"Time is up!" Lillian called. "And the Top Coordinator is….." Everyone glanced at the screen.
"May!"
May felt like 100 pounds was lifted off her body. She did it. Not only did she face Harley, she won the whole thing. A huge smile spread across her face. "Yay Glaceaon, we did it!" She bent down to pet her Pokémon. "Thank you."
"Congratulations May. You deserve this win." Solidad show May's hand and gave her a proud smile.
"Thank Sol, that was a great battle."
The crowd cheered for her. The moments following felt like a blur to May. She was awarded the ribbon cup, millions of camera flashes later, she was escorted to the press area where she did interview after interview. After what was probably the 10th interview, May felt a hand on her shoulder, it was Drew. Ignoring the interviewer, he spun her around and gave her a tight hug. "Congratulations May, you did it."
This gesture caused the press to go wild around them. Questions about whether they're a couple or not flew from left and right. Drew politely stated that he'd rather not talk too much about their relationship as its private. But he did answer a few questions and stated that even though he didn't win today, seeing May's smile made him feel like he had won. May blushed at Drew's statement. "He sure knows how to talk to a crowd" She thought
Finally, the couple was able to break from the reporters and get away. On their way back to the competitor's room, they noticed a shadow around the corner. "Congratulations May."
Drew pulled May protectively behind him as the person came out of the shadow. "What do you want Harley?"
Harley put his arms up defensively. "Hey, calm down. I just want to congratulate May on her win." He then looked down. "And I want to say…I'm…I'm...sorry for the pain that I caused you."
The couple was stunned silent. What this really Harley? Did he really just apologize?
"Look May, I know sorry isn't enough and I know what I did was unforgivable. But I want to make up for it and I hope that someday, you can find a way to forgive me." He then bowed down apologetically.
Drew looked behind him at May. For once she wasn't shaking being in front of Harley. She walked out from behind and placed hand on Harley's shoulder. Harley flinched in surprise.
"Thank you Harley." She says. "And you're right, I can't forgive you. But I guess I can make peace with it for now."
"Oh thank you so much May. And I really did mean what I said. If there's anything you need or want me to do, just let me know." Harley said sincerely
"Well, there is one thing."
"What is it?"
"Promise you will never do what you did to me ever again, to anyone. " May said
"Don't worry, you have my word." With that, they parted ways
Drew smiled, it looked like May can finally put this behind her. "Come on, lets go grab your things and get out of here." They headed into the room to pack.
As Harley left the arena, a familiar face appeared before him.
"So you talked to her." Solidad said coldly.
"I wasn't threatening her because she beat me I swear!" Harley defended. " I was just trying to make things right."
"Why did you let her win?" Solidad suddenly asked
"Huh?" He didn't expect this question from her
"Don't play dumb with me; I know you forfeited the match on purpose. That whole 'Banentte is too injured to fight in later rounds' is bullshit, you know you could've gotten a substitution.
"Look, I just felt that May deserved it more than me. She's a strong coordinator who's beaten me on many occasions. It felt like the right thing to do at the time." He braced himself for a slap from Solidad but instead he felt her arms wrap around him.
"Oh Harley, you're finally getting it. You finally learned to think about other people. What you did is still wrong, but you're going in the right direction." Solidad was happy that he's finally starting to turn around.
Harley smiled and returned the hug; it felt so nice to have her back in his arms. This feeling felt better than any contest win. "I'm sorry for hurting you and I promise I will become a better man."
"That's all I can ask for." Solidad said
They continued to hug for a while. Harley didn't want to let go, in fear that the feeling would go away. Finally, they pulled apart.
"So Solidad, would you please go to dinner with me?" Harley said playfully
"Sure, I'd love that." If she said she didn't miss him, she'd be lying.
That's all for now! So yeah, Harley is finally turning over a new leaf and making up for what he has done. I don't know why, but in my mind, I feel like Solidad would be the only one who can make Harley bend to her will. Sorry for another short chapter, but I'll try to update again soon.
So thanks for sticking by and see you in the next update!