Chapter 66: Chloe's Secret Admirer

Life returned to normal after they returned from Galar. Ash, Goh, and Lillie did research work for her father, and she went to school and occasionally helped them out. It was a quiet life, but Chloe liked it.

One morning, Chloe was walking into school when she found, to her surprise, Goh leaving it.

"Goh? What're you doing here, there aren't any tests today."

Goh tensed up for a minute, but quickly recovered.

"Oh, I was dropping that research paper for history class. I would've asked you to deliver it, but your dad already asked me to deliver something for him, and this was on the way back."

Chloe nodded, and was about to head into school when she realized something.

"Goh, that paper isn't due for another month."

"Really? Well, between my work for your dad and Project Mew, its probably for the best that I get it done now. Later!"

"Goh, wait!"

But Goh had already disappeared down the steps, leaving her extremely confused.

"What was that all about?

Later, she was getting stuff out of her locker when an object fell out of it. Picking it up, she found it to be an envelope.

"Hmm?

Picking it up, she opened it to read the note inside.

"I think you're the most amazing girl in the world. There's not a day that goes by where I don't think about you, and I can't hide my feelings any longer. Please meet me at the overlook at sunset."

"Hey Chloe, whatcha got there?"

Chloe jumped, her friend popping up from out of nowhere behind her like an Abra using teleport.

"Geez Cindy, don't do that to me!"

"Sorry, but you were spacing out there. So, whatcha got!"

"Nothing, nothing at all!"

Chloe tried to hide the love letter from her friend, but her efforts were in vain and the note was quickly snatched out of her hands.

"Hey, give that back!"

"Relax, I just want to read what it says!"

"I mean it Cindy, give it back!"

"Ooh, Chloe's got a boyfriend! Just wait until I tell everyone!"

"'Cindy, don't!"

But Cindy had already ran down the hall after thrusting the envelope into her hands. Chloe just sighed.

"Why me?"

Needless to say, Chloe was very much relieved when school was over. All day long, her classmates were pestering her over who her secret admirer was. Honestly, why did it even matter to them?

"Stupid Cindy."

Her mood greatly improved when she opened the door to find Yamper and Eevee excitedly waiting for her, showering her with affection as she set her stuff down. Smiling, she bent down to pick up Yamper, letting him lick her face while Eevee affectionately rubbed her ankle.

"Thanks, guys. You really know how to cheer me up."

Walking into her living room, she found her mother sitting on the couch drawing, much to her surprise.

"What're you doing home early, mom?"

"Oh, I decided to finish work from home the rest of the day. Much more quiet this way. How was school today?"

Chloe sighed and flopped onto the couch.

"That bad, huh?"

Chloe produced the love letter she had gotten earlier that day and showed it to her mom. When Talia had finished reading it, she squealed in delight.

"Ooh, my Chloe has a secret admirer! I'm so proud!"

"MOM, please! I got enough of that from the kids at school!"

Tallia chuckled kindheartedly.

"Sorry, sweetie. So, looking forward to meeting your mystery man?"

"I'm not going."

Talia gasped in shock.

"What? But why?"

"It's probably just some prank. I wouldn't put it past some of the kids at my school. Besides, no one could be that interested in me."

Talia smiled, and gave her daughter a comforting hug.

"Chloe, don't ever think like that. Any boy would be lucky to have you. Besides, even if it was a prank, you're more than capable of teaching them a lesson. And I'm sure Yamper and Eevee would be more than happy to have your back."

An excited "Yamp Yamp" and "Evboi!" confirmed Talia's comment, making Chloe smile.

"You're right mom, I should go. Any boy who tries to pull one on me will be sorry!"

Talia gave her a warm smile.

"That's my girl! Now come on, why don't we get dinner ready?"

Chloe nodded, and joined her mother in the kitchen.

At sunset, Chloe left for the overlook by the harbor as the note had instructed, still weary about all this.

"Thanks for coming with me, Lillie. If my gut turns out to be right, I appreciate having a friend to support me."

"Don't mention it! With Ash in Pallet Town, I wanted to get out of the lab. Besides, I can't wait to meet your boyfriend!"

Chloe just rolled her eyes, and punched Lillie playfully on the arm. At last, they reached the overlook to find…

"Goh?!"

"You're the one who left that note?"

Goh nodded, and held out a bouquet of violets to Chloe, which were her favorite.

"Surprise?"

"This…this isn't a joke, is it? Yeardley didn't put you up to it? Because if he did, I swear I'll…"

"No. This is all me."

"W…Why me, though? Compared to you and Ash, I'm…"

"Amazing just the way you are."

Chloe opened her mouth to respond, but Goh interrupted her.

"No, don't tell me I'm just trying to be nice, I mean it. You're kind, strong, but above all you really get me. Even though you've never shared my same level of love for Pokemon, you've always listened to me when I bragged about my catching streaks, or listened to me ramble on about Mew. You've been a true friend, and I'm lucky to have met you. But lately I've been wanting to be more than just friends, and…and I just couldn't hold it in any longer!"

Chloe was silent for a minute, before stepping closer to him with tears in her eyes.

"Do you really mean all that?"

"Every word. And look, if you don't feel the same way, I understand. Just say the word, and we'll never have to speak to each other again, but…"

Before Goh could continue rambling, Chloe kissed him right on the lips. After a moment of shock, Goh returned the kiss, tears of joy running down his face. Lillie smiled, happy for her two friends.

"Come on Snowy, let's leave the two lovebirds in peace."

"Vul!"

After Lillie left, Goh and Chloe broke the kiss, and stared into each other's eyes.

"I take it you feel the same way?"

"I just wish you had said something sooner. For a while I thought you would forget all about me and just keep going after Mew."

"Forget about you? Never."

"So…does this mean we're boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

"Well, if you want to be. I mean, we don't have to label ourselves right away if you'd rather…"

"Shut up and kiss me."

And he happily did. And as the sun set, the new couple walked back to the lab hand and hand, ready to face the world together.