Chapter 251: One Day Apart Feels Like Three Years
November 21st, Saturday.
With the onset of the Minor Snow solar term, the weather was getting colder. Waking up, Sylveon stood by the window, its feeler lightly touching the condensation. "Bui?"
"Because winter is here," Lu Ye pulled on a white cashmere sweater. "You guys be careful too. Don't catch a cold."
In his sleep, the well-fed Growlithe drooled.
"Chaki-prii~ (๑╹◡╹)ﾉ" Togepi sat on the carpet, leaning against the warm fur, waving its tiny fingers. Poof! A small flame flickered at the tip of its finger from Metronome.
"Play with fire, and you'll wet the bed!" Like a nagging father, Lu Ye promptly extinguished the flame and gave Togepi a stern lecture. "Chaki-prii!" it giggled happily and reached out its tiny hands.
"Alright, alright… I get it." Lifting Togepi high, Lu Ye glanced over at the water tank and sighed. "I can handle little flames just fine… No need for a Water Gun, okay?" At his words, the strong Aura surging inside the tank quickly calmed down. Lu Ye wiped cold sweat from his forehead. If Wartortle had acted, the whole house would've been flooded.
In the living room, Gengar was busy with chores. Lu Ye settled onto the couch, initially planning to cuddle Sylveon. "Bui! (｀皿´)ﾉ" Unfortunately, it strongly resisted. With no other choice, he grabbed the clueless Growlithe instead and aggressively ruffled its head. "Awoo~ o((⊙﹏⊙))o"
He opened his laptop, preparing lesson plans and drafting game documents. The quiet morning passed. By late morning, soft rustling came from the master bedroom. Lu Ye paused—then remembered. Cynthia stayed over last night!
The bedroom door opened. Cynthia stepped out, her bare face looking slightly pale and weary. She lazily scratched her messy golden hair. She was dressed in her usual black trench coat, a luxurious black scarf wrapped around her neck. No matter the angle, she was a flawless beauty.
"Morning," Cynthia greeted lazily.
"It's already noon!"
"Huh, really?"
On the dining table sat steaming coffee and perfectly toasted bread. As he spread Honey on a slice, Lu Ye handed a piece to Sylveon. "Heading to Sinnoh today?"
"Yeah… There's a lot to take care of, so I won't be back in Kanto for a while." Resting her elbows on the table, Cynthia propped her chin on one hand, stirring her coffee as she gazed out the window.
Lu Ye admired her profile and nodded. "One thing at a time. You'll get through it."
"Yeah, you're right." The soft morning light cast a hazy glow over her face.
As the year-end approached, the major leagues were busy. As Sinnoh's Champion, Cynthia had to immerse herself in meetings. This trip meant he wouldn't see her for about a month. Cynthia leaned against the doorframe, fastening her heels. She turned back and half-jokingly asked, "Will you miss me?"
"Like one day apart feels like three years," Lu Ye nodded without hesitation.
"That was way too quick!"
"If even speaking from the heart requires careful thought, wouldn't that be too dull?"
Cynthia stood up, studying Lu Ye. After a long pause, she smiled. "I'm heading out."
"Take care!"
That afternoon, Gengar went to Saffron Gym to work. At home, Lu Ye was brushing Sylveon's fur while browsing shopping apps. With the colder weather, it was time to get warmer clothes. Thanks to Gengar's natural -5°C temperature debuff, he needed to dress warmly. Suddenly, his gaze landed on a sale for winter pajamas.
Chat Group
Lu Ye: Supposedly made from Wooloo wool… It's on discount for group purchases!
The image showcased full-body pajamas, including Eevee, Pikachu, Gengar, and more.
Gold: "Teacher Lu! You're so stingy!"
Brock: "That's not how you should see it," he said seriously. "Saving money means better resources for training Pokémon!"
Blue: "Ooh, I have a seller for these! Teacher Lu, buy from me, buy from me!"
Misty: "Even the Masters' Chat Group needs group purchases now…?" she sighed. Something about this group felt… off.
In the end, Brock bought nine sets for his younger siblings. Lu Ye got Gengar a Pikachu pajama set and himself a Gengar set. The sizes for Growlithe and Togepi weren't right, so he bought them bunny ears as compensation. As for Sylveon, he bought a "White Flute" toy as a teaser wand. For Wartortle, Blue recommended a Water Stone to help improve its water quality. "Thanks for your business!" she grinned.
"…Got any more? I'll buy everything," a certain unnamed sister-complex spoke up.
Gold: "?? What's wrong with you?!"
Silver: "Shut up. If I have extras, I'll send them to your place."
Gold: "Like hell I wanna wear matching pajamas with you!!"
In Viridian City, Yellow blushed, hugging her Pikachu tightly. One day… I still wish to wear the same outfit as Red at least once!
Although Blue was a bit of a scammer, she was efficient. That very night, the packages arrived. Lu Ye eagerly began unboxing. Dressed in Gengar-themed purple pajamas, he pulled the hood over his head. "Feels like… I just got closer to Gengar on a whole new level!" A round, chubby Pikachu suddenly leaped out of the bedroom. "Gengarrr!" Pulling off the hood revealed Gengar's wide, toothy grin.
As for Growlithe and Togepi, both now had bunny ears, wobbling adorably. Sylveon sat primly on the couch, lifting its chin in disdain. A White Flute teaser wand suddenly dangled in front of its eyes. Lu Ye smirked, "Wanna play?" Sylveon's ears turned red. It hesitated for a long time before finally reaching out with its soft little paw. "Buiii~~" So worth it!
As the night deepened, the quiet group chat suddenly chimed. Crystal sent a picture. In the image, Gold and Silver were both wearing matching pajamas, their expressions stiff.
Gold: "DELETE THAT IMMEDIATELY!"
For once, the usually calm Silver looked genuinely surprised. "When… did you take that?!"
Crystal covered her mouth and giggled. "While you two were bickering."
Gold: Damn it, I didn't even notice!
After Gold's furious protests, Crystal reluctantly retracted the message.
Lu Ye: Damn, I missed it!
Sabrina: "I have it saved."
Gold: "???"
[Group Member has uploaded a new image to the Group Album]
Steven: [Well done.jpg]
"Hahaha! This is too cute!" Lorelei burst out laughing.
Lance chuckled. "Didn't expect Silver to have such a childish side."
Silver silently facepalmed. There was no denying it—their couple aesthetic was way too strong. That photo was now forever preserved in the group album.
Satisfied, Lu Ye put down his phone. As he yawned and made space in the blanket for the Sylveon who quietly burrowed in, he called out, "Gengar, lights out."
"Gengarrr~"
[Inorin Note:
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