Pokémon Journeys: A Star and A Wish

Dinner

As Lyric had predicted, the pair had arrived in Saffron City before sundown. Before they did anything, they had already rented a room at the best hotel around.

Sora: I guess you are a big deal.

Lyric: Well, in my world I am. I'm a world famous Coordinator, so I have some perks.

Sora: You got us this room for literally half the price from normal. I'd say you're more legendary than famous.

This comment caused Lyric to blush, and he turns away.

Lyric: A-Anyway! What's say we get some dinner in the restaurant below?! I hear they cook the best Miltank Steaks in the whole region!

Sora: Sure. I'll pay this time.

Lyric: You don't have to.

Sora: Well, you paid for the room, it's only fair I pay for dinner.

Lyric: O-Okay... I guess that makes sense. But I'm eating a lot, so I hope you can shoe the bill.

Sora: No problem.

Lyric: L-Lemme shower first!

Lyric trots to the bathroom, slamming the door out of embarrassment. The cogs in his brain were going into overdrive. It's not like Sora said anything outrageous, it's just Lyric is interpreting his intentions the wrong way.

Lyric (thoughts): 'Oh my god?! Did he really just insist to pay the bill?! Is he hitting on me?! But he knows I'm a boy!'

However, Sora didn't think the thing Lyric was thinking.

Sora (thoughts): 'Weird. Why was he acting all flustered? Is this his first time being treated to a meal?'

See what I mean? While Lyric freaked out of the possibility of this being a date in the shower, Sora saw this as nothing more than repaying a favor. Quite the amusing miscommunication.

————————————————————————

Leaving their Pokémon in the penthouse suite to eat, Lyric and Sora descended down to the lower floor, where the Lazy Miltank restaurant was located. The two were seated at their table, and they look over the menu. Sora looked for some appetizing food to eat, while Lyric knew exactly what he wanted, but just used the menu to hide his freshly flustered face.

Sora: So? Have decided what you wanted?

Lyric: Oh, yeah. I did.

Lyric spoke without putting the menu down.

Sora: ...If that's the case, you can put the menu down. The waitress won't take our order if she thinks you're still looking.

Lyric: Oh, right. Sorry.

Lyric slowly puts the menu down, giving Sora a good look at how embarrassed he was.

Lyric (thoughts): 'How and why is he so calm?! Just how many dates has this guy gone on?!'

Sora (thoughts): 'Why is his face so red? Did he catch an illness along the way? I didn't notice.'

The two sat in silence until their food was served, and Sora finally picks up the conversation.

Sora: Are you alright, Lyric? You're face is all red, and I'm starting to worry.

Lyric: Huh...?! I-I'm fine...! Just a little hot, that's all.

Sora: You have a fever.

Lyric: Wha...?

Sora: I should've realized it before. Sorry. But next time, when you get sick, you should tell someone.

Lyric: No no, that's not it at all! I'm totally fine!

People look over their shoulders at the sudden shout, and Lyric covers his mouth.

Sora: Please don't shout. It doesn't help me in believing you.

Lyric: No really, I'm totally fine. I'm just...a bit embarrassed...

Sora: Embarrassed? About what?

Lyric: What do you mean? This whole situation. Don't you think this situation is weird at all?

Sora: Not really? I'm just treating a new friend to dinner.

Lyric: Just...treating me to dinner?

Sora: Yeah. You've already paid for the room we're staying in, so I thought I should repay you somehow.

Lyric: O-Oh, right...! Of course that's what this is.

Sora: Why? What did you think it was?

Lyric: Oh, nothing important! Let's just eat and enjoy our food!

Lyric dodged a bullet, and stuffed his face with Miltank Steak.

Lyric: Mmmm! Thish ish sho good...!

Upon seeing this, Sora couldn't help but chuckle to himself, and continues to eat his food as well. The two left the Lazy Miltank full and satisfied, leaving a very generous tip.

————————————————————————

The next day came, and Lyric dragged Sora to the Contest Hall.

Lyric: I'm going to head to the prep room. The audience goes down that hallway. Be sure to move fast to get the best seat possible. I recommend the very middle.

Sora: Right, okay. Thanks for the pointers.

As the two talked, the clicking of high heels could be heard getting louder and louder with each approaching step.

???: Oh, so you're here too.

The two turn, and see a woman with long black hair, a perfectly shaped face, and a single beauty mark on the left side of her lower lip. She wore mostly skin tight clothes, save for the violet v-neck shirt and her pitch black leather jacket. She wore a matching leather skirt, and fishnet stockings and arm sleeve. To round it off, she had five centimeter high heels, black in color.

Lyric: Hi Reese. I didn't know you were participating here too.

Reese: Please don't talk to me like we're old friends. I just came on recommendation of my manager. Had I known you'd be here, I would've brought Aera with me.

Lyric: Oh, I see. Sorry.

Sora: So...not a friend.

Lyric: This is Reese. She's a fellow Coordinator from the Galar Region. She kinda hates me.

Reese: Not kinda.

Sora: I'm not gonna ask, and instead just head to the stands. Good luck Lyric.

With that, Sora takes his leave, and walks out on them.

Lyric: Well, shall we go to the prep rooms?

Reese: Hmph.

With a light scoff, Reese walks off to her own prep room to prepare for the contest.

Lyric: I guess that's a yes...?

Lyric follows her, and enters his own dressing room.

To be continued...