Catch Feelings, Not Just Pokemon

Haru knew Lillie well.

With her personality, if there were really something wrong with that water, there's no way she would've let him drink it.

But then—why was she acting so suspicious now?

It was seriously bothering him.

Surely she wouldn't resort to poisoning him just because he's been surrounded by too many women lately, right? As some kind of…lesson?

No, no, no—that's just absurd. Lillie isn't the type. She's far too soft-hearted for something like that.

Even when someone crosses the line with her, she ends up spiraling into self-blame instead of confronting them. She just… shuts down emotionally.

Of course, that's part of what makes her so endearing. It makes people want to tease her.

"N-no, there's nothing wrong at all."

Even though she was burning with anxiety inside, Lillie kept her composure on the surface, pretending like nothing was amiss.

Whatever was going on with Nemona could wait.

What mattered most was that Professor Haru must not find out what she had done.

If he did... her image in his eyes would be utterly ruined!

She shook her head at Haru, then turned to the woman who had barged in and disrupted everything.

"How about this—Professor Haru is already tired for the day. How about I battle you instead?"

"Huh? You want to battle me? I mean... sure, why not?"

"Then let's start right away!"

Lillie's sudden proposal took Nemona by surprise, but she agreed without hesitation.

According to a few Blueberry Academy students she trounced earlier today, Lillie had summoned a true legendary Pokémon—a species no one had ever heard of before.

Which only made the prospect of battling her even more irresistible to Nemona.

No wonder she's attached to Professor Haru—pulling out gods like it's nothing.

As she tugged Nemona toward the battle arena, Lillie turned back to Haru and said:

"Professor Haru, please wait for me here, okay? I'll deal with her and be right back."

"Uh, I don't mind, but don't take too long, alright?"

"Got it, Professor Haru! I'll be back in no time."

Lillie flashed a sweet smile.

She knew the medication Haru just drank would kick in soon. As long as she could resolve things with Nemona—or be defeated herself—she'd return just in time to catch him at the peak of the drug's effect.

Then, her plan could continue as intended...

Yes. Even with all this detouring, she could still push it forward.

She would succeed!

"Oh? Are you saying you'll beat me quickly? You really think that little of me?!"

Lillie's offhand comment had once again ignited Nemona's competitive spirit.

The two of them quickly left Haru's room and headed toward the outdoor battle area.

Halfway there, Lillie suddenly stopped.

"Hm? What's wrong, Lillie?"

Nemona turned back, puzzled.

"Nemona, people who get in the way of a girl's romance... deserve to be kicked by a Rapidash, wouldn't you agree?"

"Uh…"

Nemona blinked.

Finally, her hyperactive brain caught on.

Wait a minute… had she just interrupted something between Lillie and Haru? Lillie was in pajamas, alone in his room… That does look kind of like…

"We can still battle—but since you interrupted my moment with Professor Haru, you have to drink this."

As she spoke, Lillie pulled out a small jar from who-knows-where.

"This contains a super bitter drink. Just a tiny punishment from a girl in love."

"Do you accept?"

She looked Nemona straight in the eyes, deadly serious.

What she held, of course, was not a drink—it was the antidote to the drug Nemona had slipped into the original mixture.

If she gave Nemona the antidote, she could finally relax and focus on the battle, then hurry back to Haru.

"Er... alright."

It did seem suspicious, but considering she had crashed Lillie's moment, Nemona reluctantly accepted the "punishment."

"Ugh, what a weird taste… Can we start the battle now?"

"Of course! Let's get it over with and head back."

"Alright! Time to see your 'god-tier' power! Though… why do I feel kinda lightheaded?"

Nemona tossed out a Poké Ball—but then suddenly yawned, long and deep.

Out of nowhere, a wave of sleepiness washed over her—like someone hit with Spore after three sleepless days.

"Ugh… so sleepy… Lillie, what did you make me drink?"

She slurred, eyes drooping.

Then, just like that, the previously fired-up Nemona collapsed onto the ground, snoring peacefully.

"Nemona? …Nemona!?"

"She fell asleep just like that?"

Lillie stood over her, dumbfounded.

The effects of Haru's drug would kick in any minute now—there was no way she could leave him alone.

Which meant...

She'd have to carry Nemona all the way back to the room herself?

---

Meanwhile…

A certain kunoichi girl, clad in full black to blend into the night, peeked in through the window.

"Kukuku~ No more noise from the room!"

"Looks like the drug worked."

"Huh? Where's Lillie? She's not clinging to her precious 'Professor Haru'? That's not like her…"

"Oh well! Less fun without her, but I'll still have my way!"

Iono crept into Haru's room through the window, exhaling quietly.

Haru was already out cold, sprawled on the tatami, snoring.

But Iono wasn't surprised—she had anticipated this outcome when she dosed him. Which is why she'd already prepared her countermeasure.

"Just mix the antidote with the 'special enhancer' and wake him up! Yup, let's do this!"

Iono rummaged through her things and pulled out a vial marked "2.0," then poured it down Haru's throat.

This was her specially prepared formula—several times stronger than the standard 1.0 version.

The antidote worked fast. But the problem was...

"…H-Haru? Maybe we should wait a bit before...uh...proceeding?"

Staring into Haru's now crimson, glowing eyes, Iono started to panic.

Wait… why was the reaction that strong!?

Freaked out, Iono tried to bolt—

—but Haru's hand was faster. In an instant, he caught her.

"Uhh...maybe we can talk this out?"

Elsewhere…

"Ugh, she's so heavy!"

Lillie groaned, struggling to carry the unconscious Nemona back to the dorm.

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