#entry 017

    Words can’t express the sheer disappointment that Delta and I shared when we finally reached the front of the line at the Casteliacone cart, only to watch the clerk hang up a Sold Out sign. I knew my chances of scoring a cone today were slim based on the queue and how late in the afternoon it was, but I REALLY wanted a cold treat to celebrate our victory... oh well.

    I heaved a sigh and turned around, ready to drag myself back to the Pokémon Center when I was suddenly presented with a glorious Casteliacone. The guy who’d been standing in line in front of me held up his own purchased cone, a bright smile on his face.

    “Here you go miss, I think you deserve this more than I do. Word on the street is you just beat Burgh over at the gym. Congratulations on your win!” 

    Oh, he’s... The heat crept up my neck and onto my face as I flicked my eyes from him, down to the cone, back to him. Crystal blue eyes. Dark blue hair that fell into his eyes. Arceus, he was so handsome, but it was his smile that disarmed me the most. I just stood there for a minute, mouth hanging slightly open, until his lips quirked up further and that’s when I realized I was caught staring. Qwilfish.

    “Oh… no no no no, you don’t have to do that for me! You stood in line for just as long as me, if not for longer. I can always try tomorrow before I leave town! Thank you though…”

      He laughed and I just wanted the pavement to swallow me whole. Arceussss whyyyyy did I have to be so embarrassing around such a cute guy? Still, he didn’t seem too bothered.

    “Please, won’t you take it for me? I want you to have it… besides if I keep holding it out to you and neither of us take it, the only one who’ll get to enjoy it is the pavement.” That kind smile was back and I was a goner. 

    “O-ok… but only if you’re sure…?” I stammered as I reluctantly reached for the offered Casteliacone. I just KNOW my face is bright pink right now... “Thank you, ummm...”

    “Nick. My name’s Nick. And you are... Rosa?”

    I almost dropped the cone when he said my name. “H-how...?”

    Looking distressed for the first time during our interaction, he quickly pointed to one of the nearby displays. “S-so sorry, your name’s all over the screens since you won! I guess that was still kinda creepy, huh? Sorry.” He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and I felt myself relax. Of course, the displays...

    Feeling a bit more confident, I flashed him a smile. “You’re fine, don’t worry about it. I guess I sorta overreacted, too.” I always forgot the slight fame that came with successfully progressing through a gym challenge. I’ve heard my name on the radio and on TV once or twice since arriving in Castelia. It’s weird... but it also made sense. No use in stressing over it.