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Time passed in the blink of an eye.
A week had gone by since Cynthia returned from Lily of the Valley.
On a warm Sinnoh morning, golden sunlight poured gently into the bedroom through the half-open curtains.
The rays landed softly on Cynthia's face, illuminating her pale skin and making her fluttering lashes shimmer like snowflakes catching the light.
Sam stretched lazily beside her and brushed a few strands of hair from her cheek.
Her breathing was soft, steady.
He leaned in with a small grin and whispered, "Wake up, sleeping beauty. The sun's already on your butt."
"Mmm… still tired," Cynthia murmured, curling into a ball like a drowsy Glameow refusing to leave her warm spot.
She tightened the blanket around her, only her golden hair and a peek of her forehead sticking out.
Eventually, she sat up, still bundled in the quilt like a lazy fairy queen, wearing only a silky fringed camisole.
Her cheeks were still pink from sleep.
She pouted, eyes narrowed at Sam, who was buttoning his shirt in front of the mirror.
"This is your fault, you know…" she said with a mock glare.
"I can't even stay awake now."
Sam chuckled, turning toward her—only to freeze for a beat.
There, half-visible beneath the edge of the blanket, Cynthia's delicate, pale feet peeked out and dangled above the floor, softly swinging.
Even this small, thoughtless movement had a graceful charm to it.
Sam's gaze lingered, unintentionally captivated.
Cynthia noticed.
With a smug grin, she lifted one foot into the sunlight on purpose, playfully wiggling her toes.
"You like them?" she teased, golden eyes watching him mischievously.
He cleared his throat and replied honestly, "...Yeah. I do."
He wasn't someone with any strange preferences—but in this moment, faced with someone as beautiful and confident as Cynthia, resistance felt completely unnecessary.
His heart thumped faster.
The morning light made her skin glow like porcelain.
He looked at the wall clock.
9:30 AM.
"Still early," he mumbled under his breath, slowly beginning to undo the coat he had just finished putting on.
The shift in his movement didn't go unnoticed.
Cynthia's confident expression disappeared instantly, replaced by alarm.
She knew that look in his eyes.
She quickly pulled her blanket up to her chin, retreating under the covers like a spooked Togepi.
"W-Wait, Sam! Not now… I still have things to do today!"
She looked at him with wide eyes, her cheeks now crimson.
"L-Let's… save that for tonight, okay?"
Sam stopped, sighed, and rubbed the back of his neck.
He chuckled in defeat.
"Alright, alright… I get it."
He sat down on the edge of the bed and reached beneath the covers.
"Hey—!" Cynthia squeaked.
He gently grabbed her foot and cradled it in his palm, playfully kneading it.
The teasing continued for a few seconds before her muffled laughter and soft gasps turned into pleas for mercy.
"Samuel~ enough already!" she giggled.
"I give up!"
Only then did he stop and put on a mock stern face.
"I'll let you off this time," he said, wagging a finger.
"But next time you tempt me like that, don't expect me to be so forgiving."
Cynthia peeked out from behind the blanket and smiled sweetly.
"Got it~"
She nodded like a good girl, her voice soft and obedient.
Sam exhaled one last time, brushing his fingers through his hair, then stood up.
"Alright then," he said as he adjusted his collar.
"Grandma's already made breakfast."
As he walked out of the room, Cynthia peeked out from the covers again, lips curled into a secret smile, eyes full of warmth
Outside the living room, the dining table was already set with care.
There was fresh milk imported from a renowned Miltank ranch in the Kanto Region, served chilled in tall glasses.
Bowls of colorful fruit salad glistened in the morning light.
A bamboo steamer kept a batch of delicate, juicy meat buns warm and fragrant.
It was clear that Professor Carolina had prepared the meal early before leaving—she was likely already at the Celestic Laboratory.
Sam sat down quietly and took a sip of milk, enjoying the rich, creamy taste.
He picked up a meat bun, bit into it, and sighed contentedly.
The softness of the dough and the savory filling were just right.
Just then, the bedroom door opened.
Cynthia stepped out, fully dressed in her usual black coat over fitted travel wear, her signature elegance back in full display.
Her long golden hair was tied up loosely, a few strands falling gently over her shoulders.
Without hesitation, she walked over, grabbed the glass of milk Sam had been drinking from, and took a long gulp.
Then she snatched one of his meat buns, popped it into her mouth, and sat down beside him.
Still chewing, she mumbled, "By the way, Sam…"
He looked at her as she swallowed.
"I've decided I'll be staying at Lily of the Valley for a while," she said more clearly now.
"One, to finish some League work… and two, to start prepping for the Championship Qualifying Tournament."
"I want a top-tier ranking this time."
She leaned back in her seat with a thoughtful sigh.
These past few days back in Celestic Town had been warm, quiet… and dangerously comfortable.
Cynthia was very aware of how easy it was to lose herself in Sam's calm presence.
If she stayed much longer, she feared she'd never want to leave again.
Sam looked at her with a soft smile, his voice gentle.
"Leaving so soon?"
"I'll miss you… and Grandma, too…" Cynthia said, leaning over and hugging his arm, her voice full of reluctant affection.
Sam chuckled and patted her golden hair, his touch soothing.
"It's alright."
"While you're gone, I'll head out on a trip myself. I'll help search for clues about Garchomp's Mega Stone while I'm at it."
Cynthia's eyes lit up with a hint of gratitude, though she tried to hide it behind a playful grin.
"You better not miss me too much," she said teasingly, resting her chin on his shoulder.
"Just… 86,400 times a day."
Sam smiled without missing a beat.
"Got it. Once every second."
She laughed, pleased with the response, and playfully tilted her face upward.
"Kiss?"
Sam leaned in without hesitation and captured her lips.
The kiss deepened—gentle at first, then more intense as their hearts connected once again.
When they finally parted, Cynthia was flushed and slightly breathless.
"Meanie…" she whispered, cheeks pink as she gave him a soft punch in the chest with her delicate fist.
She slowly stood, reluctantly slipping from his embrace.
"Alright then, Sam… I'm going."
Sam walked her to the door, still holding her hand.
"Be safe."
Cynthia nodded, her eyes lingering on his.
She reached for her Poké Ball.
"Garchomp, come out."
With a roar and a rush of wind, Garchomp appeared and crouched low, offering his back.
With practiced ease, Cynthia climbed on and turned to wave at Sam.
"I'll contact you when I get there!"
"Alright," Sam said, watching her with steady eyes.
Garchomp flared its fins and soared into the morning sky, carving a trail of white against the blue.
Sam stood at the doorstep, watching until she vanished from view.
High above the town, Cynthia's smile gradually faded.
The warmth in her eyes cooled into composure. Her posture straightened, her gaze sharpened.
The soft, teasing girl she was with Sam disappeared, replaced once more by the cold and commanding Champion of Sinnoh.
Only with Sam did that side of her—the warm, silly, affectionate part—ever see the light of day.
To the world, she was Cynthia: graceful, proud, unshakable.
But in private, in the quiet corners of Celestic Town… she was simply the girl who loved Sam.