Hi everyone, I'm excited about this chapter, as this one and the next begin the final arc of this story. Maybe some of you won't like the direction it takes, but well, I think these two chapters are the best in the whole story. Additionally, they are based on my personal experiences in love. Well, without further ado, I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 16 - Love Story
After returning from their adventure on the route to Laverre Town, the trio of researchers from Kanto delivered the stolen components taken by the gang of the eccentric and strange dancer.
"Alright, Professor, I think this is everything that was stolen," Goh exclaimed as Chloe finished a small inventory of the containers they had recovered.
"Thank you so much, guys. Honestly, I'm surprised that the security I hired was defeated by... well, a guy like that." Professor Sycamore said, still quite surprised by that encounter with Mirror B.
"Apparently, he was a famous criminal in a distant region, but I think he exaggerated that detail. I couldn't find anything about him," Chloe mentioned.
"Well, in any case, I didn't expect anything less from your team. You've already become a legend among Pokémon research groups." Professor Sycamore praised them for their great work.
"Wow, that sounds amazing," Goh exclaimed proudly, pleased to be building a reputation. "Seems like we've done a good job, don't you think, Ash?" Chloe asked her crush.
However, he didn't respond. In fact, he hadn't said much during the walk back to the lab. He just kept looking at the screen of his Rotom Phone, apparently typing a message.
"Hey Ash, are you okay?" she asked him again, even more insistently.
Ash finally looked up from his Rotom Phone and gave a faint smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, but his voice sounded distant. He quickly went back to typing, his eyes glued to the screen as if he was avoiding any further questions.
Chloe frowned, noticing how different he was acting. Normally, Ash was always present, enthusiastic, and involved in their conversations. But now, he seemed... distracted, almost like his mind was somewhere else entirely. She tried to shake off the uneasy feeling growing inside her, but it wasn't easy.
After verifying that everything was in its containers, the trio from Kanto left the lab along with the professor.
"Thank you so much, guys, for delivering the equipment. Without a doubt, Professor Cerise has an excellent team at his lab. I know you'll achieve great things. And Goh, don't forget that you promised to show me Mew when you capture it," Professor Sycamore thanked them again for their support and reminded Goh to fulfill his promise.
"Don't worry, Professor, you'll see that soon I'll be the one to uncover Mew's secrets. Along with all the known Pokémon," Goh exclaimed, vowing to achieve his goal as a Pokémon Trainer.
"I'm sure you will. And Chloe, if you ever decide to pursue research here in Kalos, you know where to find us," Professor Sycamore told her, suggesting she had a bright future as a researcher. Chloe felt flattered because she knew the offer was being made based on her own merits, not her father's.
"Well, Ash, as always, it's a pleasure to see you again," Professor Sycamore said, shaking his hand with respect and warmth, acknowledging their years-long friendship.
"No problem, Professor. When Alain gets back from his trip, tell him I'll be ready for a rematch," Ash replied confidently and excitedly, thinking about the long-awaited second encounter with Alain, something that had been pending for several years.
"Oh, by the way... don't forget to go see someone. Last time you came, I got scolded for not telling her you were here," the professor laughed, winking at the boy from Kanto. Ash blushed a little at what the professor had said. Chloe and Goh didn't understand what he was referring to, but Ash certainly did.
"Uh... don't worry about that," he replied, a bit embarrassed, but making it clear that he knew what the professor meant.
"Well, guys, if your flight is tomorrow, you should take the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Lumiose without rushing. Besides, I think there's going to be a festival at Centrico Plaza. Enjoy the wonders of Kalos firsthand."
"Thank you, Professor, we'll definitely consider it," Chloe thanked him for the advice. With nothing more to say, the professor and his team returned to their workstations.
"Hey Ash, now that we've finished our task, let's tour the city. I'm dying to see Lumiouse, the city of lights and love," Chloe exclaimed, excited to explore the city with her crush. However, her response was not what she expected. "Hey guys, I'm going to have to leave for a bit."
Chloe, trying her best to hide the tinge of disappointment in her voice, asked, "Is everything okay? Why do you have to go?"
Ash glanced up briefly from his Rotom Phone, offering her a small smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just have something to take care of, but I promise I'll meet up with you guys later tonight." His tone was calm and casual, but there was something in his eyes that made Chloe pause.
She couldn't quite shake the feeling that he was hiding something. Normally, Ash was an open book, easy to read. But now, there was slight hesitance in the way he answered, almost like he wasn't telling the whole truth. Still, she knew Ash wasn't the type of lying, especially not to his friends.
"Alright, if you say so," Chloe finally responded, her voice soft, though a small part of her still wondered what he was keeping from them.
Goh, oblivious to the tension in the air, simply shrugged and said, "No worries, Ash. We'll see you later, then. Maybe we can check out that festival Professor Sycamore mentioned."
Ash nodded, "Sounds good! Have fun, and I'll catch up with you both later." With that, he quickly left, disappearing down the street, leaving Chloe standing there, watching him go.
For a moment, Chloe stood in silence, her thoughts swirling. She couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, not only because she had wanted to explore the city with Ash, but because something about his departure felt... off.
"Hey, are you okay?" Goh asked, noticing the expression on her face. Chloe didn't want to worry him, so she quickly changed her expression. "Yeah, don't worry. Let's explore the city, like the professor said. Do you have any ideas?" she asked, trying to push aside her disappointment with Ash.
Goh thought for a moment about what they could explore in one of the largest and most culturally significant cities in the region. "I've got it, I know the perfect place," he said, sounding confident in his decision.
Chloe sighed, trying to release some of her frustration. Lumiose City had hundreds of museums, monuments, works of art, and culinary centers, some of the most famous in the world, but Goh couldn't come up with a better idea than going to a Poké Ball shop in one of the shopping districts.
Well, it was to be expected. Goh was obsessed with his goal of catching every Pokémon out there. He was so much like Ash with his crazy passion for Pokémon battles. They were so alike in that sense—both driven, determined, and often completely lost in their own worlds. Why does that fool keep occupying my thoughts? She wondered with a mix of frustration.
No matter how hard she tried to shake it off, her mind kept drifting back to Ash. His enthusiasm, his reckless energy, the way he could make her heart race one moment and completely irritate her the next. She sighed again, realizing how much he affected her. He can be so clueless sometimes, she thought, remembering all the moments when he seemed utterly oblivious to the feelings of those around him, especially hers.
Chloe bit her lip, trying to push those feelings aside. She knew Ash well enough to know he probably didn't even realize how his actions had affected her. He wasn't intentionally neglecting her feelings—he just had a way of being so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he forgot to look around him.
Goh, meanwhile, was staring in awe at a cherry-colored Poké Ball. He had never seen a Poké Ball model like this before. "Excuse me, sir, what model is this Poké Ball?" he asked the shopkeeper, full of curiosity.
"This is a Cherish Ball. It's a very, very rare collector's Poké Ball. Its original supplier is unknown, which makes it one of the rarest models, on par with the Master Ball," the shopkeeper explained, highlighting the significance of this item in his collection.
"Wow, this is really amazing. Hey, Chloe, you've got to see this," Goh said, calling his friend over to check out the Poké Ball. But when he turned to look at her, he saw that she was staring off into space, with an uncomfortable expression on her face. Even someone as absent-minded as him could tell that something was wrong.
Chloe was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Goh had stopped looking at the Poké Balls and had walked over to the entrance of the store. "Hey, let's head out."
"Huh? And where are we going now?" she asked him.
"Let's grab something to eat. I'm starving," Goh replied with a smile, trying to find a way to cheer her up.
After leaving the Poké Ball shop, Goh led Chloe to a nearby ice cream stand. The smell of sweet cones and the sight of colorful scoops instantly lifted the mood. Chloe, despite her earlier frustration, smiled a little as she watched Goh excitedly order two large cones.
But Goh noticed that something was still bothering her. After a few moments of comfortable silence, he finally spoke up. "Chloe… what's really going on?" His tone was casual but curious, not pressing too hard.
"Here, this'll help," Goh said, handing her a cone with her favorite flavor. Chloe took it, grateful for the small gesture. As they sat down on a nearby bench to enjoy their ice cream, the city buzzed around them, but Chloe felt slightly more relaxed.
Chloe hesitated, taking another bite of her ice cream as if to buy herself some time. "Nothing, really," she said, her voice too light to be believable. She tried to brush it off, not wanting to drag Goh into her personal worries. "It's just been a long day, that's all."
But Goh wasn't convinced. He watched her closely, the way her eyes still seemed distant. "It's about Ash, isn't it?"
Chloe froze for a moment, caught off guard by how easily Goh had read her. She let out a small sigh, realizing there was no point in denying it. "Yeah... I guess it is," she admitted quietly, looking down at her melting ice cream. "It's just... I don't know. Sometimes he can be so clueless, you know? He left earlier without explaining anything, and I guess it bothered me more than I expected."
Goh nodded, understanding more than he let on. "Ash can be a bit... well, Ash," he said with a smile, trying to cheer her up. "But you know him. He probably didn't mean anything by it."
Chloe sighed again, grateful for Goh's support. "I know. It's just... frustrating sometimes."
Chloe gave a half-smile. "Yeah, I know. It's just frustrating. I thought maybe today... I don't know, maybe we'd have a nice time exploring the city together. But instead, he just left."
Goh chuckled softly, nudging her with his elbow. "You really like him, huh?"
Chloe's cheeks turned pink as she quickly looked away. "I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." Goh smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Besides, things have changed over the past few months. You two hardly ever argue anymore. And I saw you that day at the festival together, you know," Goh confessed while eating his ice cream casually. On the other hand, Chloe was dying of embarrassment. Now that she thought about it, Goh always seemed to be around whenever she and Ash had their almost-romantic moments.
"What do you think about… us?" she asked in a quiet, nervous voice, but genuinely wanting his opinion. Goh paused his eating and replied, "Honestly, I don't know much about romantic relationships, but I do think the two of you have a connection. I've noticed you're both happier. I never thought Ash had a romantic side, you know." Goh admitted.
"Yeah, but I´m thinking when we are going to the next level." Chloe confessed what she really wanted.
"To the next level?" Goh questioned. "You know, being boyfriend and girlfriend," Chloe explained, putting emphasis on the last part.
"Oh, sure. Well, if you want my opinion, I think that would be great," Goh said, approving the relationship between his two closest friends.
Chloe bit her lip, swirling the last bit of ice cream in her cone. "The thing is... I'm not sure when the right time would be to bring it up. I mean, Ash isn't exactly the easiest person to have those kinds of conversations with," she admitted.
After a moment, Goh's eyes brightened as an idea struck him. "Wait a second... Ash's birthday is coming up soon, isn't it?"
Chloe blinked, surprised. "His birthday?"
"I think it could be the perfect time. You could use that moment to bring it up, you know, when you're both relaxed."
Chloe thought about it, her heart racing a little at the idea. A part of her liked the thought of telling Ash how she felt on such a personal day. It could make the moment even more meaningful. "Maybe... maybe you're right," she said, smiling softly as the idea began to grow on her. "His birthday could be perfect."
On the other hand, now that she knew Ash's birthday was coming up, Chloe realized she needed to find a special gift for her special guy. As she started thinking about what it could be, Goh noticed several boys running in the same direction, looking quite excited.
Curious about the commotion, Goh stopped one of them to ask, "Hey, what's going on?"
The boy stopped for a moment, panting with excitement. "There's been a sighting of a Pokémon no one's ever seen before! It's in one of the city squares, and everyone's rushing to try and catch it!" he explained before dashing off to join the others.
Goh's eyes lit up instantly, his excitement bubbling over. "A never-before-seen Pokémon?!" he repeated, more to himself than to Chloe. Without a second thought, his legs started moving towards the direction everyone was running.
In his excitement, Goh completely forgot about Chloe. While she was still lost in thought, trying to come up with the perfect gift for Ash It wasn't until she looked up and realized that Goh was nowhere to be seen that the reality sank in.
"Goh?" Chloe called, glancing around. But her friend had already disappeared into the crowd, off on his own Pokémon hunt.
Chloe sighed in frustration as she scanned the bustling crowd, realizing Goh had vanished without a word. "Unbelievable," she muttered to herself, crossing her arms. "He's just like Ash sometimes. So wrapped up in his own excitement that he forgets about everyone else."
Chloe wandered through the streets of Lumiose, passing by various shops filled with unique items.
She stopped by a small boutique with handmade accessories, hoping to find something special. She browsed through a collection of bracelets and necklaces, thinking that maybe a personal touch would do the trick. But nothing seemed to match Ash's personality. Jewelry wasn't exactly his style, and she sighed in frustration as she left the shop empty-handed.
Her next stop was a specialty Pokémon store that sold all kinds of battle gear, potions, and rare items. Chloe scanned the shelves, eyeing different types of Poké Balls and gadgets. Those items were supposed to help trainers during battles, but it didn't feel personal enough. Ash already had everything he needed for his Pokémon battles—it wasn't what she was looking for.
She continued walking, peeking into different stores. Some had stylish clothes, others sold rare Pokémon-themed memorabilia, but nothing stood out as the perfect gift.
"No, that's not it either," she mumbled to herself as she left yet another shop. Chloe couldn't help but feel frustrated.
As she continued walking through the streets of the district in search of the perfect gift for Ash, one store caught her attention. It was modern, more so than the others, with large glass windows that allowed a clear view of the interior. It was a music and instrument store.
Seeing it, a memory surfaced—the day Ash had shared his passion for music with her at the lab. She recalled how Ash poured his heart and soul into every song he played and sang. It was one of the details about his personality that captivated her the most. Without a second thought, she walked into the store.
The moment Chloe stepped inside; she was greeted by the soft sound of music playing in the background. The store was filled with all kinds of instruments—guitars, pianos, drums, and even some traditional instruments she didn't recognize.
She wandered through the aisles, running her fingers gently over the strings of a guitar, imagining Ash strumming it with that same passion he'd shown before. She smiled as she remembered how his eyes lit up whenever he talked about music, a side of him that most people didn't get to see.
There weren't many customers in the store, so the clerk gave Chloe more attention and approached her to assist. "Bonjour mademoiselle. How can I help you today?" the young clerk asked politely.
She felt a bit embarrassed but replied, "Hello, I'm looking for a gift for a friend of mine, it's for his birthday," Chloe explained the reason for visiting the store.
"I see, and what exactly where you looking for?" the young clerk asked. Chloe hesitated, thinking hard about what better record or an instrument would be. She didn't know much about music and wanted to buy something the raven-haired boy would appreciate. Unsure how to explain it to the clerk, she did her best to articulate her thoughts.
"Well, he's someone who really enjoys making music. He told me he learned by chance, but he grew to love it, and he's really good. I've never heard anyone play the way he does," Chloe tried to explain, giving context, and without realizing it, she started blushing and stumbling over her words.
The young clerk noticed Chloe's feelings just from the way she talked. "Wow sounds like he's a talented musician. You know, many people don't realize this, but music is like a mirror for the soul. It helps you say things you might not express because of doubts or insecurities."
"I've never heard that logic before," Chloe replied, somewhat surprised. "Of course. When you connect with a melody, lyrics, or a song, you can convey messages from the heart. That's why so many people either seek out this talent or deeply appreciate it," the young clerk explained as he guided Chloe to another aisle.
Perhaps for scientists or logical people like her, it might seem like an unfounded theory, but she remembered that afternoon when Ash shared the song he was practicing. She recalled the lyrics, which spoke of a love that caused him resentment, yet held an undeniable affection. Maybe it was a declaration of love he couldn't say out loud. "I hate that I like you"
"In your friend's case, I think the best gift you could give him would be something that allows him to express those hidden feelings in the best way—through making music," the clerk exclaimed as he took an acoustic guitar from the display case.
The instrument was impressive, clearly made from high-quality wood, with a shiny finish in a deep wine and black color. It was a big upgrade from the old guitar the raven "In your friend's case, I think the best gift you could give him would be something that allows him to express those hidden feelings in the best way—through making music," the clerk exclaimed as he took an acoustic guitar from the display case.
"Wow, this guitar is beautiful, it would really be perfect for Ash," Chloe said, excited. She knew this would be the perfect gift for him, not because of its price, but because what the clerk had said was true. Ash hadn't shared this talent with many people out of fear of revealing a part of himself that he didn't know how to express.
However, there was a problem; it was clear that it was an expensive item, and if she wanted it to be a surprise, she couldn't take it with her on the flight back to Kanto. "It's beautiful, but I don't think I can buy it. I don't have that much money, and I also must take it to Kanto."
The clerk, sensing her disappointment, smiled warmly. "Don't worry! I can offer you a good discount on this guitar. Plus, I have a cousin who works in shipping. I could arrange for it to be sent directly to your address in Kanto."
Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That would be amazing!"
The clerk nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! It's important for musicians to have the right tools, and I can see how much this means to you. With the discount and shipping, it'll be much more manageable for you."
The clerk paused for a moment, then added, "I have just one condition. I'd like you to send me a video the day he plays a song on that guitar."
Chloe smiled, touched by the request. "Of course! I'd be happy to do that.
The clerk grinned, satisfied with the agreement. "Great! I can't wait to see it. Now, let's finish up the details so we can get this guitar on its way to you."
With that, they finalized the purchase, and Chloe felt a sense of joy and anticipation. She knew Ash would love the guitar, and she couldn't wait to see him play it.
While the clerk was preparing in the back for the shipping of the guitar to Kanto, Chloe's attention was caught by what was happening on the radio.
"Hello, beautiful people of Lumiose City! We had a great day today. So, let's listen once again to the hit that is breaking sales records by our beautiful rising star. Here for you, 'Love Story.'"
As the opening notes of "Love Story" filled the store, Chloe felt a familiar warmth spread through her. She leaned against a nearby display, allowing the music to wash over her. The lyrics began to unfold, weaving a tale of romance.
"You were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles..."
Chloe's heart raced as she envisioned Ash in the role of Romeo, that adventurous spirit who often swept her off her feet. The image of him smiling, his eyes sparkling with mischief, danced in her mind.
"And my mommy said, 'Stay away from Juliet...'
The words resonated with her, evoking the tension she sometimes felt about expressing her feelings. Would Ash's friends understand her feelings? Would Ash himself?
"It's a love story, baby, just say, 'Yes.'"
As the chorus played, a surge of determination filled her. She needed to take that leap of faith. Just like the characters in the song, she had to find the courage to express what was in her heart. The idea of Ash saying yes filled her with hope.
Chloe closed her eyes for a moment, imagining the scene. She could almost see it: a quiet moment, perhaps under the stars, where she could finally tell him how she felt. The thought made her heart flutter even more.
"All set, mademoiselle! The guitar will be shipped directly to Kanto, and it should arrive just in time for your friend's birthday," he said, handing her a receipt.
Chloe nodded, her face lighting up with a smile. "Thank you so much! I think he's going to love it."
Chloe continued listening to the song playing on the radio, realizing it was quite a hit in Kalos. The catchy rhythm and beautiful lyrics had already started to grow on her. "Hey, that song is really good," she commented.
"Oh, haha, it's been a huge hit for the past two weeks. It's almost reached the number one spot on the region's music charts," the store clerk told her, explaining its success. "Oh, and by the way, I heard there's going to be a concert by that artist at the festival nearby," he added, in case she was interested in seeing the performance.
"I'll keep that in mind. I really appreciate your help with the gift," Chloe said sincerely, grateful from the bottom of her heart.
"Don't worry about it. Music is one of the most important things humans have ever created. I hope your boyfriend appreciates it and makes some incredible music with it," the clerk replied with a knowing wink.
Chloe blushed. Even though Ash wasn't her boyfriend yet, she knew that the day she gave him the guitar, they might finally become a real couple—not a pretend one like they had faked with the rude girls in her class, but something genuine.
Chloe left the store feeling incredibly thankful that she had found the perfect gift for Ash. Everything seemed to be lining up for Chloe to have the right opportunity to confess her feelings. "This is strange," she thought. "Before, I had trouble being around him, but now I get excited every time we're alone. I guess this is what my mom was talking about—my first love."
An hour passed, and Chloe returned to Centric Plaza, where she noticed a large crowd beginning to gather. "I guess this is where the artist's performance will be," she exclaimed, surprised by the number of people coming to the festival.
Just then, she heard someone calling her, "Hey, Chloe!"
She turned around and saw Goh running toward her. "So, there you are. You left me talking to myself, you know," Chloe scolded him for leaving her alone a few hours earlier, as usual, to go chase after some Pokémon.
"Oh, geez, I'm so sorry. It's just that I heard a rare, never-before-seen Pokémon was spotted in the area. But it turned out to just be a Gogoat in disguise," Goh confessed, feeling a bit embarrassed and apologetic.
Chloe sighed at her absent-minded friend. However, if she had promised herself to be much more patient with Ash, there was no reason she couldn't be with Goh as well.
Anyway, I found the perfect gift for Ash without your help," Chloe told him about how she managed to get the gift she had been looking for. "Really? That's great! I told you everything would turn out fine," he responded, trying to take credit even though he hadn't really done anything.
Chloe sighed again at her childhood friend's usual antics. After that, they moved through the streets toward the festival that had caught so much attention.
The festival was in full swing, vibrant with life and energy. Colorful stalls lined the streets, offering a variety of foods from traditional Kalos crepes to exotic treats Chloe had never seen before.
At one point, they stumbled across a large inflatable Pokémon battle arena, where trainers were having friendly competitions. Goh's eyes sparkled, and Chloe knew he was dying to jump in, but he held back out of respect for their time together.
"Hey, this is pretty cool," Goh said, nudging her as they passed a stage where a local band was performing upbeat, catchy songs. The crowd was swaying along, and Chloe could feel the infectious rhythm pulling at her.
"Yeah, it is," she agreed, nodding her head to the beat.
But no matter how much fun she was having, there was always that thought at the back of her mind: she wished Ash were there, walking beside her. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing, even with all the excitement of the festival around them.
"Hey, what's going on with all these people? It's like they're giving away free Poké Balls or something," Goh exclaimed, offering his own way of explaining why so many people were gathering.
Chloe was just as surprised as Goh. Everyone was rushing toward the center of the street with excitement, so the two of them followed the crowd. Despite the sea of people, Chloe could clearly see a stage with a girl and four musicians, but from where she stood, it was hard to make out the details.
"Hello, my beautiful people of Lumiose City! How's everyone doing?" the girl on stage shouted.
The entire crowd erupted with excitement, the energy in the air was palpable. Chloe realized this was the band behind the song she had heard on the radio.
Chloe focused her attention on the girl on stage. She appeared to be a little older than Chloe, with short blonde hair, sapphire-blue eyes, a flawless face, and a very cute outfit. She was undeniably beautiful.
"I'm so happy for all the support and love you've shown, and now I have the privilege of performing the song that's been breaking records in such a short time," the vocalist continued joyfully, clearly thrilled by the enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Chloe and Goh joined in the applause, both excited for the performance to come. "I'm also really happy because I get to sing this song for someone special—the person I wrote it for," the singer said softly into the microphone, almost like a whisper. The crowd went wild upon hearing her, thrilled by the idea of a public love confession to someone in the audience.
Chloe was surprised by the singer's boldness—she couldn't imagine herself doing something so bold.
As the crowd continued to cheer, Chloe watched in awe as the singer smiled, basking in the energy of the moment. The band began to play, and the opening chords of "Love Story" filled the air, immediately recognized by the audience. Chloe found herself swept up in excitement, but her thoughts quickly drifted back to Ash.
She imagined what it would be like to have the courage to make such a public declaration, just like the singer had done. The idea of standing in front of so many people and expressing her feelings for Ash made her heart race. Could she ever be that brave?
As the song continued, the emotions of everyone present heightened, and Chloe could clearly see why this artist was breaking all popularity records. The feelings pouring out in the lyrics were palpable.
"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince, and I'll be the princess
It's a love story, baby, just say, 'Yes'
Romeo, save me, they're tryna tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story, baby, just say, 'Yes'
Oh, oh"
The crowd jumped and clapped in unison, celebrating the performance. The way the singer delivered the song was so sincere, it felt like she was pouring her heart out on stage. Chloe remembered what the clerk at the music shop had said: music was the key to expressing feelings that are difficult to say out loud. Maybe she could learn from that and find a way to express her own feelings for Ash.
Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you, but you never come
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring
At that moment, the singer pointed her hand at someone in the crowd, revealing the identity of the person she was dedicating her song to. It wasn't clear from where Chloe was standing who it was, but it was obvious that it must be someone very special if a professional artist was hopelessly in love with that person.
"And said, 'Marry me, Juliet
You'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress
It's a love story, baby, just say, 'Yes'
Oh, oh, oh"
The song ended, but just before finishing, the singer whispered something into the microphone. Chloe wasn't sure why, but she was certain that she had said, "I love you."
The crowd erupted with applause for the band. Without a doubt, the festival was an impressive event for everyone. Chloe loved being a part of it, though it would have been perfect if Ash had been there with her. But not everything could be flawless.
The excited crowd began to disperse, heading back to the various festival booths.
"Wow, that girl is amazing. I haven't been to many concerts, but I have to say, I was really impressed," Goh commented, sharing his opinion.
"Yeah, I heard this song is number one right now," Chloe replied.
As they walked through the crowd, with Goh searching for more food, Chloe noticed something familiar in the distance red cap, black hair, and a Pikachu perched on someone's shoulder. It was something she could recognize anywhere. "Ash."
"Hey, I didn't ask, but I got chocolate and strawberry crepes. I figured you'd like them either way," Goh said, holding two of desserts, only to realize his friend was no longer where he had left her.
"Oh man, I guess I just got a taste of my own medicine," Goh admitted, but shrugged and decided to enjoy his crepes anyway.
Chloe left the festival in search of Ash. His behavior seemed so strange to her. He had told them he had some business to take care of and that he needed to do it alone. However, this wasn't normal for him. She sensed there was something more going on, and she had to find out.
Chloe kept walking through the city, her eyes scanning the busy streets of Lumiose. At one corner, she finally caught a glimpse of Ash again, but before she could call out to him, he quickly turned and walked away, moving with a sense of urgency. Determined, Chloe hurried after him, weaving through the crowd, trying to keep up. But with every step, Ash seemed to move faster, disappearing around the next turn. She followed, but when she reached the corner, she realized she had lost him in the crowd.
Out of breath, Chloe stopped, frustrated that she couldn't catch up.
Chloe, now growing increasingly worried, wandered toward the river that flowed through the heart of the city. She leaned against the railing, staring out at the shimmering surface, trying to calm her racing thoughts.
As she gazed out over the river, something caught her eye. Far off in the distance, she spotted Ash standing near the water's edge, his familiar figure unmistakable. Relief washed over her, but then, as she moved closer, she noticed something that made her pause—he wasn't alone.
Next to him stood someone else, a figure that she couldn't quite make out from the distance. They were talking, or at least, it seemed that way. The other person stood close to Ash.
As Chloe edged closer, her heart pounded in her chest. The distance between her and Ash shrank, and soon enough, she got a clear view of the girl standing beside him. Chloe's breath hitched when she recognized her.
It was the singer from earlier, the one who had just performed on stage at the festival. Her distinctive beauty, the short blonde hair and striking sapphire eyes, left no doubt in Chloe's mind. She stood confidently beside Ash, her radiant smile never fading. Chloe couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could see clearly the two were laughing and smiling, completely at ease with each other.
Chloe felt her stomach twist as she watched the scene unfold. The two of them looked like they were having fun. She didn't want to feel this jealousy, but the emotions bubbled up inside her uncontrollably. There was something about the way Ash seemed so happy with this girl that stung more than she wanted to admit.
From her hidden spot, Chloe strained to pick up on their conversation, but the distance and the gentle hum of the river drowned out their voices. She couldn't hear a word, but body language spoke volumes. The singer started to lean closer, until both were holding each other.
Chloe's heart felt like it had stopped in her chest as she watched Ash and the singer standing so close together. Their faces were mere centimeters apart now. Time seemed to slow down as she stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat. She knew what was about to happen next, and the realization hit her like a wave crashing against the shore.
Her emotions swirled in a chaotic storm—confusion, hurt, jealousy, and something else, something she wasn't ready to admit to herself. She had never felt so powerless, so unsure of what to do next.
Just before their lips could meet, Chloe turned her head, unable to bear the sight any longer. Her eyes stung with the threat of tears, and she felt a lump form in her throat. She knew this was something she shouldn't have witnessed. But it was too late—she had seen enough, and now, the weight of it all pressed down on her chest, suffocating
Unable to bear it any longer, Chloe simply turned around and walked away without looking back.
As she ran, tears streamed down her face, her emotions overwhelming all sense of reason. She wasn't even watching where she was going. She just ran and ran, as if she could somehow escape the feelings of disappointment and betrayal.
But her legs had their limits, and out of breath, she finally stopped, collapsing to her knees on the ground. Of all the people she could imagine, she had never thought that someone like Ash would play with her feelings as if they meant nothing.
Now one thing was clear to Chloe: she had wasted a lot of money on that damn guitar.
Well guys, that's all for now. I know many of you may have mixed opinions about this chapter, but like in all stories, there's more than one perspective. I hope you enjoy the next one because it's the most intense.