Pokémon: The Journey of Ordinary People

The evenings in Hoenn always carry a gentle warmth favored by the creator god. The setting sun scatters its last rays of light into the clouds, gilding the wooden eaves and vines climbing the fences of the nursery with a warm, golden veil.

A gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of grass, trees, and ripe fruit swept by, lifting a strand of hair from Lili Ai's temple. She raised her hand to tuck the hair behind her ear, and only when her fingertips touched her earlobe did she realize that her ear tips were actually a little hot.

She sat on the balcony of the nursery, resting her chin on her hand and gazing at the distant, endless orange skyline. In the other hand, she held a glass of chilled tree fruit smoothie, the transparent glass condensed with fine water droplets. She took a sip now and then, the sweet coolness sliding down her throat, but it couldn't suppress the restlessness in her heart.

On the open space below the balcony, Mimi, Blossom, and Clefairy were playing with the other Pokémon in the breeding center.

The little Rattatas chased after the shuttlecock, while Bulbasaur gently scooped up fallen maple leaves with its Vine Whip and tossed them into the air. Laughter and calls mingled with the gentle breeze, creating a lively background soundscape. But Lillie's gaze kept drifting into the distance, as if she were waiting for something.

Suddenly, a small black dot appeared in her field of vision.

At first, Lillie didn't pay much attention, thinking it was a Flying-type Pokémon. However, the black spot gradually magnified in her eyes.

A familiar voice drifted on the wind, causing her to focus her attention.

"That is……"

"Ayu!!"

Lillie's eyes widened instantly, and a surprised smile spread across her face.

Zhang Yu, sitting on the back of Tetsuka Kaguya, had already spotted the girl on the balcony.

The pixelated light and shadow on the screen, the gentle whispers in the voice, can never compare to the thrill of seeing a real person standing there.

She wore a light-colored dress, the hem of which swayed gently in the wind like a flower about to bloom. At that moment, his longing surged like a tide, making him wish he could break through the wind's barrier and fly to her side immediately.

"Ayu~ I'm here~"

Lili stood up, cupped her hands to her lips and called out, waving at him incessantly. Her smile was more dazzling than the sunset, and even her eyes were filled with tiny sparkles of light.

The Ironfire Kaguya was incredibly fast, whistling through the air, and came to a steady stop in the open space of the breeding house a few minutes later.

The Pokémon in the breeding center curiously gathered around, their round eyes scrutinizing Celesteera. It wasn't until Zhang Yu leaped and landed steadily next to Lillie that they reacted and instantly erupted in a flurry of activity.

"Hi everyone! I'm back~"

Before Zhang Yu finished speaking, he reached out and put his arm around Lili Ai's slender waist, picked her up in a princess carry, and then jumped off the roof, landing steadily on the grass.

Lili exclaimed in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pressing her cheek against his chest. She could clearly feel the warmth of his chest and his strong heartbeat, and her cheeks instantly burned.

"Ah Yu, you scared me half to death! Humph!"

She blushed and scolded him playfully, her usual decisive and powerful demeanor at the company completely gone. At this moment, she was like a shy little girl, even her voice was soft and nasal.

The little Magnemite beside him chirped "Koo-ee~" and quickly floated to Zhang Yu's side, its round body rubbing against his cheek, making him laugh out loud: "Hahaha, it's a little numb~"

Strength, scratching his head with one hand, laughed heartily at the sight. Ditto, holding Zhang Yu's hand, shook it back and forth incessantly.

A group of Pokémon gathered around, each expressing their longing in their own way, and the lively atmosphere dispelled the awkwardness of the long-awaited reunion.

After an unknown amount of time, Vileplume called out to the Pokémon a few times, as if giving them instructions, and then led them to the grassy area in the distance, deliberately leaving space for the long-separated lovers.

Zhang Yu watched the sensible figure of the "Overlord Flower" as she walked away, and couldn't help but chuckle.

"This guy……"

Lili quietly patted her burning cheeks, wondering to herself: What's wrong with me today? Why am I blushing all the time? I'm not usually like this.

"Liliae."

"Ah, I'm here!"

Hearing Zhang Yu call her name, she hurriedly looked up to respond, but when she saw her boyfriend's gaze, she quickly lowered her head again, her long eyelashes fluttering gently like butterfly wings.

Zhang Yu couldn't help but ruffle her hair, his fingertips touching her soft strands, his voice full of laughter: "Hahaha, what's wrong~ You're being so good today."

Lillie looked up at him and met his gentle gaze. The setting sun in the distance outlined his profile with a golden edge, and even the smile between his brows and eyes was warm.

Seeing his girlfriend's expression, Zhang Yu gently pinched her cheek and whispered...

"The sunset was beautiful today!"

Lili Ai looked up at Zhang Yu's eyes, tilting her head slightly, waiting for his response.

What I mean is, you're beautiful too!

Zhang Yu looked directly into Lili Ai's eyes and said gently.

"Ayu~ I miss you so much~"

"Lili Ai, me too~"

Zhang Yu gently hugged his girlfriend, feeling her heartbeat; at the same time, he also felt his own heart beating very fast.

The setting sun cast long shadows on the two figures.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment, and the surrounding sounds gradually faded away.

In the quiet, Zhang Yu could only hear his and Lili Ai's breathing.

“Lili Ai…”

"Ok?"

His girlfriend's voice was soft, with a slight tremor, as if she had a premonition.

Zhang Yu tightened his embrace, the scent of his girlfriend's hair lingering around his nose—a faint fruity fragrance.

"I have something I want to tell you..."

Lillie hugged him tighter, burying her face even deeper, and whispered, "Mmm, I'm listening~"

"I……"

Zhang Yu paused, his Adam's apple bobbing, before finally uttering the words he had rehearsed countless times in his heart: "Lili Ai... I want to marry you."

"Please, marry me, okay?"

These words were like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples in the hearts of the two people.

Zhang Yu could feel the girl in his arms stiffen slightly, followed by soft sobs.

He was so nervous that he didn't dare to look up. He could only hold her tightly and wait for her answer. Every second felt like an eternity.

She didn't know how much time had passed—maybe a few minutes, maybe a moment—but Lili raised her head, her eyes red-rimmed, yet her face radiant with a bright smile. Tears streamed down her cheeks, like badges of happiness.

She tiptoed and gently kissed Zhang Yu's lips, her voice tender yet firm:

"Good~"

"I do!"

The setting sun remained gentle, its golden rays enveloping the two embracing figures. The Pokémon in the distance seemed to sense something, ceasing their playful antics and quietly watching them.

The Magnemite floated in the air, making a soft "quack" sound, as if giving a blessing; the Queen of the Night Flower gently swayed its petals, raising a fragrant breeze.

Zhang Yu looked down at the girl in his arms, her eyes brimming with tears but her smile bright. He gently wiped away her tears and kissed her forehead.

At this moment, the sounds of the wind, insects, and Pokémon become background noise; only their heartbeats, clear and firm, tell of their longing across distance and their unwavering love.

"Oh! That's right! And the ring!"

Zhang Yu suddenly remembered something and hurriedly took out a delicate little box from her bracelet.

Inside was a heart-shaped light blue diamond ring.

puff-

Seeing her boyfriend's flustered state, Lili Ai couldn't help but smile.

Then Zhang Yu took her hand and solemnly placed the ring on her finger.

"gorgeous……"

Zhang Yu gently kissed the back of Lili Ai's hand, and then the two embraced tightly again.

The evening in Hoenn became even more tender and unforgettable because of this confession.

-

This is my first attempt at writing a delicate confession scene, hehehe??????