contests is always so beautiful! I go to watch every time!"
"Miss Misty—"
"Miss Misty—"
"..."
"Miss Misty might be here for urgent business. Everyone, stop crowding her!"
After what felt like an eternity, someone finally shouted, and the frenzied Trainers reluctantly made way, realizing Misty likely had something important to do.
The Cerulean City Gym Leader finally let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from her forehead. Her smile had stiffened—to her, this was more exhausting than a life-or-death battle.
Misty nodded politely to the Pokémon Center staff, who greeted her with respectful bows, before scanning the room as if searching for someone.
'She's not looking for me, is she?'
Ryuuske thought narcissistically, though he quickly dismissed the idea. He and Misty had only met once and hadn't stayed in touch. At best, they were acquaintances—practically strangers. Besides, he had only just arrived in Cerulean City and had been staying at the Pokémon Center for mere hours. There was no way she could have learned of his whereabouts so quickly.
Ryuuske was the type to enjoy watching drama unfold. Leaning back on the plush sofa, he sipped his coffee. Despite his youthful appearance—only fifteen—he crossed his legs with an air of affected sophistication, watching Misty with curiosity. He was genuinely interested in why the Gym Leader had come to the Pokémon Center.
However, he soon uncrossed his legs in surprise when he noticed Misty's eyes light up upon spotting him. She strode straight toward him.
With an almost aggressive energy, Misty reached Ryuuske's table and slammed both hands down, leaning forward with an intimidating presence.
"...Why didn't you come find me when you arrived in Cerulean City, Ryuu? I've been waiting for you for so long!"
Her voice carried a mix of grievance and dissatisfaction, and her glare was downright terrifying.
Ryuuske instinctively leaned back, setting his coffee down. Misty's posture—standing while bending forward—brought their faces uncomfortably close. Unfortunately, her summer top was form-fitting, leaving little to the imagination, though that wasn't the most alarming part. What truly unsettled him were the piercing glares from the Cerulean City Trainers—some filled with disbelief, others with despair, but most burning with outright hostility.
'Hey, hey, your wording makes it sound like we had some intimate relationship and I abandoned you! I did have a girlfriend, but that was in another world!'
"It's been a while, Misty," Ryuuske greeted, though even his thick skin couldn't fully ignore the weight of those stares. This wasn't like the attention during a battle—these gazes were dripping with malice.
"Yeah, it has been. You didn't contact me for three whole months, and just now, you pretended not to know me!"
Misty's familiarity was almost excessive, though her slightly evasive eyes betrayed her own unease.
A girl who appears outgoing and cheerful but is actually quite shy inside. Ryuuske mentally noted.
Then, Misty noticed the girl sitting across from Ryuuske. Hesitating, she asked, "...Is this your girlfriend?"
Her tone carried a hint of awkwardness, as if she feared she'd interrupted a date.
"N-No, Miss Misty! I just thought this Dratini was really cute, so I came to talk to Ryuuske. I'll get out of your way now!"
The girl quickly stood up, bowing to them before hastily retreating.
Faced with the Cerulean City Gym Leader, the pressure was simply too much for her.
"Wow, what an adorable Dratini!"
Misty's eyes sparkled with excitement as she noticed the little Dragon-type. The Dratini let out a soft "Mii~" and burrowed into Ryuuske's arms, as if startled by her.
Though a Dragon-type, Dratini was also associated with water, and its cuteness was something any girl would adore.
"Never mind that. Ryuu, put your Dratini back in its Poké Ball for now. Since you're in Cerulean City, I have to play host—you're staying at my place!"
Without waiting for a response, Misty grabbed Ryuuske's arm. "...There's something I need your help with, anyway."
"Wait, I've already paid for my room here!"
"Just consider that money wasted. If it's an issue, I'll pay you back."
"It's not about the money!"
Letting a girl pay for him? That was something Ryuuske couldn't accept.
"Then there's no problem at all!"
Dragging Ryuuske out of the Pokémon Center, they were immediately met with a barrage of camera flashes. A group of quick-footed Cerulean City reporters had already staked out the entrance.
"Miss Misty, could you spare a moment for an interview? What is your relationship with Ryuuske?"
"Ryuuske, do you have any exclusive news about that mysterious former Champion and Elite Four leader—?"
"How long have the two of you been dating?"
"..."
Only then did Misty realize the misunderstanding her actions had caused. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and without a word, she lowered her head and quickly pushed through the crowd, pulling Ryuuske away.
To be continued…