Over the next few days, Misty couldn't help but notice the way her sisters looked at Alex — Daisy's soft glances, Violet's playful smiles, Lily's quiet admiration.
At first, she felt a little uneasy. They all like him… she thought while watching from the poolside as Alex taught Violet's Starmie new rotation techniques. His calm voice and focus made everyone around him feel at ease — even the Water Pokémon seemed to listen better when he was around.
But as the evening went on, the discomfort faded.
Instead of jealousy, a warm calm settled in her chest.
Maybe it's not a bad thing, she realized, watching him laugh lightly as Daisy teased him about his serious expression. He's someone worth admiring… someone who brings out the best in people.
In their world, it wasn't unusual for strong bonds — even romantic ones — to exist between multiple partners, especially among traveling trainers who shared the same dreams and dangers. Love, in this era, wasn't limited by strict rules — it was built on trust, mutual respect, and shared strength.
Misty thought about it carefully and smiled faintly.
If her sisters loved Alex too… that wasn't something to resent. It was something to understand.
That night, while helping Delia prepare dinner, Misty quietly said,
"Delia… I think I understand now why everyone likes him."
Delia looked at her with a knowing smile. "He has that effect on people, doesn't he?"
Misty nodded softly. "Yeah… and I'm not against it."
Delia placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Then just follow your heart, dear. That's what matters most."
....
That evening, the Cerulean Gym was quiet. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the pool in shades of orange and rose. Misty sat with her sisters in the lounge, each of them relaxed after a long day of training.
Daisy sighed dreamily, chin resting on her palm. "You know, I've never met anyone like Alex before. He's… calm but confident. The way he handled our Pokémon — it's like he understands them better than we do."
Violet nodded eagerly. "And he's kind. He helped me fix the filter system and didn't complain once. Not to mention… he's really cute when he focuses."
Lily laughed softly. "You two aren't the only ones who noticed. I think we all like him."
Misty blushed but didn't look surprised. She had already noticed the growing warmth in their eyes every time Alex was around. "Yeah," she admitted with a gentle smile. "I think I knew that already."
The sisters exchanged glances before Daisy leaned forward, her tone half-serious, half-teasing. "Then, Misty, you're the youngest. You've been traveling with him. What do you think?"
Misty hesitated, fingers brushing her hair as she looked down at her reflection in the still pool water. "I like him too," she said softly. "And… I don't mind if all of us do."
There was a short silence — then smiles bloomed all around. In their world, where strong trainers often built families through shared trust and bonds, love wasn't something that divided — it united.
A gentle knock sounded at the door, and Delia stepped in, carrying a tray of tea. She smiled warmly, sensing the tone of their conversation. "You girls are talking about Alex, aren't you?"
All four blushed in unison, and Daisy quickly tried to act casual. "W-Well… maybe a little."
Delia chuckled softly and placed the tray down. "It's alright. I'm not surprised. He has that kind of heart — the one that draws people in without trying." She looked at each of them kindly. "And if you're serious about your feelings, that's nothing to be ashamed of."
Misty looked at her shyly. "You… you don't mind?"
Delia smiled, her eyes warm and calm. "I was his first, yes — but that doesn't make me selfish. Love isn't about ownership. If all of you love him, then you're already family to me."
Her words filled the room with a peaceful warmth. The sisters' nervousness melted away, replaced by laughter and soft conversation. By the end of the night, they had all agreed — not out of rivalry, but shared affection — that Alex was someone worth standing beside, together.