ılı.lıllılı.ıllı.

ᴺᵒʷ ᵖˡᵃʸᶦⁿᵍ; [ Little Raindrop by Static-P ]

0:34 ——◦———— -2:04

↠ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

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-Your POV-

     "No," his viridian eyes were bizarrely filled with unexplainable rage, and all traces of bright chartreuse faded from his gaze. I should have expected this, but clearly, I was in denial.

     The sky's so blue, with a spectacular ocean view, I'm sure. That's the reason it was such a shame when the tears blurring my vision crippled my ability to see the warm, setting sun emblazoned with vibrant colors that shone through my near-silent sobs that wracked my frame.

     I didn't want my fantasy of kindness to end...

     But here it lay at my feet along with my farfetched daydreams, smashed into unrecoverable fragments too sharp to piece back together safely.

     Rain began to fall around me, plastering my hair to my face and sticking to my eyelashes, mixing with welling tears. Soft tip taps of the little raindrops plunging and crashing to the ground and rooftops, soaking Alola and me in a freezing shower that rivaled my tears.

     Rejection was far more harsh and chilling than I had ever expected. As the blonde walked down the paved street, away from where I fell to my knees, I was slowly drenched from the sudden downpour. Shuddering breaths made my entire body tremble and shake loose more of the never-ending tears.

     Why didn't that work...? If hoping was enough, he'd be right here... why was I left all alone in the end? As thunder crashes all around me, I start to wonder, am I the one to blame?

     Where did I go wrong?

- - - Earlier that day - - -

     Shielding my eyes from the day break's intense sunlight with one hand, I hold Rowlet in my other arm, swinging my legs merrily. I was daintily perched on the wooden boards of the porch that sat in front of the entrance of my apartment. I sipped a pink lemonade that I'd bought and chilled in my mini fridge yesterday — after adding fresh ice cubes and a slim straw, of course.

     The cool, refreshing drink was perfect for the estimated warmth of Alola's climate. Summer heat always has me in a blissful daze... and a seemingly permanent image of Gladion's pale face was unshakable as I continued to slurp up the cherry blossom-pink liquid.

     My next and likely final tactic was up, not that I'm saying there are other solutions, but my face flushed just thinking about my next step.

     I would try... um, this might come off as really, really odd, but... I could ask him out... on a date.

     For some reason or another, I couldn't picture his reaction if I asked him. Would his forest eyes widen in shock? Would he be stunned speechless? Would he ignore my request entirely? Or possibly accept...?

     The possible outcomes were almost dizzying. But my best course of action wasn't to beat around the bush — It was to ask him outright.

     I was just about to drain the last of my pink lemonade when the door behind me opened with a startling creak. I shift my position to see Gladion walk across the smooth, worn wooden floorboards of the railing-less porch we shared.

     He glides past, and I assumed he would simply ignore me as he has been doing, but to my surprise, he glanced my way, a dusting of blush across his face. Not saying a word to me, Gladion turns away and walks out of sight, my gaze never leaving his back.

     After a minute, I snapped out of my trance, realizing that I had missed the chance to ask him out.

     With a sigh, I continue to sip my tangy drink, pitying myself as I send a swift text to Lillie.

     Me: Hey, Lillie! Do you know of anything Gladion likes to do in his spare time? He's been avoiding me almost entirely, and I was hoping if we hung out, he'd come out of his shell.

     It only took a moment for her to quickly type a reply, but it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.

     Lillie: Hi, (Y/N). I'm so sorry to disappoint you, but I have to admit that it's been years since my brother left to go on a journey by himself — I haven't a clue about what he does with his time anymore, other than probably training with his Pokemon.

     Me: Okay, thanks anyway — that was a weird question, I know.

     I set my phone down and lift my head to the morning sky longingly. Today was the only day I could approach him. If I stalled any longer, I'd lose my confidence completely. Though, there was one other factor.

     In a few days, after I successfully beat Akala's Kahuna, Olivia, this afternoon, I will be off to Ula'Ula Island for the battles hosted there. Assuming Gladion remained here, there would be no more of him in my life.

     Later that day, once I had packed Rowlet and the rest of my team's Poke balls into an (f/c) side bag, there was no excuse to laze around dawdling anymore. Reluctantly, I signed out of my rented apartment. I was tired of sitting around all day, and in the end, it was a waste of time. It was best to move on to Olivia's Grand Trial and hope I can make Gladion smile at least once before I depart on the ferry across the sea to the next leap in my journey.

     Strolling down Route 8, I hum a cute little tune to distract myself, picking a collection of wildflowers along the way. This particular route not only was the location of the motel, but it was a spectacular oceanside street with a simply lovely view of the horizon, no matter the time of day you came. It also happens to be a popular date spot enjoyed by many couples.

     The mere sight of so many happy duos that lined the path tinged me with a hint of sorrow, and my merry smile dropped slightly — only for it to pick up immediately when I spotted a specific blonde male challenging all the trainers on the route.

     Gladion was currently finishing off a backpacker's Eevee with a strange Pokemon that appeared like a combination of traits from various other Pokemon. It donned a rusty helmet that covered its entire head. The mysterious creature fits Gladion's similarly mysterious personality, if you ask me.

     Instead of grabbing his attention, I decided – after some inner debate – to watch in silence as Gladion commanded his partner expertly, a firm, determined frown enforcing his control over the battle. With one "Crush Claw!" the opponent fell, deeming Gladion the victor.

     Without even meaning to blow my cover, I erupt in a cheer, gushing in awe, "Woah! That was an amazing battle, Gladion. Congrats on the win!"

     His piercing forest eyes dart to mine, and I only beam widely in response. The trainer he fought left quietly and I approached him, maintaining an eager grin.

     "Why are you here, (Y/N)?" He growls, vulgar per usual.

     That's the first time he called out my name like that... Shaking off the wistful thoughts, I answered, "I came to ask you something!" Not even pausing long enough for him to reply, I shoved the bouquet of colorful flowers into his hands and continued while gaining verbal speed, "Would you go on a date with me?"

     "Are you insane?" His tone rings with a furious temper.

     His cruel words make me pause, my smile wavering for a split second. "Is that a yes?"

     "No,"

     Before I can ask to verify, I'm already crumpled to the ground, thick, hot tears rolling down my cheeks as rain pelts my arms while I hug them to my chest. He walks away without another word, and my delusion of a romance lies in shattered bits in front of me.

     Why didn't that work...? If hoping was enough, he'd be right here... why was I left all alone in the end? As thunder crashes all around me, I start to wonder, am I the one to blame?

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Word count: 1360 words