Unity

Chapter 11

Gloria turned off the pc that was standing at the counter in the Pokémon center. She just finished lunch together with Hop, Sonia and Raihan. Sonia and Raihan returned to their jobs while Hop was out doing an errand. He asked for Gloria to wait at the Pokémon center for him. He probably was still worried about her being alone. The thing that Raihan told her earlier that day made her really happy, that she was strong enough to protect herself. Of course she was! She had her Pokémon to protect her! With a puffed out chest she turned around to head back towards the entrence, where she was greeted by Cane's familiar face.

"Oi! Didn't expect you here. Weren't you with Victor?" She asked him with curiosity.

The red haired boy scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Well you see, we've finished already. Your bother told me he wanted to go to Spikemuth or something."

Gloria shook her head with a smirk. Of course he had some business in Spikemuth. She straightened her neck and placed her hands behind her back.

"I see!" She said with a smile on her face.

Cane tilted her head and suddenly placed his hand atop of her cheek. Gloria took a step back and turned beet red in shock. "eh?" she stammered out.

Cane awkwardly took back his hand. "Oh, I'm sorry! I thought you looked unwell, but your temperature seems fine. Is something bothering you?" He asked her sweetly.

Gloria stared into his eyes for a moment. They were so kind, just like the way he talked to her. With a determined look she got closer to him, trusting him enough to say what's been on her mind.

"I think I'm in love with Hop..." She whispered into his ear.

Her face was heating up and she moved her head back. She was clenching both of her wrist as she looked to the side to avoid his gaze.

"Are you sure it's love?" He asked her in a cool voice.

"Of course I am."

"Don't you think you're forcing yourself to have a crush on him?"

Gloria's heart sunk down her chest. Although his voice was as kind as ever, it still stung what he said.

"Why would you say that?"

"Since both of you saved Galar. It wouldn't be odd to think you love him in that way, you must think the two of you share a connection beside from being friends."

"But, I think he has a crush on me too, you know! He always blushes when he's near me. Besides, we've been best friends ever since we were little..."

"Maybe it's because he's embarrassed. He doesnt seem to like you the way you think you like him."

Gloria's heart felt as if it was falling to pieces. The young girl didn't know what to say. She clenched her hand on her chest and looked down at the floor. She suddenly felt two hands on her shoulder. Cane was grabbing onto them softly. He shook his head and let out a deep sigh.

"I'm so sorry Gloria, I went too far again."

Gloria shook her head and kept looking away. "Maybe you are right. I feel that I can trust you Cane, so I'm sure you only said what you think is true."

Cane smiled at her. He tilted his head and turned around towards the entrance. "My brother actually was a big supporter of you during the gymchallenge. He's a psychic, you know? He told me that he thought you are constantly being pushed around by everyone."

Gloria remembered what Cane told her this morning. About everyone treating her as a little girl and such. Her new friend mentioned her brother before, about how they both were researching in Galar together.