Pokémon: My Online Friend Is Cynthia

Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Invitation

Maylene finished her chocolate ice cream in a few bites, her eyes curving like little moons.

"Another mango ice cream, please!"

Julian tapped her on the head.

"One is enough."

"Stingyy."

"Too much ice cream is bad for you. If you like mango that much, I can make you other mango desserts at home."

If he did not limit her, Maylene would absolutely eat one after another without stopping.

Her eyes lit up.

"Really?"

"You know my cooking."

Maylene immediately turned to the elegant blonde woman.

"Miss, you should come to our house too and try Julian’s cooking. His desserts are definitely delicious."

"Our house is Veilstone Gym, just around the corner. It’s not far."

The woman lowered her head and ate her ice cream, using it to hide her surprise.

Veilstone Gym.

Siblings.

So the handsome pink-haired boy in front of her was Singing Jangmo-o.

Yesterday, he had described his ideal type online.

This morning, she had come to Veilstone Department Store to discuss the anniversary event in half a month. After the meeting with the general manager ended, some strange impulse had made her buy exactly this outfit.

When she changed into it, even she almost failed to recognise the elegant woman in the mirror.

It was completely different from her usual confident, commanding self.

With some light makeup and round black-framed glasses, anyone who did not know her well would struggle to recognise her.

Thinking of that, the blonde woman calmed down.

"Sure. Then I’ll accept the invitation."

She had driven to Veilstone City almost unconsciously. She had not expected to run into her online friend so naturally.

Maybe this was fate.

And tasting his cooking did not sound bad either.

When they talked on the forum, Singing Jangmo-o had invited her warmly more than once. He had told her that if she ever passed through Veilstone City, she had to visit Veilstone Gym. He knew all kinds of cuisines and would prepare the best dishes to welcome her.

But she had not wanted to reveal she was a woman, so she had always found excuses to decline.

Now that they had met, and he had no idea who she really was, she could use this chance to learn more about his life.

What he usually did.

How he lived.

That sounded rather nice too.

On the way to Veilstone Gym, Maylene chattered nonstop.

"Miss, my name is Maylene Veyne. What’s yours?"

"Me?"

The blonde woman had a flash of inspiration.

"My name is Cassia."

Cassia?

Hearing the name, Julian instinctively looked her over.

Blonde hair in a high ponytail, but no ancestral side fringe covering her left eye. No Lucario-ear hair ornaments either.

Most importantly, the face did not match.

At eighteen, Cynthia was already famous throughout Sinnoh. She was one of the Elite Four, and the news often called her the strongest candidate for Champion, someone who might rise to the position within a year.

Cynthia was naturally beautiful and almost never wore makeup.

Compared to her, the Cassia in front of him was still slightly lacking.

"Cassia, are you travelling in Veilstone City?"

Cassia nodded.

"Yes. My company gave me some time off, so I took the chance to travel."

"What do you do?"

"I’m a historian. I study Sinnoh’s history and myths."

Julian’s interest stirred.

He remembered that his online friend had the same hobby: studying Sinnoh history and mythology.

Maylene’s eyes lit up.

"Have you booked a room yet? Our house is really big. If you don’t mind, you can stay with us!"

"That... might not be appropriate."

Cassia glanced at Julian.

Maylene elbowed him and whispered, "Say something!"

He quickly nodded.

"Yes. Veilstone Gym has plenty of empty rooms. If you don’t mind, Miss Cassia, you’re welcome to stay for a while."

Maylene shook her head.

"Not just for a while. She can stay as long as she wants."

"Then I won’t be polite."

Cassia smiled faintly.

How bold he had been online yesterday, even asking her to take him to that kind of place.

Yet now, faced with a pretty girl in person, he could barely speak.

All talk online, then useless in real life

No wonder he didn’t have a girlfriend

"I still don’t know your name."

"Forgive my manners. I’m Julian Veyne, eldest son of the Veilstone Gym family."

Maylene covered her forehead.

Julian...

Could he be any slower?

He had actually waited until the girl asked for his name.

Julian Veyne

A nice name, at least.

But where was that energy he had when chatting online?

Bring it out!

Was this it?

And he wanted a girlfriend?

Even if he found one, he would scare her off through sheer awkwardness.

"Cassia" silently judged him.

His personality was so introverted. He wanted to approach girls but did not dare. One look and it was obvious he had never dated anyone.

Then, almost immediately, she scolded herself.

That still was not a reason to visit that kind of place.

As a man, if he could only look for one hour of affection there, how sad would that be?

Talking to his online friend alone at night.

How pitiful.

Do not worry.

Your happiness is safe with me.

I’ll teach you how to get along with girls.

Maylene hurriedly spoke.

"Cassia, do you like mango? Should I ask Julian to make some other tea snacks too?"

Cassia shook her head, and the high ponytail behind her swayed lightly.

Julian’s heart swayed with it.

"I’m fine with anything. I don’t usually have afternoon tea."

Maylene hopped happily.

"Then today is perfect. Maybe you’ll fall in love with afternoon tea after this."

Cassia smiled brightly.

"Maybe I will."

When they reached Veilstone Gym, Julian silently let out a breath.

Spending time with girls really was stressful.

As expected, he was only brave online.

Maylene pulled Cassia directly to the living room at the back of the Gym instead of the public reception room.

"Sit anywhere, Cassia. Treat it like your own home. Julian, hurry up and make dessert!"

"Fine."

He smiled.

"Do you prefer tea or coffee?"

"Tea. I grew up with my grandmother, so I picked up the habit. She used to say tea was good for your health."

Julian nodded.

Something about "my grandmother used to say" sounded strangely familiar.

"Then jasmine tea. It suits your temperament."

"Does it?"

Cassia watched as he brewed two cups of tea with practised ease, then served one to her and one to Maylene.

He also brought over two plates of snacks.

"Osmanthus cake and cookies? These go with jasmine tea?"

Julian nodded.

"Jasmine tea has a fresh fragrance and a gentle taste. The light osmanthus scent matches it well."

"As for the cookies, their richer aroma contrasts with the clean scent of jasmine. It gives the tea something different to play against."

Cassia watched him suddenly become so fluent the moment the topic entered his area of expertise.

A bright smile appeared on her face.

Julian was instantly drawn in, then quickly turned his head away.

"Please wait a moment, Miss Cassia. I’ll make the dessert now. Is there anything you particularly like? I have plenty of ingredients, so I can make most desserts on the market."

Cassia smiled sweetly.

"I’m not picky. Make whatever you’re best at. I’ve travelled to many places and tried plenty of desserts, so I’ll be judging your skills properly."

For once, Maylene was not focused entirely on the snacks in front of her. She seriously helped praise her brother.

"Don’t worry, Cassia. Julian’s cooking is among the best in Sinnoh!"

"That impressive?"

Cassia looked at Julian with a smile.

"Then I’ll look forward to tasting your cooking. I hope you won’t disappoint me."

Under her gaze, Julian’s face visibly reddened.

He turned and walked quickly towards the kitchen.

"I’ll start now."

Cassia lowered her eyes to hide a laugh.

Teasing him while hiding her identity felt surprisingly exciting.

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