Seeing Emily admit it so openly, Sandy lost her teasing edge. She leaned back on the sofa. "So… are you free the day after tomorrow?"
"Hm?"
"These past few days, the Oasis has had almost no customers. I'm closing shop for two days—to wander Pelican Town." Sandy's eyes sparkled. "And I want to visit that farm too."
The Oasis was Sandy's desert shop. Without the mysterious tenant renting its second floor, it would've shuttered long ago.
"Sure," Emily agreed. "I'll meet you at the bus station."
Sandy arched her brow. "So you're kicking me out now?"
Emily flushed. Sandy tapped her forehead playfully, then handed her the desert fabric. "Go on. Future master designer—get back to work. I'm heading to the Stardrop Saloon. See you there."
"See you!" Emily called, already turning to her sewing.
---
Sandy arrived at the saloon moments later.
Rumors swirled about the farm owner's Kalos imports—dishes impossible to find elsewhere. She'd been eager to taste them.
The door swung open. A rich, savory aroma washed over her—tomatoes, yes, but layered with something unfamiliar yet hauntingly familiar.
"Afternoon~" Gus emerged from the kitchen, blinking in recognition. "Sandy? It's been a long time."
"Afternoon! Long time no see." She settled at the counter. "What's cooking? I'd love a taste."
"Ah—right! Ron just brought this Kalos specialty." Gus beamed, setting down a steaming bowl. "Perfect timing."
"Ron?" Sandy recalled the young farmer she'd glimpsed in the desert. "He brought this just for you too?"
"And these seasonings." Gus showed her the bottles. "Even the vegetables—he sells them cheap. He's been a lifesaver."
From the corner, Snorlax rumbled in agreement.
"Snor—"
"Him too," Gus added. "Ron gave me some special Poké Beans. Just a few fill Snorlax right up."
Gus launched into grateful anecdotes—bus repairs, vegetable supplies, Snorlax's new diet.
"He funded the bus repair too," Sandy murmured. "He's… genuinely kind."
She rested her chin in her hand, replaying Emily's earlier blush. 'As her oldest friend, I know that look.'
Emily liked him. But was Ron's thoughtfulness just for her… or just who he was? A man who remembered gifts for everyone?
Still… who wouldn't soften for someone who crossed regions to bring back exactly what you loved?
Gus placed the bowl before her.
Sandy forked a bite of the marbled meat simmered in tomato sauce. Her eyes widened. She shot Gus a thumbs-up. "Heavens. I'd move to Pelican Town just for this. Poor Emily—she gets this daily?"
Gus laughed. "We never had this before Ron."
Customers began filtering in. Grateful, Gus turned to serve them.
Emily arrived breathless, nudging Sandy. "Share a bite?" After tasting, she turned to Gus, delighted. "This rivals your spaghetti! Ron's too?"
At his nod, she grinned. "This could be Gus's new signature dish!"
---
Meanwhile, at the farm…
Ron had kept a cut of beef for himself. Now, chopping tomatoes at the stove, he felt curious eyes on him.
Rattata crowded the kitchen doorway, tails twitching.
The cabin door opened. Robin stepped in, about to mention needing Fair day off—then paused.
"Evening. About the Stardew Valley Fair—I'll need to—"
"I know. You're helping Lewis set up," Ron said, sliding tomatoes into the pot.
Robin nodded. "Cooking dinner?"
"Mm."
"This smells like… spaghetti?"
"No—Tomato Stewed Beef—" Ron cut himself off, voice tightening. "Stewed Kalos Specialty Snowflake Beef."
Robin's curiosity softened into warmth. "If you're not rushing off tonight… mind if I join? Is it your first time making it?"
"I'm just following Gus's recipe. Should be decent."
Robin considered it, then stepped forward, taking the knife from his hand. "Then let me help."
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