The lab smelled faintly of soil, berries, and the faint hum of electricity — the kind that always followed Pikachu's antics
Leyn and Leaf sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a few cheerful Pokémon who had gathered to snack. Bulbasaur, the most stubborn of them, sat with its back turned, refusing to eat the last berry slice.
"Come on, Bulbasaur," Leyn coaxed, holding out the berry. "Just one more. You can't be full already."
Bulbasaur huffed and looked away dramatically.
Leaf giggled. "He's so dramatic! Like he's trying to prove a point."
From the counter nearby, Professor Oak chuckled softly as he organized a few notes. "That one's always been a little performer. Tries to act tough, but the moment you look away, he starts nibbling again."
"Pika-pi!" came a small snicker from the table, where Pikachu sat watching, clearly amused.
Leaf looked between Pikachu and Bulbasaur, grinning. "Even Pikachu thinks it's funny!"
Leyn rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Don't laugh too much, Pikachu. You're the one who knocked over the tray last time."
"Pi–kaaa!" Pikachu protested, puffing up its cheeks in fake outrage.
Oak smiled, leaning slightly on his desk. His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp — always observing, quietly studying how Leyn moved, how he spoke to the Pokémon, how he didn't force but invited them to listen.
There was a softness there — not command, but understanding.
He learns fast, Oak thought, watching him offer the berry again with quiet patience. And he listens even faster.
At last, Bulbasaur gave in and took a slow, reluctant bite. Leyn grinned, patting its head. "There we go! I knew you were just being picky."
Leaf clapped softly. "You really do have a way with them!"
"Guess I just got used to helping Professor with feedings," Leyn said modestly. "I just copy what he does."
Oak gave a knowing smile. "Oh, now don't give me too much credit. You're better at it than I was at your age."
Leyn flushed. "That's not true…"
"Oh, it is," Oak said with a chuckle. "I was a disaster with feedings. Nearly got chased around the yard by a Mankey once."
He laughed, shaking his head as Leaf covered her mouth to hide a giggle.
"Well, don't look so serious, boy! Even professors have to survive their own mistakes."
"Pika pi!" Pikachu chimed in as if agreeing, and the group burst into light laughter.
The laughter faded into a comfortable quiet — the kind that felt natural after a good day. Sunlight painted everything gold. Outside, the Pidgey were settling into the trees, and the hum of the lab softened.
---
After they finished cleaning up, Oak walked the two of them to the entrance. Pikachu hopped onto a nearby shelf and waved a tiny paw.
"Pikachu's staying behind," Oak explained, smiling. "He'll help me with some cataloging. You can pick him up tomorrow."
"Got it!" Leyn said cheerfully. "Don't let him eat too many berries, Professor."
"Oh, I'll try, but I make no promises," Oak said with joking solemnity. "He's a tough negotiator."
Leaf giggled. "He really is!"
Oak clasped his hands behind his back, giving both of them a fond look. "You two did well today. Especially you, Leaf. I can tell you've got a curious mind — don't lose that."
Her eyes widened a little at the compliment. "R-Really? Thank you, Professor."
He nodded, then tilted his head thoughtfully. "And… I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of you soon, won't we?"
Leaf blinked, realizing he'd somehow read her mind. "Actually, um…" she glanced at Leyn, then back at Oak. "If it's okay… could I come again tomorrow? Just to help a little? I—I'll be careful, I promise!"
Oak raised an eyebrow, pretending to think. "Hmm. I don't know… you two did cause quite the stir with all that laughter earlier."
Leaf froze. "Oh—uh—sorry! I didn't mean—"
He chuckled warmly before she could finish. "I'm teasing, my dear. Of course you can come. The Pokémon seemed to enjoy your company."
Her face brightened instantly. "Really?! Thank you!"
"Just make sure your grandmother's fine with it first," he added with a wink. "I wouldn't want her chasing *me* down next."
Leyn grinned. "Trust me, Professor — she'd probably win."
"Oh, I don't doubt it," Oak said with a laugh. "Now go on, you two. It's getting late."
They both waved as they stepped out into the cool evening air. Pikachu watched from the window, waving its tiny paw until they disappeared down the hill.
---
The path home was quiet, bathed in soft orange light. Fireflies were beginning to flicker along the bushes. Leaf walked with her hands behind her back, humming a little tune. Leyn kept pace beside her, relaxed but curious.
"So," she began after a moment, "you've been here for a while, right?"
"Just about a week," he replied. "We moved here recently because my parents started working with Professor Oak."
Her eyes widened. "Oh, really? Then we're kinda the same!"
"Huh?" Leyn tilted his head.
She smiled, a little shy but bright. "We were supposed to live here too. My parents got called away for work all of a sudden, so Grandma and I came first. They'll come once they're done, but it's okay! I like it here so far."
"Yeah…" Leyn said softly. "It's quiet — kinda nice after moving around."
They fell into a comfortable silence again, the sound of their sandals brushing against the dirt path. A breeze carried the faint scent of flowers from the nearby fields.
Leaf spoke again, eyes forward. "So… what's your favorite Pokémon?"
Leyn blinked, thinking. "Hmm… maybe Charmander. I like how they're small but full of fire. What about you?"
She smiled, eyes soft. "Eevee. It can change into so many different things depending on how it's treated. I think that's kinda amazing."
"Yeah," Leyn said thoughtfully. "Like how people can change too."
Leaf looked at him, a little surprised by the quiet maturity in his tone. But before she could say anything, he grinned and added, "Though I bet Pikachu would argue he's the cutest."
She laughed, shaking her head. "He totally would."
By the time they reached her house — a cozy wooden cottage surrounded by flowers — the sky had turned purple. An elderly woman stood on the porch, watering the plants.
She looked up and smiled. "Ah, there you are, Leaf. And Leyn too! You've been walking her home often, haven't you?"
Leyn blinked. "Ah—no, ma'am! Just today!"
The old woman chuckled softly. "I've seen you these past few days going to the lab with your mother. You're always polite — I could tell right away who you were."
"Oh—thank you, ma'am," Leyn said, scratching the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"You must be hungry," she said kindly. "Would you like to come in for a snack?"
Leyn shook his head quickly. "Ah—no, thank you! My mom's probably waiting for me."
"Such a polite boy," she said approvingly. "Well, you're always welcome."
Leaf waved. "Thanks for walking me, Leyn! See you tomorrow!"
He smiled back. "Yeah — see you!"
As he turned to go, the old woman glanced at her granddaughter. "You're happy."
Leaf giggled. "He's nice. Can I go to the lab again tomorrow, Grandma? Professor Oak said it's okay!"
Her grandmother smiled, her eyes kind. "Of course, dear. Just don't forget your chores first."
"Promise!"
Leyn was already halfway down the path when he heard her laughter faintly behind him. The stars began to peek out one by one above Pallet Town. He smiled to himself, hands in his pockets.
"Tomorrow's gonna be another good day," he murmured as he head inside the house.