"Although I already knew Ash was popular, I didn't fully understand it until I experienced it myself," Suzy admitted, glancing around the cold drink shop.
Even with the manager's help, the store was still packed with people eager to catch a glimpse of Ash.
Ash scratched his head modestly. "It's no big deal."
Changing the subject, Ash turned to Suzy with a smile. "By the way, Brock mentioned that you've been doing really well in the Hoenn region. He said you've been receiving a lot of praise for your skills."
Suzy was taken aback. "Brock told you that?" She smiled gently and nodded at Brock in appreciation.
For a breeder, reputation was everything, and a compliment from someone with Ash's fame could boost her career significantly.
"In the competition this afternoon, are you going to use Vulpix?" Misty asked curiously.
"Yes," Suzy replied, stroking the Fox Pokémon's head. "Rather than working with another Pokémon, I feel Vulpix and I are perfectly in sync." She paused, smiling at Vulpix.
"Brock's care has been outstanding. When I first saw Vulpix again, I was amazed by how healthy and radiant its coat was."
At that moment, a young man about Suzy's age approached. Beside him walked a sleek, beige-haired Ninetales with an elegant posture.
The Pokémon's supple tails shimmered as though reflecting sunlight, and its ruby-red eyes glimmered with intelligence.
"Zane!" Suzy exclaimed, startled. She quickly stood up and smiled apologetically.
Brock's eyes narrowed as he watched the newcomer. The young man had short blond hair, a stylish outfit, and a warm, confident demeanor.
He looked like the kind of person who could easily become a rival—not just in Pokémon, but in life.
"Let me introduce you," Suzy began. "This is Zane, a classmate of mine and now a close friend."
Zane smiled warmly. "No need for introductions—I'd recognize Mr. Ash anywhere. And, of course, Brock and Misty as well. It's an honor to meet you all."
Ash and Misty exchanged glances. The way Zane carried himself and spoke so naturally gave the impression that his connection with Suzy wasn't just casual.
"Hello, Zane," Ash said, shaking his hand.
"You don't need to be so formal, Ash. Since you're a friend of Suzy, just call me Zane," the young man replied, his tone friendly but with a subtle confidence.
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Then feel free to call me Ash."
"Of course, Ash," Zane responded with a smile. He glanced at the others. "May I join you?"
"Of course," Ash said, noticing Brock's tense expression but unable to refuse such a polite request.
Zane pulled out the chair next to Suzy and sat down. His every movement seemed graceful, yet natural, and Brock's unease grew.
—
"Zane and I are both working hard to become top breeders," Suzy explained as the group chatted. "He's also participating in the beauty contest today."
Zane nodded. "Suzy and I both started our journeys with Vulpix, so we made it our goal to see which of us could become a top breeder first."
"To keep up with Suzy, I decided to evolve my Vulpix into Ninetales," Zane continued, looking fondly at his Pokémon.
"Ninetales has been my partner ever since, and I've dedicated countless hours to nurturing its beauty and strength. I'm confident it won't lose to anyone today."
Zane's Ninetales wagged its tails elegantly, its coat shimmering under the café's lights.
"You've done a great job," Misty said, genuinely impressed.
"Suzy, I noticed something about your Vulpix," Zane said, leaning forward slightly. "If you trimmed its bangs just a little, it would create an even more striking look."
Suzy shook her head with a smile, gently stroking Vulpix's head. "Didn't you notice? Vulpix loves its current bangs, and as a breeder, it's crucial to respect a Pokémon's feelings. Brock carefully trimmed these bangs for Vulpix, and it's proud of them."
Vulpix let out a contented sound, nuzzling against Suzy's hand, and even shot a glance of gratitude toward Brock.
"You haven't changed at all," Zane said with a light chuckle. "It seems we'll have to let the contest decide who the real charmer is."
He stood, bowing slightly to the group. "Ash, Brock, Misty—it was a pleasure meeting you. I need to make some final preparations for the competition. See you there."
"See you later," Ash said, smiling as Zane walked away.
As the door closed behind him, Brock clenched his fists lightly. "Suzy, we have to win," he said, determination blazing in his eyes.
Suzy chuckled softly. "Of course, Brock." She glanced at him knowingly, her gentle smile suggesting she understood his feelings far better than he realized.
Ash leaned toward Misty, whispering, "Looks like Brock has a serious rival."
Misty nodded, her gaze lingering on the door Zane had walked through. "Yeah. And he's a tough one."
The group stood to leave, ready to face the next part of their adventure. For Brock, it wasn't just a beauty contest anymore—it was a battle for Suzy's heart.
________________________
Join my Patreon for more advance chapters